I was prohibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was prohibited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when discussing something that was not allowed or forbidden in the past. Example: "I was prohibited from entering the building due to safety regulations."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

7 human-written examples

But within one year I was prohibited to read any more by my doctor, since I was afflicted with an eye disease.

Encyclopedia Britannica

As a foreign national (like fully half of the postdocs in the United States), I was prohibited from taking a (legal) part-time job, so I had to make it on my BNL salary alone.

Science Magazine

I was prohibited, without a signed affidavit or court order, from knowing who and what I was.

HuffPost

After two terms, I was prohibited from running again, so I waged a successful campaign for a seat in Parliament.

Huffington Post

I was prohibited from using internet-accessible devices of any sort or from instructing another person to use one on my behalf.

Vice

As I was prohibited by man code to ask anyone for suggestions on where I might go instead, it took me three more tries to find an alcohol-serving venue that was broadcasting any sort of "big game".

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

53 human-written examples

I am prohibited from issuing a certificate of election until the election contest in the courts has been resolved".

The Guardian

Even if I believe it is my right to play my drums in my apartment at 2 a.m., I am prohibited from doing so because it harms others.

The New York Times

"In an urban zone, if there are shots, I am prohibited from shooting unless we have a clear target right in front of us," said Colonel Moreno.

The New York Times

It has provided me with a map of the city and highlighted the areas where I am prohibited to protest against tree felling.

The Guardian - Opinion

And then there are the apps that really mean business — they let me actively block various parts of the Internet so that when my mind strays, I'm prohibited from giving in to my shiftless ways.

The New York Times - Tech

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was prohibited", ensure the context clearly indicates the source or reason for the prohibition to avoid ambiguity. For instance, specify who or what imposed the restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "I was prohibited" without specifying the scope or duration of the prohibition. Instead of saying, "I was prohibited from playing", clarify with, "I was prohibited from playing contact sports for six months due to my injury."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was prohibited" functions as a passive voice construction, indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of an action (being prohibited). Ludwig examples show its use in various contexts, all implying a restriction or ban.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Science

33%

Encyclopedias

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I was prohibited" effectively communicates that the speaker was not allowed to perform a certain action, as confirmed by Ludwig AI. It is considered grammatically correct and exhibits a neutral register suitable for various contexts including news, science, and encyclopedic writing. While "I was prohibited" is commonly used, remember to specify the reason or source for the prohibition to enhance clarity. Consider alternatives like "I wasn't allowed to" or "I was forbidden to" to adjust the tone and formality based on the specific situation. This ensures precise and contextually appropriate communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was forbidden to

This alternative is a direct synonym, indicating a strong prohibition.

I wasn't allowed to

This alternative is more informal and emphasizes a lack of permission.

I was not permitted to

This alternative is slightly more formal and emphasizes the lack of authorization.

I was barred from

This alternative suggests a legal or official restriction.

I was restricted from

This alternative indicates limits were placed on my actions.

I was prevented from

This alternative focuses on the act of stopping someone from doing something.

I was under a ban from

This alternative highlights the existence of a formal prohibition.

I had no authorization to

This alternative stresses the absence of official approval.

I was ineligible to

This alternative implies a lack of qualification or suitability.

It was out of bounds for me

This idiom suggests something was not an option or permissible.

FAQs

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

You can use "I was prohibited" to indicate that you were not allowed to do something, for example, "I was prohibited from entering the restricted area."

What's a formal alternative to "I was prohibited"?

A more formal alternative is "I was forbidden", which carries a similar meaning but may be more appropriate in certain contexts.

What can I say instead of "I was prohibited" to sound less formal?

You can use phrases like "I wasn't allowed to" or "I was prevented from" for a less formal tone.

Is there a difference between "I was prohibited" and "I was restricted"?

While similar, "prohibited" suggests a complete ban, whereas "restricted" implies limitations. For example, you might be "prohibited" from driving altogether, but only "restricted" to driving during daylight hours.