what enables

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "what enables" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when you want to ask or indicate what is responsible for allowing something to happen. For example: "What enables us to send messages around the world in a matter of seconds?".

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

What enables and perpetuates these attitudes?

The New York Times

It's what enables him to do a good job.

The New York Times

Describe what enables your staff to work well with clients.

The Guardian

This is what enables you to be a writer.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Deterrence is what enables us to live here.

The New Yorker

Writing is what enables us to do just that.

The Guardian - Books

Business growth is what enables upward mobility for many workers.

The New York Times

But what enables dogs to fill this gap?

The New York Times - Books

It's what helps us compete, it's what enables us to distinguish our products," she said.

The Guardian

But I hope it's also what enables me to become a better director.

The Guardian

Having that choice is what enables us to survive from day to day without going nuts.

The Guardian - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "what enables", ensure the context clearly identifies both the enabler and the outcome. This improves clarity and prevents ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming that "what enables" something is the only factor required for it to occur. It might be necessary but not sufficient, with other conditions also needed.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "what enables" functions as an interrogative phrase introducing a question about the necessary conditions or factors that allow something to occur. Ludwig indicates that this phrase is grammatically sound and widely used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Science

38%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "what enables" is a grammatically correct and frequently used interrogative phrase that seeks to identify the factors or conditions that make something possible. According to Ludwig, this phrase is widely accepted and utilized across various contexts, particularly in News & Media and Scientific domains. When writing with "what enables", clarity is key; ensure the context clearly identifies both the enabler and the outcome. Remember, "what enables" highlights necessary conditions, not necessarily sufficient ones. For alternatives, consider phrases like "what allows" or "what facilitates" to add nuance to your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

what allows

Focuses on permission or possibility rather than the direct cause.

what facilitates

Emphasizes making a process easier or smoother.

what makes possible

Highlights the act of creating a possibility or opportunity.

what permits

Implies authorization or formal allowance.

what empowers

Suggests providing someone with the means or ability to do something.

what contributes to

Focuses on the contributing factors rather than the sole cause.

what leads to

Highlights a sequence of events where one thing results in another.

what gives rise to

Emphasizes the origin or beginning of something.

what sets the stage for

Implies preparing the environment for something to happen.

what is the key to

Suggests that something is an essential element or condition for achieving a particular outcome.

FAQs

How can I use "what enables" in a sentence?

You can use "what enables" to inquire about the factors that make something possible. For example, "What enables innovation in this company?"

What are some alternatives to "what enables"?

Alternatives include phrases like "what allows", "what facilitates", or "what makes possible", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is it correct to say "what enables to"?

No, the correct construction is "what enables" followed by a noun or pronoun and then a verb, or by a noun clause. For example, "What enables them to succeed?" or "What enables this process to work?"

What's the difference between "what enables" and "what causes"?

"What enables" focuses on the factors that make something possible, while "what causes" focuses on the direct cause-and-effect relationship. Enabling factors are necessary but might not be the sole cause.