Used and loved by millions
Since I tried Ludwig back in 2017, I have been constantly using it in both editing and translation. Ever since, I suggest it to my translators at ProSciEditing.

Justyna Jupowicz-Kozak
CEO of Professional Science Editing for Scientists @ prosciediting.com
but he forbids
Grammar usage guide and real-world examplesUSAGE SUMMARY
The phrase "but he forbids" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that someone is prohibiting or disallowing something, often in contrast to a previous statement. Example: "She wanted to go to the party, but he forbids her from attending."
✓ Grammatically correct
News & Media
Encyclopedias
Alternative expressions(1)
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Human-verified examples from authoritative sources
Exact Expressions
4 human-written examples
Alfredo is shocked and vows to go to Paris and pay the debt, but he forbids Annina to tell Violetta of his plan.
Encyclopedias
Hassell had told me that in rehearsal with Doran, there's a lot of textual analysis, but he forbids actors to refer to the future.
News & Media
The house has a granite-countered kitchen, but he forbids the employees living there to use it; instead, a hot plate and a card table have been set up in the garage.
News & Media
If he's painting the clothing and implements of a given tribe, he may pick colors that suit his composition, but he forbids himself the luxury of using hues contradicted by the historical evidence.
News & Media
Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources
Similar Expressions
56 human-written examples
She told her elder brother she wanted a job as a maid servant -- but he forbade such demeaning work.
News & Media
The 26-year-old mother-of-two says her employer had known she was being treated for the tumour when he hired her, but he forbade her from receiving medical treatment in Saudi Arabia.
News & Media
Pollak ruled that both sides could discuss fingerprint evidence in the trial, but he forbade fingerprint examiners from declaring whether or not latent prints match those of the accused.
Science & Research
He does make allowances for killing in justifiable self-defense, but he strictly forbids the shedding of innocent blood.
News & Media
With the departure this season of judge Graham Elliot (a rotation of guest judges will fill the third spot), Tosi and Ramsay seem very much metaphorical parents — he forbidding but also fun, she sweet but deeply serious.
News & Media
Betty never threw him parties because he forbid it, but Megan's not part of this group of people that subscribes to the world according to Don.
News & Media
But he was forbidden by his seatmates to frolic on the ice.
News & Media
Expert writing Tips
Best practice
Use "but he forbids" to introduce a contrast where a person in authority is disallowing something, especially after a statement that might imply permission or allowance. For example, "He encourages creativity, but he forbids plagiarism."
Common error
Avoid using "but he forbids" if the prohibition isn't directly related to the preceding statement. Ensure the forbidden action naturally follows from the initial clause; otherwise, the contrast may seem illogical or forced.
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested
Linguistic Context
"But he forbids" functions as a conjunctive phrase introducing a contrasting element. As supported by Ludwig and its examples, it connects a previous statement with a subsequent prohibition, often highlighting a restriction enforced by an individual in a position of authority.
Frequent in
News & Media
50%
Encyclopedias
38%
Science
12%
Less common in
Formal & Business
0%
Wiki
0%
Reference
0%
Ludwig's WRAP-UP
In summary, "but he forbids" serves as a conjunctive phrase to introduce a contrasting prohibition, often by a person of authority. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and usable, typically found in neutral contexts like news and encyclopedic entries. While several alternatives exist, such as "however he prohibits", the specific choice depends on the desired tone and nuance. Remember to use this phrase when there's a clear contrast between a prior statement and a subsequent prohibition, ensuring that the forbidden action logically follows.
More alternative expressions(6)
Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:
however he bans it
Replaces "forbids" with the more direct term "bans", emphasizing the severity of the prohibition.
however he prohibits it
Replaces "forbids" with "prohibits" and adds "it" for clarity, emphasizing the action of prohibiting.
yet he disallows it
Uses "disallows" instead of "forbids", offering a slightly more formal tone.
though he doesn't permit it
Employs a more explicit form of negation using "doesn't permit", making the prohibition clear.
although he restricts it
Substitutes "forbids" with "restricts", suggesting a limitation rather than a complete ban.
yet he interdicts it
Uses the more formal and less common word "interdicts" for "forbids".
nevertheless he objects to it
Replaces "forbids" with "objects to", highlighting disagreement and opposition.
though he inhibits it
Employs "inhibits" suggesting a hindering or suppression rather than a direct prohibition.
still he vetoes it
Utilizes "vetoes" to indicate a strong rejection or prohibition.
but he puts a stop to it
Uses the idiomatic expression "puts a stop to" instead of "forbids", conveying immediate cessation.
FAQs
How can I rephrase "but he forbids"?
Alternatives include /s/however+he+prohibits, /s/yet+he+disallows, or /s/though+he+doesn't+permit depending on the level of formality and emphasis desired.
Is "but he forbids" grammatically correct?
Yes, "but he forbids" is grammatically sound. The conjunction "but" introduces a contrasting element to a previous statement, while "he forbids" indicates a prohibition enacted by someone.
What's the difference between "but he forbids" and "but he doesn't allow"?
While both phrases convey a sense of prohibition, "but he forbids" may carry a slightly stronger connotation of authority or control compared to the more general "but he doesn't allow".
When is it appropriate to use "but he forbids" in writing?
It is appropriate to use "but he forbids" when indicating that someone in a position of authority is disallowing something, especially after a statement that might suggest permission or possibility. The phrase should smoothly transition to the prohibition.
Editing plus AI, all in one place.
Stop switching between tools. Your AI writing partner for everything—polishing proposals, crafting emails, finding the right tone.
Table of contents
Usage summary
Human-verified examples
Expert writing tips
Linguistic context
Ludwig's wrap-up
Alternative expressions
FAQs
Source & Trust
85%
Authority and reliability
4.3/5
Expert rating
Real-world application tested