forbidden to do something

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forbidden to do something" is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
It is used to describe something that is not allowed, or against the rules or laws. Some examples of how it can be used in a sentence are: - Eating in the library is forbidden. - Children are forbidden to enter the restricted area. - The students were forbidden to use their phones during the exam. - It is forbidden to smoke on the premises. - The company's policy forbids employees to discuss confidential information with outsiders.

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

And TV can do one thing we hate to love that a movie is forbidden to do -- something that widely successful authors like Dan Brown mastered with The Da Vinci Code -- and that is leave us hanging on a cliff until the next chapter or next week's episode.

Huffington Post

It seems they were "discussing the new monthly crew flight scheduling system" that is now in place as a result of the Delta-Northwest merger, and were looking at their laptops (something they are forbidden to do on the flight deck).(Photo credit: AFP).

The Economist

If we intend something bad as an end, or even as a means to some more beneficent end, we are said to have "set ourselves at evil," something we are categorically forbidden to do (Aquinas Summa Theologica).

SEP

It should be explicitly forbidden to do so.

The Guardian - Opinion

"They were forbidden to do anything," he said.

The New York Times - Arts

Sorry, correction: wanting a nonviolent future in which all the inhabitants of the region have self-definition and can exercise all their basic rights is O.K., but saying it out loud or, God forbid, trying to do something about it — that's too dangerous.

The New Yorker

When you forbid them not to do something, especially drugs, it only makes them want to do it more.

WikiHow

I read a few months ago that Bush had forbidden the Governor of California to do something for ecology.

The Guardian - Arts

This is a very dangerous way to parent, and I urge you to see it more as an opportunity your daughter took to do something forbidden than an act intended to hurt you.

Huffington Post

The Religious Freedom Restoration Act and similar laws throughout the Western world demand that if the state is to force believers to do something that their religion forbids, or to forbid them to do something that their religion requires, it should at least demonstrate a strong reason for doing so.

The New Yorker

While a separate trial on charges of violating civil rights is a possibility, "the government must prove beyond a reasonable doubt that a person acted intentionally and with the specific intent to do something which the law forbids," Ms. Hinojosa said.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "forbidden to do something", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what is imposing the prohibition. Clarity avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the prohibition is universally understood; specify the context where the action is "forbidden to do something". For instance, clarify whether it's a legal, ethical, or social restriction.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forbidden to do something" functions as a verb phrase expressing prohibition or the lack of permission to perform a specific action. It explicitly states that someone is not allowed or authorized to engage in the mentioned activity. According to Ludwig, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Missing

Frequent in

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Less common in

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forbidden to do something" effectively communicates a prohibition or restriction. As confirmed by Ludwig, it is grammatically correct for use in written English. While example sentences are currently limited, it's understood to be more formal than alternatives like "not allowed to do something". Its use helps to clearly outline what actions are not permitted, particularly in professional or official contexts. Remembering to clarify the source and scope of the prohibition enhances the phrase's effectiveness.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibited from doing something

Replaces "forbidden" with a direct synonym, maintaining the same structure.

not allowed to do something

Uses a more common and less formal expression to convey the same meaning.

banned from doing something

Suggests a more official or legal prohibition.

restricted from doing something

Implies limitations rather than a complete ban.

prevented from doing something

Focuses on the action of stopping someone from doing something.

cannot do something

A simple and direct way to express inability due to a rule or restriction.

impermissible to do something

A more formal and less common way to say that something is not allowed.

out of bounds to do something

Suggests that an action is beyond the limits of what is acceptable.

off-limits to do something

Similar to "out of bounds", indicating that something is not permitted.

ruled out to do something

Indicates that something has been officially rejected or disallowed.

FAQs

How can I use "forbidden to do something" in a sentence?

Use "forbidden to do something" to indicate that an action is not allowed. For example, "Students are forbidden to use their phones during the exam."

What are some alternatives to "forbidden to do something"?

You can use alternatives like "not allowed to do something", "prohibited from doing something", or "banned from doing something" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "forbidden to do something" or "not allowed to do something"?

"Forbidden to do something" is generally considered more formal than "not allowed to do something". Use "forbidden" in official or legal contexts.

Which is correct: "forbidden to do" or "forbidden from doing"?

Both constructions are acceptable, but "forbidden to do" is often considered more grammatically formal, while "forbidden from doing" is also frequently used.