which enabled

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "which enabled" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something provided the means or opportunity for another action or result to occur. Example: "The new software update introduced features which enabled users to customize their experience more effectively."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Cornell jumped to a 3-0 lead, which enabled the Big Red to control the tempo.

The New York Times - Sports

Demobbed in 1947, Michael completed his studies, which enabled him to enter academe.

The Guardian

Thankfully, Thomas had a security app on his device, which enabled him to track it.

The Guardian

Mr. Wetherell also invested in Geocities, which enabled people to build home pages about their interests.

The New York Times

I took a modular degree at Cambridge which enabled me to switch between maths and philosophy".

The Guardian

Mrs Thatcher had two qualities which enabled her to withstand everything events threw at her.

Independent

He had fans, friends and fabulous kitchens, which enabled memorable dinner parties.

The New York Times

Trilobite lenses were made of the mineral calcite, which enabled these organisms to fossilize exceptionally well.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He also added a fin under the tail, which enabled surfers to better steer their craft.

Encyclopedia Britannica

This September marks the 50th anniversary of a financial transformation which enabled Gemma's spending spree.

Independent

It was the growth of the multiplexes which enabled the film to reach this untapped market.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Place a comma before "which enabled" when it is used as a non-restrictive relative clause to add extra information about the preceding noun or entire clause.

Common error

Avoid using "which enabled" when the result was an accidental or negative outcome that did not involve providing a capability. For example, 'The rain fell, which enabled the flood' is less precise than 'which caused the flood' because enabling usually implies a constructive or functional opportunity was created.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "which enabled" functions as a relative clause connector. In many instances provided by Ludwig, it acts as a non-restrictive modifier that elaborates on how a previous action or object provided a specific capability. It typically follows a comma and refers back to the entire preceding clause or a specific noun phrase.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

40%

News & Media

35%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

5%

Formal & Business

4%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In conclusion, "which enabled" is a powerful linguistic tool for connecting causes to functional outcomes. Ludwig demonstrates that this phrase is a staple in high-level writing, particularly in Science and News & Media, where explaining the 'how' and 'why' of progress is essential. According to Ludwig AI, the phrase is universally accepted and grammatically correct. It serves as an elegant bridge between an enabler and the resulting capability. When writing, remember that choosing between "which enabled" and alternatives like "which allowed" can subtly shift your focus from mere permission to active empowerment. Use it to add clarity and logical flow to your descriptions of technology, history and personal achievements.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

which allowed

Focuses on the removal of a restriction or the granting of permission.

making it possible for

Changes the structure to a participial phrase to describe the resulting state.

which facilitated

Implies making a process easier rather than just making it possible.

which provided the means to

More wordy but specifically highlights the provision of necessary tools or resources.

that permitted

Uses a restrictive pronoun and emphasizes formal or physical access.

which empowered

Carries a stronger connotation of giving someone the authority or power to act.

which paved the way for

An idiomatic alternative suggesting that the action prepared for future success.

granting the ability to

Uses a gerund phrase to focus on the acquisition of a new skill or capacity.

which catalyzed

Often used in scientific or social contexts to indicate a speedier or triggered result.

which authorized

Used in legal or administrative contexts where permission is explicitly granted.

FAQs

How do I use "which enabled" in a sentence?

You can use it to link a cause to an opportunity it created. For example: 'The company secured a loan, "which enabled" them to expand their operations globally'.

What is a more professional way to say "which enabled"?

Depending on your specific context, you could use more precise verbs such as "which facilitated", "which implemented" or "providing the basis for".

Is it correct to use "which enabled" or "that enabled"?

Both are grammatically correct. Use "which enabled" (with a comma) for non-essential information and "that enabled" (without a comma) for essential information that defines the noun.

What's the difference between "which enabled" and "which allowed"?

While often interchangeable, "which enabled" suggests providing a new capability or power, whereas "which allowed" often refers to the removal of a barrier or granting of permission.