aren't allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "aren't allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to indicate that something is prohibited or not permitted. Example: "Students aren't allowed to use their phones during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Firearms aren't allowed there.

The New York Times

(They aren't allowed).

The New York Times - Travel

Unauthorised people aren't allowed in.

Independent

Men aren't allowed.

The New York Times - Magazine

You aren't allowed to take pictures.

The New York Times

"Women aren't allowed at a reconciliation".

The New Yorker

Consumers aren't allowed to invest.

The Guardian - Tech

Land-based resorts aren't allowed inside it.

The Guardian - Travel

We aren't allowed to have any opinions.

The Guardian

Black people aren't allowed to make mistakes".

The Guardian - Music

We aren't allowed to grow up.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

To convey a sense of authority, consider using more formal alternatives like "are prohibited" or "are not permitted" in professional or academic writing.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by explicitly stating the scope of the restriction when using "aren't allowed". For instance, instead of "phones aren't allowed", specify "phones aren't allowed during the exam".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "aren't allowed" functions as a restrictive modifier, indicating prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

13%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Science

36%

Reference

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "aren't allowed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig AI's analysis reveals its prevalent use across diverse contexts, particularly in news media and general information websites. While suitable for both formal and informal communication, more refined options like "are prohibited" may be favored in academic or professional writing. By explicitly defining the scope of restrictions, users can avoid potential ambiguities and ensure clear communication. This phrase serves as a crucial tool for establishing boundaries and conveying rules within various settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

are prohibited

Formal synonym, indicating a strict ban.

are not permitted

A more formal way of saying "aren't allowed", suggesting a lack of official consent.

are forbidden

Emphasizes a strong interdiction or ban.

are not authorized

Indicates a lack of official approval or sanction.

are ruled out

Suggests that something has been officially dismissed or excluded.

are unacceptable

Focuses on the idea that something is not within the boundaries of what is considered appropriate.

are off-limits

Informal way of saying something is restricted or prohibited.

are out of bounds

Implies exceeding acceptable limits or violating rules.

must not

Expresses a strong obligation not to do something.

are restricted

Indicates that something is subject to limitations or controls.

FAQs

How can I rephrase "aren't allowed" to sound more formal?

To sound more formal, you can use phrases like "are prohibited", "are not permitted", or "are forbidden", depending on the context.

What is the difference between "aren't allowed" and "aren't able"?

"Aren't allowed" indicates that something is prohibited or not permitted by a rule or authority. "Aren't able", on the other hand, indicates a lack of ability or capacity to do something, regardless of permission.

Is it correct to say "isn't allowed" instead of "aren't allowed"?

No, "isn't allowed" is grammatically incorrect when referring to a plural subject. You should use "aren't allowed" for plural subjects and "isn't allowed" for singular subjects. For example, "Students aren't allowed" but "The student isn't allowed".

What are some informal alternatives to "aren't allowed"?

Informal alternatives to "aren't allowed" include phrases like "are not supposed to", "can't", or "are not meant to".