Cool MateEnable vs I'll let that boat live
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enable
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
I'll let that boat live
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Enable
| Enable | I'll let that boat live | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt//🇺🇸 //lɛt// |
| Meaning | To make something possible or easy to do. | I will allow that boat to survive. |
| Example | The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. | I'll let that boat live to explore the waters. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | enable technology, enable access, enable features, enable growth, enable communication | let someone in, let it go, let it happen |
| Antonyms | disable, prohibit | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'enable' vs 'enable to' — remember 'enable' is followed directly by the object., Using 'enabled' incorrectly in present tense — it should match the subject in tense., Mixing up 'enable' and 'allow' — 'enable' implies making possible, while 'allow' means giving permission. | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' in formal texts., Using 'letting' instead of 'let' when giving permission., Misplacing the object in the sentence. |
| Usage notes | Use 'enable' when discussing technology, permissions, or abilities. It's suitable in both written and spoken contexts. Avoid using it in overly casual conversations. | Use 'let' in casual contexts when giving permission or allowing something to happen. It's less formal compared to 'permit'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Enable vs I'll let that boat live
What's the difference between Enable and I'll let that boat live?
Enable: To make something possible or easy to do. I'll let that boat live: I will allow that boat to survive.
Which is more common: Enable and I'll let that boat live?
Enable is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Enable: The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. I'll let that boat live: I'll let that boat live to explore the waters.
Can I use Enable and I'll let that boat live interchangeably?
Not always. Enable and I'll let that boat live are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.