are banned

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are banned" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is prohibited or not allowed, typically in a formal or legal context. Example: "Certain types of plastic bags are banned in this city to reduce environmental waste."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

58 human-written examples

Political parties are banned.

The Guardian

Student unions are banned.

The Economist

Lighters are banned?

The New York Times

Casinos are banned.

The Economist

New entrants are banned.

The Economist

Foreigners are banned.

Independent

Movies are banned.

The New York Times - Books

Television cameras are banned.

The Economist

Paper clips are banned.

The New York Times

Electronic transfers are banned.

The New York Times

Abortion and pornography are banned.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are banned", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is imposing the ban and what the scope of the ban is. For example: "Certain pesticides are banned in organic farming".

Common error

Avoid assuming that a ban is universally applied. Clarify the specific region, organization, or context where the ban is in effect to prevent misinterpretations. Don't write "chemicals are banned" instead write "chemicals are banned in the EU".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are banned" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that the subject is the recipient of the action of being prohibited. As Ludwig AI confirms, this construction is grammatically correct and widely used. The examples provided show its use in various contexts, highlighting what is being forbidden.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

1%

Less common in

Wiki

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "are banned" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction for expressing prohibition. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's considered correct and appears prominently in news and media, indicating its widespread use in conveying restrictions or interdictions. While generally neutral in register, understanding the context and specifying the scope of the ban ensures clarity. Alternative phrases like "are prohibited" or "are forbidden" can be used for stylistic variation, though "are banned" is versatile and widely understood.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are prohibited

Direct synonym indicating a formal prohibition.

are forbidden

Similar to prohibited, implying a strong interdiction.

are not allowed

A more general way to state that something is not permitted.

are disallowed

Indicates that something is officially rejected or not sanctioned.

are restricted

Implies limitations or constraints on something.

are outlawed

Suggests a legal prohibition, often in a more forceful manner.

are interdicted

A more formal and somewhat archaic term for prohibiting something.

are proscribed

Similar to interdicted, indicating a formal condemnation and ban.

are off-limits

A more informal way to say that something is not accessible or permitted.

are vetoed

Implies that something has been rejected by someone with the power to do so.

FAQs

How can I use "are banned" in a sentence?

Use "are banned" to indicate that something is prohibited or not allowed. For example, "Single-use plastics "are banned" in several cities to reduce pollution".

What phrases can I use instead of "are banned"?

Alternatives include phrases such as "are prohibited", "are forbidden", or "are not allowed", depending on the level of formality required.

What is the difference between "are banned" and "are restricted"?

"Are banned" implies a complete prohibition, while "are restricted" suggests that something is allowed only under certain conditions or limitations.

Is it better to use "are banned" or "are prohibited"?

Both "are banned" and "are prohibited" are correct, but "are prohibited" tends to be more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts.