are forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

"are forbidden" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to describe actions which are prohibited or not allowed. For example, "Pets are forbidden in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Outsiders are forbidden.

The New York Times

Photographs are forbidden.

The New York Times

Defections are forbidden.

The Economist

Vending and advertising are forbidden.

The New York Times

Truces are forbidden.

The Guardian

He refuses, because they are forbidden.

The New York Times

So universities are forbidden to "over-recruit".

The Economist

Effectively, they are forbidden from driving automobiles.

The New York Times - Sports

In Saudi Arabia, churches are forbidden.

The New Yorker

Eating and drinking are forbidden, too.

The New York Times

Labour unions and associations are forbidden.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "are forbidden", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is imposing the restriction. For instance, "These actions are forbidden by law" clarifies the source of the prohibition.

Common error

Avoid using "are forbidden" without specifying the extent of the restriction. Saying "Books are forbidden" is vague; instead, clarify with "Certain books are forbidden in this library."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are forbidden" functions as a passive verb construction indicating that something is prohibited or not allowed. Ludwig provides numerous examples demonstrating this usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

74%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

7%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Formal & Business

1%

Social Media

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are forbidden" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that something is not allowed. As Ludwig confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news, media, and scientific sources. When using "are forbidden", ensure clarity by specifying who or what is imposing the restriction, and avoid vagueness in the scope of the prohibition. Alternatives such as "are prohibited" or "are not allowed" can be used for stylistic variation or to adjust the level of formality. Being mindful of these points will help you use this phrase effectively in your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are prohibited

Uses a different synonym to express the same concept of being disallowed.

are banned

Implies a more formal or official prohibition.

are proscribed

Similar to "are banned", indicating a formal or legal prohibition.

are not allowed

A more direct and less formal way of saying something is not permitted.

are not permitted

Similar to "are not allowed" but slightly more formal.

are restricted

Suggests limitations or constraints rather than a complete ban.

are verboten

A German loanword that directly translates to "forbidden", often used for emphasis.

are off-limits

A more colloquial way of expressing that something is out of bounds.

are out of bounds

Like "are off-limits", this is a more casual expression of prohibition.

are precluded

A more formal and less common way of saying something is prevented or excluded.

FAQs

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

You can use "are forbidden" to indicate that certain actions, items, or behaviors are not allowed. For example, "Cell phones are forbidden during the exam" or "These topics are forbidden from discussion".

What's a less formal alternative to "are forbidden"?

Less formal alternatives to "are forbidden" include "are not allowed", "are not permitted", or "are off-limits".

Is there a difference between "are forbidden" and "are banned"?

While similar, "are forbidden" suggests a more general prohibition, whereas "are banned" often implies a formal or legal prohibition. The choice depends on the context and the strength of the restriction.

What are some common things that "are forbidden"?

Common things that "are forbidden" often include certain behaviors in specific locations (e.g., "Photos are forbidden in the museum"), specific items (e.g., "Weapons are forbidden on school grounds"), or certain actions under specific rules (e.g., "Defections are forbidden within the party").