blanket ban

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "blanket ban" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to describe a comprehensive prohibition that applies to all cases or instances without exception. Example: "The city council implemented a blanket ban on smoking in all public parks to promote a healthier environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"You can't have a blanket ban.

The Guardian

They imposed a blanket ban on ladies with guns.

Independent

A blanket ban on so-called legal highs.

The Guardian

But it doesn't call for a blanket ban on pornography.

The New York Times

I think a blanket ban would be going too far.

The Guardian

"A blanket ban on picking mushrooms would be a tragedy".

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Could a blanket ban be imposed on such sites?

The Guardian - Money

Even ignoring technical considerations, implementation of a blanket ban on strong encryption would be unwise.

Columbia University

Washington continues to rule out any blanket ban on travel from West Africa.

Independent

None who were interviewed, however, advocated a blanket ban on hits to the head.

The New York Times - Sports

However, this new study's findings hardly reflect science settled enough to warrant such a blanket ban.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "blanket ban", ensure that the context clearly indicates what is being banned and the scope of the ban. Be specific about the reasons behind the ban to avoid ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid applying a "blanket ban" when a more nuanced approach is possible. Consider whether specific exceptions or qualifications could achieve the desired outcome without unnecessarily restricting other activities.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "blanket ban" functions primarily as a noun phrase, typically used as a subject or object in a sentence. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase describes a comprehensive prohibition applied without exceptions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

79%

Academia

8%

Formal & Business

3%

Less common in

Science

6%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "blanket ban" is a commonly used noun phrase that describes a comprehensive prohibition without exceptions. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct and widely used. It's found most frequently in News & Media contexts and serves to clearly communicate the existence and scope of a complete ban. When using the phrase, be specific about what is being banned and consider whether a less restrictive approach might be more appropriate. While "blanket ban" is generally acceptable, more formal alternatives may be preferred in certain academic or professional settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

total prohibition

Emphasizes the completeness of the ban, indicating no exceptions.

complete embargo

Implies a comprehensive ban, often in a trade or commercial context.

full restriction

Highlights the comprehensive nature of the limitation imposed.

outright prohibition

Stresses the direct and unconditional nature of the ban.

general prohibition

Suggests a broad ban applicable across various situations.

sweeping restriction

Implies a wide-ranging limitation affecting many aspects.

across-the-board ban

Indicates the ban applies uniformly to everyone or everything.

universal prohibition

Emphasizes that the prohibition is applied to all.

comprehensive interdiction

Formal term for a complete and thorough ban.

strict interdiction

Highlights the enforcement and severity of the ban.

FAQs

What does "blanket ban" mean?

A "blanket ban" refers to a complete and total prohibition that applies to all instances of something, without exceptions.

How to use "blanket ban" in a sentence?

You can use "blanket ban" in a sentence like: "The school implemented a "blanket ban" on mobile phones during class hours".

What can I say instead of "blanket ban"?

You can use alternatives like "total prohibition", "complete embargo", or "full restriction" depending on the context.

Is "blanket ban" too informal for academic writing?

While "blanket ban" is widely understood, in some academic contexts, more formal alternatives like "general prohibition" or "comprehensive interdiction" may be preferred, depending on the specific field and audience.