I was forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

"I was forbidden" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something prevented you from being able to do something. For example: "I wanted to go on the field trip, but I was forbidden by my parents."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

34 human-written examples

I was forbidden from attending.

The New Yorker

"I was forbidden from seeing the light of the day.

The Guardian - Books

In Jordan I was forbidden even to send a letter.

The Guardian

I was forbidden to offer Kunda the most common-sense advice.

The New Yorker

"This John Wayne character tore up my landing card, saying I was forbidden in American territory.

The Guardian - Books

Gary was instructed to put on a shirt and I was forbidden from wearing flip flops.

The Guardian - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

26 human-written examples

"I realized that it was forbidden to laugh about them".

The New York Times

I did not think it was forbidden to take hitchhikers," she said.

The Guardian

And I'm forbidden from even hearing these questions".

The New York Times

We now have so much gin in our kitchen that I'm forbidden to accept any more.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

"I can't talk about the electoral process, because I am forbidden from talking about the election," he told the crowd.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was forbidden", clarify who or what imposed the restriction to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify "I was forbidden by my parents" rather than simply "I was forbidden".

Common error

Avoid vague statements by explicitly stating who or what issued the prohibition. Saying just "I was forbidden" lacks clarity. Instead, specify "I was forbidden by the school administration" to make the reason and source of the restriction clear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was forbidden" functions as a passive voice construction indicating a restriction or prohibition imposed upon the speaker. Ludwig examples demonstrate that the speaker was not allowed to do something, emphasizing the lack of permission. Ludwig AI validates this grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

75%

Academia

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

1%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was forbidden" is a commonly used and grammatically sound expression to indicate that someone was prohibited from doing something. Ludwig provides several examples demonstrating its use in various contexts, ranging from personal anecdotes to formal reporting. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is widely understood and appropriate for both written and spoken English. When using this phrase, clarify the source of the prohibition to enhance clarity. Alternatives include "I was prohibited" or "I was not allowed", depending on the desired level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was prohibited

Replaces 'forbidden' with 'prohibited', a direct synonym indicating a formal ban.

I was not allowed

Uses a more common and less formal expression to convey the lack of permission.

I wasn't permitted

Similar to 'not allowed', but slightly more formal, indicating official disapproval.

I was barred from

Implies a physical or legal obstruction, preventing access or participation.

I was restricted from

Indicates limitations were placed on actions or movements.

I had no permission

Highlights the absence of consent or authorization.

It was not permissible for me

Emphasizes the lack of acceptability or lawfulness regarding an action.

I was instructed not to

Suggests a formal or official directive was given, prohibiting an action.

I was under a ban

Specifies that a formal prohibition was in effect.

I was told not to

A more casual way to express that instructions were given to avoid something.

FAQs

What does "I was forbidden" mean?

The phrase "I was forbidden" means that you were not allowed or permitted to do something. It implies that there was some form of authority or rule preventing you from carrying out a particular action.

What can I say instead of "I was forbidden"?

You can use alternatives like "I was prohibited", "I was not allowed", or "I was barred from" to convey a similar meaning.

How can I use "I was forbidden" in a sentence?

You can use "I was forbidden" in a sentence to express that you were prevented from doing something. For example, "I was forbidden to enter the restricted area" or "I was forbidden from seeing my friends during the quarantine".

Is "I was forbidden" formal or informal?

The phrase "I was forbidden" is generally considered neutral in tone and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation and the speaker's intent. It's a straightforward way to express that something was not permitted.