absolutely forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "absolutely forbidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to emphasize that something is completely not allowed or prohibited. Example: "Entering the restricted area is absolutely forbidden for anyone without proper authorization."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

42 human-written examples

Touching is absolutely forbidden.

The New York Times

And taking photographs of other customers is absolutely forbidden.

Independent

"If it's not absolutely forbidden," she said, "we do it".

The New Yorker

He'd absolutely forbidden any experts from being engaged in anything.

The Guardian

"We were absolutely forbidden to use anything that Picasso had created, including anything he wrote.

The New York Times

Photography is absolutely forbidden, but the image of the anarchic frenzy will surely stay.

The New York Times - Travel

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

18 human-written examples

She abjured herself not to enter: she absolutely forbade it.

The New York Times - Style

"The central government issued an order absolutely forbidding them to dine out on public funds.

The New Yorker

"Out the house for a shower for my daughter I will absolutely forbid.

The New Yorker

"Out of the house for a shower for my daughter I absolutely forbid.

The New Yorker

Mr. Ahmad sits with students who tell him, "The Koran absolutely forbids music".

The New York Times - Arts

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "absolutely forbidden" to add emphasis when a simple 'forbidden' might not convey the strength of the prohibition. For example, in safety instructions or legal contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "absolutely forbidden" in casual conversation. It can sound overly formal or dramatic. Opt for phrases like "not allowed" or "definitely not" in less formal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "absolutely forbidden" functions as an emphatic prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's used to strongly emphasize that something is not allowed. This contrasts with a simple "forbidden", which lacks the same level of intensity. The adverb "absolutely" strengthens the adjective "forbidden".

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

48%

Science

25%

Formal & Business

12%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

4%

Wiki

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "absolutely forbidden" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to emphasize a strong prohibition. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the expression functions as an emphatic prohibition, intended to clearly and unequivocally ban a behavior or action. Its use is most prevalent in News & Media, Science, and Formal & Business contexts. While versatile, be mindful of its slightly formal register and avoid overuse in casual settings. Consider using alternative phrases such as "strictly prohibited" or "categorically banned" to fine-tune your writing. When clarity and force are paramount, "absolutely forbidden" stands as an appropriate choice.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly prohibited

Emphasizes a formal and rigid ban, often by an authority.

expressly prohibited

Highlights that the prohibition is clearly and directly stated.

categorically banned

Focuses on the unconditional and complete nature of the ban.

totally disallowed

Indicates a complete lack of permission or acceptance.

utterly impermissible

Emphasizes that something is completely unacceptable or not allowed.

definitely not allowed

A more informal way to express a firm prohibition.

completely off-limits

Suggests that something is entirely out of bounds or inaccessible.

positively forbidden

Similar to "absolutely forbidden", reinforcing that something is definitely banned.

firmly prohibited

Highlights the resoluteness and strength of the prohibition.

absolutely not permitted

Replaces 'forbidden' with 'not permitted', carrying the same strong negative meaning.

FAQs

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

You can use "absolutely forbidden" to emphasize a strong prohibition. For example, "Photography is "absolutely forbidden" in this area" or "Any attempt to alter the data is "absolutely forbidden".

What phrases are similar to "absolutely forbidden"?

Similar phrases include "strictly prohibited", "expressly prohibited", or "categorically banned". Each has slightly different nuances but conveys a strong sense of prohibition.

When is it appropriate to use "absolutely forbidden"?

"Absolutely forbidden" is appropriate when you want to emphasize the severity of a prohibition, particularly in formal settings or when communicating important rules and regulations.

Is "absolutely forbidden" the same as "forbidden"?

While both terms indicate something is not allowed, "absolutely forbidden" intensifies the prohibition. It communicates a stronger sense of consequence or importance compared to a simple "forbidden".