Cool MateEnable vs Let him do that
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enable
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Let him do that
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Enable
| Enable | Let him do that | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //lɛt hɪm duː ðæt//🇺🇸 //lɛt hɪm du ðæt// |
| Meaning | To make something possible or easy to do. | Allow him to do that. |
| Example | The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. | I will let him do that if he asks nicely. |
| 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 him go, let her try, let them know, let me see, let us help |
| 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 'make' - 'let' is permission, 'make' is force., Using 'letting' incorrectly, as in 'let him doing that.', Omitting 'him' and saying 'let do that.' |
| 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. | Used to give permission; suitable in informal or neutral contexts. Avoid in formal writing. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Enable vs Let him do that
What's the difference between Enable and Let him do that?
Enable: To make something possible or easy to do. Let him do that: Allow him to do that.
Which is more common: Enable and Let him do that?
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. Let him do that: I will let him do that if he asks nicely.
Can I use Enable and Let him do that interchangeably?
Not always. Enable and Let him do that 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.