forbidden to use

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "forbidden to use" is a grammatically correct expression in written English.
It is used to express that something is not allowed or permitted. For example, "The illegal drugs are forbidden to use in this country."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

55 human-written examples

It is forbidden to use any form of drugs or deal in them.

Independent

"We were absolutely forbidden to use anything that Picasso had created, including anything he wrote.

The New York Times

Opposition parties have been forbidden to "use words or facts that defame other politicians".

The Economist

Athletes are forbidden to use a number of drugs that are said to improve performance.

Encyclopedia Britannica

"As a child I had been forbidden to use dirty words.

The Guardian

The manufacturer was forbidden to use his own embloyees for disassembling work.

The New Yorker

They have been forbidden to use pastels, lavender, peach, rose or pink.

The New York Times

Researchers are still forbidden to use federal financing to derive new human embryonic stem cell lines.

The New York Times - Science

"If you are forbidden to use it until college then you drink to get drunk".

The New York Times - Food

The indigenous people who live there are forbidden to use the water.

The Guardian - Business

We were, however, forbidden to use any external agency staff to cope with the dire shortages.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Vary your language by using synonyms like "prohibited", "banned", or "not allowed" to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement.

Common error

Avoid assuming the prohibition applies universally. Clearly specify the context or group to whom the restriction applies. Instead of "Alcohol is forbidden to use", specify "Minors are forbidden to use alcohol".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "forbidden to use" functions as a passive infinitive construction, indicating that someone or something is prohibited from performing a specific action. As noted by Ludwig, the phrase indicates that something is not permitted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Encyclopedias

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Wiki

2%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "forbidden to use" is a common and grammatically correct expression used to indicate that something is not allowed or permitted. As Ludwig AI has confirmed, it expresses a clear prohibition. Analysis of usage patterns shows it’s prevalent in news, science, and encyclopedic contexts, suggesting a formal to neutral register. While versatile, specific use cases and variations like "prohibited from using" or "not allowed to use" can fine-tune its application. Therefore, when employing this phrase, clarity regarding the scope and context of the prohibition is crucial.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibited from using

Changes the verb and preposition while retaining a formal tone and meaning of restriction.

not permitted to use

Similar to "not allowed to use", but slightly more formal.

not allowed to use

Employs a simpler, more direct construction to indicate a lack of permission.

banned from using

Uses a stronger verb to emphasize the prohibition.

cannot use

A concise way to express the inability to use something due to a rule or restriction.

impermissible to use

Employs a more formal adjective to convey that something is not allowable.

restricted from using

Indicates a limitation rather than an outright ban, suggesting controlled usage.

off-limits to use

Uses a compound adjective to clearly state that something is not allowed.

precluded from using

A more formal and less common way to express the impossibility of using something.

out of bounds for use

Idiomatic expression indicating something is off-limits.

FAQs

What does "forbidden to use" mean?

The phrase "forbidden to use" means that something is not allowed or permitted to be used. It indicates a prohibition or restriction on the use of a particular item, substance, or service.

What are some alternatives to "forbidden to use"?

Alternatives to "forbidden to use" include "prohibited from using", "not allowed to use", "banned from using", or "restricted from using", depending on the specific context.

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

You can use "forbidden to use" in a sentence like this: "Employees are forbidden to use company resources for personal gain", or "Athletes are forbidden to use performance-enhancing drugs".

Is there a difference between "forbidden to use" and "not allowed to use"?

While both phrases convey a similar meaning of restriction, "forbidden to use" often implies a more formal or official prohibition, whereas "not allowed to use" can be more informal and cover a broader range of restrictions. The choice depends on the specific context and the desired level of formality.