being forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "being forbidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of being prohibited or not allowed to do something. Example: "The act of being forbidden to enter the premises created a sense of mystery and intrigue."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Worse than the wait, they said, was being forbidden to call their families.

The New York Times

One participant recalled even being forbidden from taking his cellphone and fountain pen.

The New York Times

Being forbidden to go on pretending that they were Americans was punishment enough.

The New York Times

Being forbidden to write about the one Broadway show everyone is chattering about can obviously be frustrating.

The New York Times

Salinger "had suddenly embraced Christian Science, and now, in addition to being forbidden any friends or visitors, doctors were out".

The New York Times - Books

They are, then, mostly transmitted by being forbidden, and it is this relation to prohibition that amuses and intrigues Stendhal.

The Guardian - Books

Another lawless window display--the Christmas bells, a double violation (Sound being forbidden as well) was the result.

The New Yorker

The story's achievement is in bridging the gap between that innate understanding and the more foreign notion of being forbidden to learn.

The New York Times - Books

I left because I couldn't bear being forbidden to think my own thoughts, couldn't survive in a group that valued conformity and obedience over creativity.

The New York Times - Magazine

In any case, the law and reality often differ: despite being forbidden from striking, prison warders walked out in 2007 over a pay dispute.

The Economist

The use of theatrical masks in Java is exceptional, since masks, being forbidden under the Islamic prohibition of images, are practically unknown in the Muslim world.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing rules or regulations, use "being forbidden" to clearly state what actions are not allowed, enhancing the clarity of your message.

Common error

Avoid using "being forbidden" in very casual conversations; it can sound overly formal or stiff. Opt for alternatives like "not allowed" or "can't" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "being forbidden" functions as a gerund phrase, often acting as the subject or part of the predicate in a sentence. It describes the state of something not being allowed or prohibited, as Ludwig's examples clearly illustrate.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

51%

Wiki

15%

Science

13%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

6%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "being forbidden" is a grammatically correct and frequently used gerund phrase that conveys the state of something not being allowed. Ludwig's analysis indicates it is most commonly found in news and media contexts, with a neutral register making it suitable for formal discussions. While largely interchangeable with phrases like "being prohibited", it's important to consider the context and desired level of formality. According to Ludwig, be mindful of overuse in casual settings, where more informal alternatives might be more appropriate.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

being prohibited

This alternative directly replaces "forbidden" with its synonym "prohibited", maintaining a formal tone.

not being permitted

This explicitly states that permission is not granted for something.

being disallowed

This option uses "disallowed" instead of "forbidden", suggesting something is not permitted or approved.

being banned

This term implies a more official or legal prohibition.

not being authorized

This indicates that official approval or authorization has not been given.

being restricted

This suggests limitations or constraints are in place, making something not entirely free or accessible.

being barred

This term conveys a sense of exclusion or prevention from entering or participating.

being excluded

This indicates that someone or something is left out or not included.

being prevented

This focuses on the act of stopping something from happening or someone from doing something.

being off-limits

This is a more informal way of saying something is not allowed or accessible.

FAQs

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

You can use "being forbidden" to describe the state of something not being allowed. For example, "Being forbidden to speak made him feel isolated."

What are some alternatives to "being forbidden"?

Alternatives include "being prohibited", "being banned", or "not being permitted". The best choice depends on the context and desired level of formality.

Is it more appropriate to use "being forbidden" or "being prohibited"?

"Being forbidden" and "being prohibited" are largely interchangeable. "Forbidden" might carry a slightly stronger emotional charge, while "prohibited" is generally more formal and legalistic.

What's the difference between "being forbidden" and "being restricted"?

"Being forbidden" implies a complete ban, while "being restricted" suggests limitations or constraints. For instance, "being forbidden to enter" means complete denial, while "being restricted to certain areas" implies limited access.