are forbidden to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "are forbidden to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that someone is not allowed to do something, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "Employees are forbidden to use personal devices during work hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

So universities are forbidden to "over-recruit".

The Economist

Women are forbidden to inherit land.

The Economist

Outsiders are forbidden to interview detainees.

The New York Times

"Civilians are forbidden to eat eggs".

The New York Times - Books

They are forbidden to cook and eat with their families.

The New York Times

They are forbidden to have a radio or television.

Independent

"Universities in France are forbidden to select students," he explained.

The New York Times

Non-Muslims are forbidden to enter these locations.

The New York Times - Travel

Detainees are forbidden to speak with the press.

The Guardian - Opinion

(American travel agents are forbidden to book cruises to Cuba).

The New York Times - Travel

They are forbidden to say which teacher they want.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "are forbidden to" to clearly and formally state prohibitions, particularly in legal, official, or authoritative contexts.

Common error

Avoid using "are forbidden to" in casual conversation or informal writing. Opt for simpler alternatives like "can't" or "not allowed to" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are forbidden to" functions as a passive construction expressing prohibition. It indicates that the subject of the sentence is not permitted or allowed to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirmes, it's generally used in a formal or legal context.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Encyclopedias

10%

Wiki

9%

Less common in

Science

1%

Formal & Business

1%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are forbidden to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express that someone or something is not allowed to do something. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, its usage is most frequent in news and media contexts, carrying a neutral tone that suits both formal and accessible communication. While effective for clearly stating prohibitions, it's important to consider the level of formality required and opt for simpler alternatives when a more casual tone is appropriate. When writing you can also consider the phrases "are not allowed to", "are prohibited from", or "must not".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not allowed to

A more informal and general way to express prohibition.

are not permitted to

A more polite and less forceful way of saying "are forbidden to".

are prohibited from

A more formal and legalistic alternative emphasizing the rule or law being violated.

are banned from

Implies a formal and often public prohibition.

must not

A direct and firm way to indicate something is not permitted.

are prevented from

Highlights the act of stopping someone from doing something.

are restricted from

Focuses on limiting access or action, rather than a complete ban.

are disallowed to

A stronger emphasis on the rejection or disapproval of an action.

cannot

Emphasizes inability or impossibility due to a rule or restriction.

are out of bounds for

Indicates that something is beyond the limits of what is allowed or acceptable.

FAQs

What does "are forbidden to" mean?

The phrase "are forbidden to" means that something is not allowed or permitted. It indicates a prohibition, often with a formal or authoritative backing.

What can I say instead of "are forbidden to"?

You can use alternatives like "are not allowed to", "are prohibited from", or "must not" depending on the context.

Is "are forbidden to" formal or informal?

The phrase "are forbidden to" is generally considered formal. In more casual settings, phrases like "aren't allowed to" or "can't" might be more appropriate.

How to use "are forbidden to" in a sentence?

You can use "are forbidden to" to indicate that someone or something is not permitted to do something, for example: "Students are forbidden to use cell phones during exams".