a sort of ban

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a sort of ban" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when describing a type or category of prohibition that is not absolute or formal. Example: "The committee imposed a sort of ban on loud music during the event to maintain a peaceful atmosphere."

✓ Grammatically correct

Unknown

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Scotland introduced a sort-of ban last year.

The Economist

The British Government is resisting any sort of ban and continues to insist that BPA poses no threat to public health.

Independent

Florida is on the verge of sort-of-banning some types of bongs -- er, "utensils of death," according to a lawmaker -- after a House-approved drug paraphernalia ban passed in the Senate on Friday.

Huffington Post

She hadn't played since, due to a forearm injury, and, at the lectern in L.A., she worked to avoid the sort of ban that would keep her from playing for a long, long time, and jeopardize contracts with her sponsors.

The New Yorker

In 1971, Parliament passed The Isle Of Wight Act – a sort of proto-1994 Criminal Justice Bill--which was designed to ban all such mass-gatherings.

Vice

"The government has a wide variety of potential penalties it can choose from," said Steven Nadel, a hedge fund lawyer at Seward & Kissel, "ranging from monetary fines to some sort of ban on trading".

The New York Times

Our destination, 90 minutes and a mountain away, was the Shan village of Ban Tham Lod, a sort of anti-Pai where I hoped to experience the Thai countryside in shades of how it used to be.

The New York Times - Travel

Whatever the reason, once a book is banned, a sort of aura of mystique is created around it that, more times than not, draws readers who want to decide for themselves whether it is in fact unfit for publication.

Britannica

Eleven counties have adopted some sort of ban or moratorium.

The New York Times

Thirty-nine British local authorities imposed some sort of ban.

The Guardian - Film

As it stands, five states already have some sort of ban on abortion coverage.

The Washington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a sort of ban" when you want to describe a restriction that is not absolute or formally declared. It's suitable for situations where the prohibition is partial, informal, or subject to certain conditions.

Common error

Avoid using "a sort of ban" when the prohibition is absolute or legally binding. Using this phrase in such contexts can dilute the impact and mislead the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a sort of ban" functions as a qualifier, modifying the noun "ban" to indicate that the prohibition is not absolute or formal. Ludwig indicates that the expression is correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a sort of ban" is used to describe a restriction that is not absolute or formal, implying exceptions or conditions. Ludwig confirms its grammatical correctness. While versatile, it's essential to consider the context, ensuring the level of prohibition matches the intended message. For more formal or precise situations, consider alternatives like "partial prohibition" or "limited restriction". The phrase is best suited for scenarios where the prohibition is not strictly enforced or legally binding.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

A partial prohibition

Specifies that the ban is not total or comprehensive.

A limited restriction

Highlights the confined or specific nature of the restriction.

A qualified interdiction

Emphasizes that the interdiction comes with conditions or exceptions.

A conditional ban

Indicates that the ban is dependent on certain conditions being met.

An informal prohibition

Implies the ban is not officially enforced or legally binding.

A de facto restriction

Suggests a restriction that exists in practice, even if not formally declared.

A quasi-ban

Indicates something that resembles a ban but doesn't fully meet the criteria.

A soft ban

Implies a gentle or lenient form of prohibition.

A suggestive prohibition

Highlights that the ban is a suggestion, not a strict rule.

A near-ban

Indicates something close to being a complete ban.

FAQs

How can I use "a sort of ban" in a sentence?

You can use "a sort of ban" to describe a restriction that isn't absolute. For example, "The company implemented "a sort of ban" on personal devices during work hours to improve productivity."

What are some alternatives to "a sort of ban"?

Alternatives include "a partial prohibition", "a limited restriction", or "an informal prohibition". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is "a sort of ban" formal or informal?

"A sort of ban" tends to be more informal. In formal contexts, consider using phrases like "a qualified interdiction" or "a conditional ban".

What's the difference between "a sort of ban" and "a complete ban"?

"A sort of ban" implies the restriction is not absolute, whereas "a complete ban" means that something is entirely prohibited. The former allows for exceptions, while the latter does not.