I was barred from entering

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was barred from entering" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when describing a situation where someone is prohibited from accessing a place or event. Example: "Despite my efforts to explain my situation, I was barred from entering the venue due to a lack of proper identification."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Suddenly though, I am barred from entering the actual studio where he is working on a new piece.

Huffington Post

I'll eat cake and drink champagne and start planning a trip to Taiwan, a place that I'm barred from entering because I'm positive.

Vice

I remember over a decade ago, how Mike Tyson's supporters clamoured to defend him when he was barred from entering Britain on grounds of his rape conviction.

Independent

Last year he was barred from entering Britain by the Home Office.

The Guardian

She then spent four days in prison and was barred from entering Canada again.

The New York Times

Everybody except employees, scouts and reporters was barred from entering the stadium.

The New York Times - Sports

"Belinda was barred from entering Indonesia on an immigration issue," he said.

The Guardian

In 2005, it upset someone in power, and its British chief, William Browder, was barred from entering Russia.

The Washington Post

The court session lasted only 10 minutes on Tuesday morning, and Mr. Tan's wife was barred from entering.

The New York Times

When he arrived in Britain for his second visit, he found he was barred from entering the country.

The Guardian - Books

A Communist at the time, he was barred from entering the United States and did the design work via long-distance.

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was barred from entering", ensure the context clearly explains the reason for the prohibition. For example, "I was barred from entering the concert because I didn't have a ticket."

Common error

Avoid using "barred" interchangeably with words like "blocked" or "prevented" when a formal prohibition is not implied. "Barred" suggests an official or significant obstacle, not just a simple hindrance.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was barred from entering" functions as a passive voice construction indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of an action (being prohibited). It describes a state of being officially or formally prevented from entering a specific place or event, as supported by Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was barred from entering" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to describe being formally prohibited from entering a place or event. Ludwig confirms its usability. It typically appears in news and media contexts. While authoritative sources frequently employ this phrase, remember to use it when a formal prohibition is intended, distinguishing it from simply being "prevented". Alternatives include "I was denied entry" or "I was prohibited from entering", depending on the specific nuance you wish to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was prohibited from entering

Uses a more formal and legalistic term.

I was denied entry

Focuses on the act of refusal rather than the reason.

I wasn't allowed to enter

Highlights the lack of permission.

I was refused admission

Emphasizes a formal rejection of entry.

Entry was forbidden to me

More formal and emphasizes the prohibition.

I was kept out

A more informal way of saying someone prevented you from entering.

I was restricted from entering

Focuses on the limitation imposed.

I faced a ban from entering

Highlights the existence of a prohibition.

I couldn't gain access

Highlights the failure to achieve entry.

I was shut out

Implies being forcefully excluded.

FAQs

What does "I was barred from entering" mean?

It means that you were officially or formally prohibited from entering a place or event. This suggests a rule, law, or authority prevented your entry.

What can I say instead of "I was barred from entering"?

You can use alternatives like "I was denied entry", "I was refused admission", or "I was prohibited from entering" depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "I was barred to enter"?

No, the correct phrase is "I was barred from entering". The preposition "from" is essential for grammatical accuracy.

What's the difference between "I was barred from entering" and "I was prevented from entering"?

"I was barred from entering" implies a formal or official prohibition, while "I was prevented from entering" simply means something stopped you, whether formally or informally.