Facilitate vs Make this possible

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

Facilitate

Top 2,000 (common)C1verb

Make this possible

Top 2,000 (common)
 FacilitateMake this possible
Pronunciation🇬🇧 /["/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪts/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪd/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/fəˈsɪlɪteɪt/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪts/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪd/","/fəˈsɪlɪteɪtɪŋ/"]/🇬🇧 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɒsəbl//🇺🇸 //meɪk ðɪs ˈpɑːsəbl//
MeaningTo make a process easier or help someone do something.To do something that can be done.
ExampleThe new trade agreement should facilitate more rapid economic growth.We need to make this possible for everyone to attend.
RegisterNeutralNeutral
How commonTop 2,000 (common)Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR levelC1-
Part of speechverb
Collocationsgreatly, further, be designed to, help (to)make it possible, make this happen, make possibilities, make something possible
Antonymshinder, obstruct, impede-
Common mistakesConfused with 'facilitate' and 'facilitator' - remember 'facilitate' is a verb., Using 'facilitate' without an object - always specify what you're making easier., Mispronouncing the word - ensure the emphasis is on the 'cil' part.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 notesUse 'facilitate' in professional or academic settings. It sounds formal, so avoid it in casual conversations. It’s appropriate when discussing meetings, projects, or learning environments.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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Make this possible

Frequently asked questions: Facilitate vs Make this possible

What's the difference between Facilitate and Make this possible?

Facilitate: To make a process easier or help someone do something. Make this possible: To do something that can be done.

Can you show an example of each?

Facilitate: The new trade agreement should facilitate more rapid economic growth. Make this possible: We need to make this possible for everyone to attend.

Can I use Facilitate and Make this possible interchangeably?

Not always. Facilitate 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.

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