be forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

"be forbidden" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it in contexts where something is not allowed or prohibited. Example: "Students are to be forbidden from using their phones during the exam." Alternative expressions include "be prohibited" and "be disallowed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It was also mentioned by Frau Gebhardt that the cloning of human beings should be forbidden.

EU Parlament

Trespasses may similarly be forbidden.

Cornell University

So this is to be forbidden?

Independent

"Fracking with poisonous chemicals should be forbidden.

The New York Times

From 2014 this will be forbidden.

The Economist

Should some jokes be forbidden?

The Guardian - Film

Some of them may be forbidden altogether.

Cornell University

Alicia used to be forbidden to enter his room.

The New Yorker

My understanding is that this will continue to be forbidden.

Independent

"It's important for me, because it used to be forbidden.

The Guardian - Music

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Most Muslims consider any images of Mohamed to be forbidden.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "be forbidden", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is imposing the prohibition. For instance, "Smoking is forbidden in this area by order of the city council."

Common error

Avoid using "forbidden" interchangeably with words like "discouraged" or "uncommon". "Forbidden" indicates a strict prohibition, whereas the other terms suggest preference or rarity.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "be forbidden" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a subject is prohibited or not allowed to perform a certain action. Ludwig provides numerous examples illustrating its use in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

49%

Science

25%

Academia

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Wiki

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "be forbidden" serves to denote a prohibition or restriction, with Ludwig AI analysis confirming its grammatical correctness and widespread usage. It appears most frequently in News & Media, Science, and Academic contexts. While variations like "be prohibited" or "is not allowed" exist, "be forbidden" carries a tone of authority and is suitable for both formal and neutral registers. When writing, ensure you clearly define the entity imposing the prohibition to maintain clarity and precision.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited

Uses a different verb ("prohibited") to convey the same meaning.

is not allowed

Expresses prohibition using a more common and straightforward structure.

must not be done

Focuses on the action that is prohibited, rather than the state of being forbidden.

is outlawed

Implies a legal prohibition, often with a stronger connotation.

is banned

A shorter, more direct way of saying something is forbidden.

is off-limits

More informal, suggesting something is unavailable or restricted.

is impermissible

A more formal and less common way to express prohibition.

is proscribed

A more formal and less frequently used synonym for forbidden.

is verboten

Borrowed from German, adds a sense of strict prohibition.

is a no-no

Informal and colloquial, suitable for casual contexts.

FAQs

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

The phrase "be forbidden" is used to indicate that something is not allowed or is prohibited. For example, "Taking photographs inside the museum is to "be forbidden"."

What are some alternatives to "be forbidden"?

Alternatives include "be prohibited", "be banned", or "be outlawed", depending on the context and the level of formality you want to convey.

Is "be forbidden" formal or informal?

"Be forbidden" can be used in both formal and informal contexts, but it generally carries a tone of authority or official restriction. The formality often depends on the source and the specific situation.

What is the difference between "be forbidden" and "not be allowed"?

While both phrases convey the idea of something not being permitted, "be forbidden" often implies a stronger, more official or authoritative prohibition than "not be allowed".