flatly prohibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "flatly prohibited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is completely and unequivocally forbidden. Example: "The use of mobile phones during the exam is flatly prohibited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

Indeed, the program flatly prohibited the participation of any public school, or parent of any public school enrollee.

The New York Times

"The president is supposed to set an example to everybody, and yet here he wanted to have his girlfriend working with him, which is flatly prohibited under bank rules".

The New Yorker

Hall Willkie, president of Brown Harris Stevens Residential Sales, conceded that a few agents -- even a few in his company -- may have held back listings, but he said it was a rare occurrence and one that the company flatly prohibited.

The New York Times

"This is a classic bill of attainder, and as such it's flatly prohibited by the Constitution.

Huffington Post

One can only imagine when that meeting was held, Clinton pushed hard to get such special treatment, given the fact that any use of a personal email account at all is not flatly prohibited.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

51 human-written examples

Tampa is also considering new municipal laws to limit, and in some instances flatly prohibit, downtown protest activity.

The New York Times

Mr. Kolb wants to go even further, by flatly prohibiting elected officials or registered lobbyists from becoming delegates.

The New York Times

Whether occupying forces themselves use torture, "disappearance" or summary execution -- the usual dirty war tools -- or subcontract these tasks to Iraqis, international law flatly prohibits such brutality.

The New York Times

Medicare officials considered issuing a regulation that would flatly prohibit H.M.O.'s from using their members' names and addresses for lobbying or political purposes.

The New York Times

The proposed measure would flatly prohibit "sexual relationships with a client unless the sexual relationship predates the formation of the client-lawyer relationship".

The New York Times

The Supreme Court has delivered that message repeatedly over the last decade in limiting or flatly prohibiting the most severe criminal punishments for those under 18 at the time of their crime.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "flatly prohibited" to emphasize a strong and unambiguous prohibition. It adds a tone of finality and decisiveness to your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "flatly prohibited" when the prohibition is not absolute or has exceptions. This phrase implies there is no room for negotiation or special circumstances.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "flatly prohibited" functions as a strong declarative statement, indicating that something is absolutely not allowed. As Ludwig AI confirms, its purpose is to convey a definitive and uncompromising ban. Examples show it used in contexts of rules and regulations.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Formal & Business

20%

Wiki

10%

Less common in

Science

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "flatly prohibited" is a phrase used to express a strong and unambiguous prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms that its use is grammatically correct, although relatively rare. It is most commonly found in news and media sources and formal business contexts. While simple and direct, this wording choice is best reserved for situations where the tone of a final, non-negotiable ban is required. If the situation doesn't require such a strong tone, other phrases, such as ""strictly forbidden"", might be more useful.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

strictly forbidden

Emphasizes a firm and uncompromising ban, similar to "flatly prohibited".

expressly forbidden

Highlights that the prohibition is explicitly stated, making it clear and unambiguous.

absolutely banned

Stresses the complete and total nature of the ban.

categorically disallowed

Suggests that the action is rejected without any conditions or exceptions.

outright forbidden

Indicates a direct and unqualified prohibition.

totally impermissible

Highlights that the action is completely unacceptable and cannot be allowed.

completely ruled out

Focuses on the impossibility of something being permitted or considered.

unequivocally banned

Emphasizes that there is no ambiguity or doubt about the ban.

firmly prohibited

Highlights the strength and resolve behind the prohibition.

definitively restricted

Suggests a clear and final limitation or ban.

FAQs

What does "flatly prohibited" mean?

The phrase "flatly prohibited" means something is completely and unequivocally forbidden. There are no exceptions or allowances. The term "flatly" emphasizes the directness and finality of the prohibition.

How can I use "flatly prohibited" in a sentence?

You can use "flatly prohibited" to describe rules, regulations, or actions that are strictly forbidden. For example, "The company's policy "flatly prohibits" the use of personal devices during work hours".

What are some alternatives to "flatly prohibited"?

Alternatives include "strictly forbidden", "expressly forbidden", or "absolutely banned". The best choice depends on the specific context and the nuance you wish to convey.

Is "flatly prohibited" formal or informal?

"Flatly prohibited" is suitable for formal and professional contexts where a clear and decisive tone is required. While not overly technical, it carries more weight than informal alternatives.