enable someone to do

Meaning

This expression means to make it possible for someone to do something, or to provide them with the resources, authority, or opportunity to achieve a task. It is a neutral, highly versatile phrase used in both casual conversations and professional settings, focusing on empowerment or facilitation.

Examples

• This new software will enable us to complete the project twice as fast.

  This new software will enable us to complete the project twice as fast.

• The scholarship enabled her to study abroad without worrying about tuition.

  The scholarship enabled her to study abroad without worrying about tuition.

• A good night's sleep will enable you to focus much better during the exam.

  A good night's sleep will enable you to focus much better during the exam.

• The flexible working hours enable parents to balance work and family life.

  The flexible working hours enable parents to balance work and family life.

• Learning English will enable you to communicate with people from all over the world.

  Learning English will enable you to communicate with people from all over the world.

Common Mistakes

• ✗ The training enabled him doing the job.

  ✓ The training enabled him to do the job.

  'Enable' must be followed by an object and an infinitive verb with 'to', not a gerund.

• ✗ This tool enables that we work faster.

  ✓ This tool enables us to work faster.

  'Enable' cannot be followed directly by a 'that' clause; it requires a personal object followed by the infinitive.

Related Expressions

Practice

• This training program will ___ perform your job more efficiently.

  💡 Three words: enable + pronoun + to

  Show answer

  enable you to

• A solid financial plan will ___ achieve your long-term goals.

  💡 Three words: enable + pronoun + to

  Show answer

  enable you to