What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
enable
Example
The new software will enable us to work more efficiently. [enable: verb]
Example
The scholarship enabled her to attend college. [enabled: past tense]
facilitate
Example
The new system will facilitate communication between departments. [facilitate: verb]
Example
The teacher facilitated the group discussion by asking open-ended questions. [facilitated: past tense]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Facilitate is more commonly used than enable in everyday language. Facilitate is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while enable is less common and often used in technical or formal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between enable and facilitate?
Enable is typically associated with a more formal tone, while facilitate is more versatile and can be employed in both formal and informal contexts.