“How Are ‘Enable’ and ‘Unable’ Different?”

Even though “enable” and “unable” seem similar, they have different meanings. Think of “enable” as a doing word (verb) and “unable” as a describing word (adjective).

“Enable” is like giving power. It’s like letting someone or something do something they couldn’t do before.

For example, parents can enable their kids to learn by helping them with money and food.

And it’s not just for people. We can use “enable” for things too. Like when schools give scholarships to students so they can keep learning.

Now, “unable” is about not being able to do something.

Imagine a student who can’t pay for school because they didn’t get a scholarship. They are unable to pay.

Here are some examples of “enable” and “unable”:

1. A school got money from the government. They could fix their old building and get new computers. This money enabled them to do that.
2. Grandma got a special chair that moves up stairs. It enabled her to go up and down easily.
3. After an operation, a lady couldn’t drive for six months. So her family drove her. She was unable to drive.
4. Mr. Smith couldn’t go to a work meeting because his flight was canceled. But he joined online. The internet enabled him to be there.
5. A restaurant had to close because they couldn’t pay workers and loans. They were unable to stay open.

So, “enable” is like saying “you can do it!” and “unable” is like saying “you can’t do it.”