do not allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "do not allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express a prohibition or restriction on an action or behavior. Example: "The rules clearly state that you do not allow any food or drinks in the library."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

"We do not allow cover-ups".

The New York Times

Historical circumstances do not allow the luxury.

The New Yorker

They do not allow punitive damages.

The New York Times

Modern cities do not allow this.

The New Yorker

"Do not allow this to happen again".

The New York Times

These booths do not allow recording either.

Independent

Do not allow these ingredients to brown.

The New York Times - Health

I do not allow it".

The New York Times

Do not allow this to happen.

University of California, Berkeley

The governing equations do not allow for acoustic waves.

Journal of Computational Physics

Certainly they do not allow for parking.

The New York Times - Food

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing or warning against an action, use "do not allow" to clearly communicate what should be prevented. For example, "Do not allow the engine to overheat" provides a direct and easily understood instruction.

Common error

Avoid using "allow" reflexively when a simple prohibition is intended. For instance, instead of saying "Do not allow yourself to be distracted", a more direct instruction is often preferable: "Do not get distracted".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "do not allow" primarily functions as a directive, serving to prohibit or restrict a specific action or behavior. This is supported by Ludwig, which identifies its role in expressing restrictions.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Wiki

46%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "do not allow" is a common and grammatically sound way to express prohibition or restriction. Ludwig confirms its correctness and widespread use. With a neutral to informal register, it's suitable for various contexts, although formal situations may benefit from alternatives such as "do not permit". Predominantly found in news media and wiki sources, "do not allow" serves to issue clear directives and guidance, as demonstrated by Ludwig's diverse examples. When using this phrase, ensure clarity and consider the specific context to choose the most appropriate level of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

do not permit

A more formal alternative, often used in official contexts.

disallow

A formal term indicating refusal of permission.

prohibit

Emphasizes a formal or legal ban on something.

do not approve

Expresses a lack of agreement or permission for something.

forbid

Suggests a strong, personal prohibition.

do not authorize

Emphasizes the lack of official approval.

do not enable

Focuses on preventing something from being activated or made possible.

do not sanction

Highlights the lack of endorsement or approval, often in a moral or ethical sense.

rule out

Indicates that something is not a possibility or option.

block

A direct and forceful way of saying something is prevented.

FAQs

What can I say instead of "do not allow"?

You can use alternatives like "prohibit", "forbid", or "do not permit" depending on the context.

How to use "do not allow" in a sentence?

Use "do not allow" to express a prohibition or restriction. For example, "The rules clearly state that you do not allow any food or drinks in the library."

Is it correct to say "does not allow" instead of "do not allow"?

"Does not allow" is used with a singular subject, while "do not allow" is used with plural subjects or the pronouns "I", "you", "we", and "they". For example, "The school does not allow hats" versus "They do not allow hats."

What's the difference between "do not allow" and "do not permit"?

While both phrases convey a prohibition, "do not permit" is generally more formal than "do not allow". The choice depends on the context and the desired tone.