disallows

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'disallows' is a proper word in written English and can be used in formal and informal contexts.
It means to not allow something or to forbid something. Example sentence: The school's dress code disallows any clothing with offensive slogans or logos.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

51 human-written examples

That said, the commission's Statement of Objections pre-emptively disallows a number of ways in which Microsoft could evade the proposed tying remedies which suggests that the commission has learned from past regulatory experiences.If no agreement is reached, however, and the expected negative ruling is issued, probably in March, Microsoft will appeal.

The Economist

To the toner-cartridge company that warns its customers not to eat the contents add the fast-food chain that prints "Caution contents hot!" on its coffee cup, the school that disallows playground games, the firm that forbids lunchtime drinking or the garage that bans risqué pin-up calendars.

The Economist

Other warranties may also be waived by "as is" language or by a course of dealing that disallows the warranty.

Encyclopedia Britannica

According to a county government video, buttocks are also targeted by the new law, which now disallows men and women from showing any part of their buttocks rather than just covering "the centre third" (bottom crease).

Independent

Although there have been some calls for repeal of the amendment, because it disallows voters to democratically elect the president of their choice, it has proved uncontroversial over the years.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In most cases, Geneva disallows any harsher treatment for prisoners who are non-cooperative.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

He was rewarded with a firm handshake from the official, who had previously awarded the goal but now disallowed it.

The Guardian - Sport

Games with a strong England, an excellent France and a solid Czechoslovakia team are remembered more now for the head of the Kuwaiti FA striding onto the pitch mid-game to tell the referee that a fourth French goal should be disallowed (the official obeyed).

The Guardian - Sport

Replays show the decision to disallow the goal was correct, but he wasn't offside by much.

The Guardian - Sport

A try Queensland scored in the chaos was disallowed, though they still won as they were leading NSW by two points.

The Guardian

Iraizoz came forward in the final minute and thought he had grabbed an unlikely equalizer when he headed into the net, but the referee disallowed the goal because the assistant referee ruled a Bilbao player offside at the free kick.

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "disallows", ensure the subject clearly indicates who or what is doing the disallowing and the object specifies what is being disallowed for clarity.

Common error

Avoid overuse of "disallows" in informal contexts. Simpler alternatives like "doesn't allow" or "prohibits" may be more appropriate for conversational or less formal writing.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "disallows" is as a transitive verb in the third-person singular present tense. It indicates that a subject is preventing or prohibiting something. Ludwig's examples demonstrate its use in legal, regulatory, and general contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "disallows" is a grammatically sound and frequently used verb that signifies the act of preventing or prohibiting something. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and provides numerous examples across diverse contexts, including News & Media, Encyclopedias, and Science. While generally formal, it's essential to choose appropriate alternatives like "prohibits" or "does not permit" in less formal settings. Use "disallows" when you want to assert that a rule, law, or authority actively prevents a specific action or condition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibits

Direct synonym; replaces "disallows" with a more common term for forbidding something.

forbids

Similar to prohibits, offers a slightly less formal alternative to "disallows".

does not permit

Rephrases "disallows" using a negative construction with "permit", softening the tone slightly.

precludes

More formal and technical synonym for "disallows", suggesting impossibility or prevention.

rules out

Idiomatic alternative to "disallows", indicating that something is not a possibility.

makes impossible

Emphasizes the result of disallowing something, focusing on the lack of possibility.

renders invalid

Applies when something is disallowed because it doesn't meet requirements or standards.

vetoes

Suggests the exercise of power to disallow something, often in a political or organizational context.

negates

A more formal term meaning to nullify or disallow.

invalidates

Similar to renders invalid, highlights the cancellation of something's legitimacy.

FAQs

How is "disallows" used in a sentence?

The word "disallows" is typically used to indicate that something is not permitted or allowed. For instance, "The school's dress code disallows hats in the classroom".

What's a good alternative to "disallows"?

Depending on the context, you can use words like "prohibits", "forbids", or "does not allow" as alternatives to "disallows".

What is the difference between "disallows" and "prevents"?

"Disallows" implies a rule or authority that prohibits something, while "prevents" suggests stopping something from happening, often through practical means. For example, a law disallows certain actions, while a barrier prevents access.

Is it correct to say "disallows from"?

While not grammatically incorrect, it's more common and stylistically preferable to use "disallows" followed directly by the object being disallowed (e.g., "The rule disallows smoking"). You can rephrase to avoid "from" if needed.