were enabled to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were enabled to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone was given the ability or opportunity to do something in the past. Example: "The new software updates were enabled to improve user experience and functionality."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

45 human-written examples

We were enabled to regale diners with the goings on, for instance, at the Tung Fat Chinese restaurant in Brooklyn.

The Guardian

Consumers remained seemingly protected, but the utility companies -- which foolishly thought wholesale prices would go down forever -- were enabled to buy on the spot market.

The New York Times

During the time he so ably served as Chairman of the Board, many thousands of students were enabled to pursue their dreams by earning their degrees.

The New York Times

This notwithstanding, the work of the joint investigation team was carried out in a climate of strong mutual cooperation and the Italian members of the team had full access to -- and were enabled to acquire -- all the information available.

The Guardian

As described in Software Design section, the pull-up resistors in the port pins were enabled to prevent the port pins from floating and to ensure stable detection of button presses.

Cornell University

A vast number of valentines were deposited in the Head Office, Brown-street, on Saturday afternoon, and the officials were enabled to sort and clear away this instalment before the heavier flood began to pour in on Sunday.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

15 human-written examples

"Amina must be enabled to go back to school.

The Guardian

and each is enabled to sprout and grow.

Yale University

Macros must be enabled to view the DataDive.

Stanford University

Consumers should be enabled to transact with others.

The New York Times

As we are enabled to live longer, we are also condemned to die longer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider using active voice constructions instead of the passive "were enabled to" for more direct and concise writing. For example, instead of "They were enabled to access the data", try "They could access the data" or "The system enabled them to access the data".

Common error

Avoid relying excessively on passive constructions like "were enabled to", as it can make your writing sound vague and less impactful. Prioritize active voice where appropriate to enhance clarity and engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were enabled to" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that a subject received the ability or means to perform an action. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness, showing it is a usable phrase in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

34%

Academia

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

1%

Wiki

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were enabled to" is a grammatically sound and commonly used expression that conveys the idea of granting ability or opportunity. As Ludwig AI indicates, it is indeed correct and usable. While frequently appearing in science, news, and academic contexts, writers should be mindful of overuse and consider more direct, active voice alternatives for conciseness. Be aware of overuse of passive voice. Remember to check the alternative of "were permitted to", "were authorized to" or "were allowed to".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were allowed to

A more general and informal expression of permission.

were permitted to

Focuses on explicit permission being granted.

were authorized to

Implies official approval or sanction.

were empowered to

Suggests a formal delegation of power or authority.

were given the ability to

Highlights the provision of capacity or skill.

were equipped to

Focuses on providing necessary resources or tools.

were facilitated to

Emphasizes the easing or smoothing of a process.

could

Expresses possibility or capacity in a more concise way.

managed to

Highlights the successful achievement of something, often despite difficulty.

were capable of

Focuses on the inherent ability or potential.

FAQs

What does "were enabled to" mean?

The phrase "were enabled to" means that someone or something was given the means, opportunity, or ability to do something. It suggests that a specific condition or action allowed them to perform a certain task or achieve a particular outcome.

How can I use "were enabled to" in a sentence?

You can use "were enabled to" to indicate that someone or something was given the capacity to do something. For example, "The new software updates "were enabled to improve user experience" and functionality."

What can I say instead of "were enabled to"?

You can use alternatives like "were allowed to", "were permitted to", or "were authorized to" depending on the context.

Is it better to use active or passive voice with phrases like "were enabled to"?

While "were enabled to" is grammatically correct, using the active voice is often more direct and concise. For example, instead of "They were enabled to access the data", try "They could access the data" or "The system enabled them to access the data".