Cool MateEnable vs Make this possible
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Enable
Top 1,000 (very common)B2verb
Make this possible
Top 2,000 (common)
Most common: Enable
| Enable | Make this possible | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪˈneɪbl/","/ɪˈneɪblz/","/ɪˈneɪbld/","/ɪˈneɪblɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɑːsəbl// |
| Meaning | To make something possible or easy to do. | To do something that can be done. |
| Example | The new software will enable users to perform tasks more efficiently. | We need to make this possible for everyone to attend. |
| 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 | make it possible, make this happen, make possibilities, make something possible |
| 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 'make' with 'do' in this context., Using 'makes' instead of 'make' for a plural subject., Not using 'this' to refer to a specific situation. |
| 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 when expressing the ability or feasibility of an action. Suitable for both formal and informal contexts, but be careful not to sound too demanding. |
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Frequently asked questions: Enable vs Make this possible
What's the difference between Enable and Make this possible?
Enable: To make something possible or easy to do. Make this possible: To do something that can be done.
Which is more common: Enable and Make this possible?
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. Make this possible: We need to make this possible for everyone to attend.
Can I use Enable and Make this possible interchangeably?
Not always. Enable and Make this possible 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.