are not to

USAGE SUMMARY

"are not to" is not a valid sentence in English.
Instead, we use the construction "are not supposed to" to express prohibition or obligation. For example, "We are not supposed to talk in the library."

⚠ May contain grammatical issues

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

They are not to be traded.

The Guardian - Opinion

Domestic politics are not to blame.

The New York Times

But they are not to be underestimated.

The New York Times

Desserts are not to be missed.

The New York Times

Thus climate scientists are not to blame.

The New York Times

These are not to be interfered with".

Encyclopedia Britannica

"Dealers are not to solicit pedal replacement".

The New York Times

You really are not to blame.

The Guardian - Opinion

Audiences are not to blame.

The New York Times - Arts

"They are not to me".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

"Greeks aren't to blame.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

In formal writing, consider alternatives like "are prohibited from" or "are forbidden to" to clearly convey prohibition.

Common error

While "are not to" appears in various sources, it can sound stilted or unnatural in modern English. Opt for clearer alternatives, especially in less formal contexts, to avoid sounding overly prescriptive.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "are not to" functions primarily as a modal construction expressing prohibition, obligation, or a strong suggestion against a particular action. While Ludwig contains numerous examples, it identifies it as grammatically questionable.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Science

25%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Academia

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "are not to" is used to express prohibition, obligation, or strong discouragement, though, as Ludwig points out, it's grammatically questionable. Analysis of various sources indicates frequent usage in News & Media, Science, and Wiki content. While common, it's often advisable to opt for clearer and more modern alternatives like "are not supposed to" or "must not", especially in less formal contexts, to avoid sounding stilted. Despite its relatively high frequency, writers should consider whether "are not to" is the most effective and natural choice for their intended message.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are not supposed to

Replaces the less common "are not to" with the standard and widely accepted "are not supposed to", expressing prohibition or expectation.

must not

Offers a strong, direct prohibition, similar to a command or strict rule, emphasizing a lack of permission.

are not allowed to

Expresses that permission for a certain action is withheld, indicating a lack of authorization.

are prohibited from

Formally indicates that an action is officially banned or disallowed, conveying a sense of regulation.

are forbidden to

Conveys a strict and authoritative ban on an action, implying severe consequences if disobeyed.

should not

Suggests a recommendation against a certain action, implying it's not advisable or appropriate.

cannot

Indicates an inability or impossibility to perform a certain action, highlighting a limitation.

are advised not to

Suggests a cautionary recommendation, indicating potential negative consequences if the action is taken.

it is not advisable to

Formally recommends against an action due to potential risks or negative outcomes, emphasizing prudence.

are discouraged from

Indicates that an action is not favored and is subtly dissuaded, though not strictly prohibited.

FAQs

What is a more grammatically sound alternative to "are not to"?

A more standard alternative is "are not supposed to", which clearly conveys prohibition or lack of expectation.

When is it appropriate to use "are not to"?

While found in various sources, "are not to" can sound archaic. Consider using it sparingly and opting for clearer alternatives like "must not" or "are prohibited from" in formal contexts.

What's the difference between "are not to" and "are not allowed to"?

"Are not to" implies a rule or expectation, while "are not allowed to" suggests a lack of permission. The latter is generally clearer and more direct.

Can I use "are not to" in casual conversation?

While technically understandable, "are not to" might sound unnatural in casual conversation. Opt for simpler phrases like "shouldn't" or "are not supposed to" for a more natural tone.