I was prohibited from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I was prohibited from" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it when indicating that someone was not allowed to do something due to a rule or regulation. Example: "I was prohibited from entering the restricted area without proper authorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

3 human-written examples

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

I was over at his house that day, and when I returned home with reports that I had exhumed a dead rabbit, the lack of parental supervision at Steve's house was made evident, and I was prohibited from playing there.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

57 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

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

Mr. Stites would not provide details of Mr. Halloran's expected appearance before the grand jury, and Robert Nardoza, a spokesman for the United States attorney's office in Brooklyn, said in a statement: "I am prohibited from disclosing information related to matters before the grand jury.

The New York Times

Now, just three days later, I'm prohibited from even setting foot outside.

Huffington Post

So, like all Palestinians under Israel's occupation, I'm prohibited from using Israel's airport.

Huffington Post

I am prohibited from making the severity of sentences the index of my effectiveness".

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "I was prohibited from", ensure the reason for the prohibition is clear, either directly stated or implied in the context. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the sentence's impact.

Common error

Avoid using "I was prohibited from" when you simply chose not to do something. This phrase implies an external force or rule prevented the action, not personal choice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I was prohibited from" functions as a passive construction indicating that the subject (I) was the recipient of a prohibitive action. As Ludwig AI confirms, this indicates that someone or something prevented the individual from performing a specific action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Science

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "I was prohibited from" is a grammatically sound phrase used to express that an external rule or authority prevented someone from performing an action. As indicated by Ludwig AI, this phrase is correct and usable in written English. While relatively rare in everyday conversation, it's commonly found in news and media contexts. When using this phrase, ensure clarity regarding the reason for the prohibition to avoid ambiguity. Consider alternatives such as "I was forbidden from" or "I wasn't allowed to" depending on the desired tone and context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I was barred from

This alternative suggests a more formal or legal restriction.

I was forbidden from

This implies a strict and authoritative ban.

I was not permitted to

This specifies a lack of official consent.

I wasn't allowed to

This implies a lack of general permission.

I was disallowed from

This suggests a lack of permission, often in an official context.

I was restricted from

This indicates limits were placed on one's actions.

I was prevented from

This suggests an action or circumstance stopped one from doing something.

I was stopped from

This indicates that an action occurred to halt the individual's progress.

I was excluded from

This highlights being left out or not included in an activity.

I couldn't

This offers a simple and direct way of stating inability due to external factors.

FAQs

What's the difference between "I was prohibited from" and "I was forbidden from"?

While both phrases indicate a restriction, "I was "forbidden from"" often suggests a stronger, more authoritative ban, while "I was prohibited from" can refer to a rule or regulation.

Can I use "I was prohibited to" instead of "I was prohibited from"?

No, the correct construction is "I was prohibited from". The preposition "from" is necessary to properly connect the verb "prohibited" with the action being restricted.

What are some alternatives to "I was prohibited from" that sound less formal?

Less formal alternatives include "I wasn't allowed to", "I couldn't", or "I was stopped from".

How to use "I was prohibited from" in a sentence?

Use "I was prohibited from" when you want to express that an external rule, law, or authority prevented you from doing something. For example, "I was prohibited from entering the construction site."