i forbid

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "I forbid" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when expressing a strong prohibition or disallowing something. Example: "I forbid you from entering this room without permission."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

41 human-written examples

I forbid you, Mackinnon said.

The New Yorker

I forbid you to like it".

The Guardian - Music

I forbid myself even to think about it".

The New York Times

Now I forbid dandelion removal in my yard!

Cornell University

"I forbid Morrissey from liking the Smiths". That's it.

The Guardian - Opinion

I forbid the subject, so we talk instead about tourism.

The Guardian

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

19 human-written examples

I forbade my mother from making chapati in accompaniment.

The New York Times

I cannot think of any other instance when I forbade my wife from doing anything.

The New Yorker

"I forbade him to drive my car, and I refused to ride with him when he was driving".

The New York Times

When my sister Lisa started smoking, I forbade her to enter my bedroom with a lit cigarette.

The New Yorker

He was rumored to be writing a book about Magna Carta Charless I forbade its publication.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "I forbid" to express a strong, personal prohibition. Ensure the context warrants such a firm stance.

Common error

Avoid using "I forbid" in casual conversation. It can sound overly dramatic or authoritarian when a simpler phrase like "I don't want you to" or "Please don't" would suffice.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "I forbid" functions as a performative utterance, directly enacting the act of prohibiting something. It's a declaration that carries the force of a command or interdiction. Ludwig provides examples in diverse contexts, such as personal directives and authoritative pronouncements.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Academia

25%

Encyclopedias

15%

Less common in

Wiki

5%

Science

3%

Formal & Business

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "I forbid" is a powerful expression of prohibition, typically used to exert control and prevent a specific action. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, the phrase is grammatically sound and sees common use in news and media, encyclopedias, and academic contexts. While generally neutral to formal, it's best to avoid overuse in casual conversation to prevent sounding overly assertive. Alternatives such as "I prohibit" or "I do not permit" offer more formal options, while "I don't want you to" provides a more informal alternative. Use "I forbid" when a strong, personal prohibition is warranted.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

I prohibit

More formal and direct.

I disallow

A more formal and official term.

You are not allowed to

Expresses a lack of permission.

I do not permit

Expresses a withholding of permission.

I object to

Expresses opposition, implying prohibition.

I don't want you to

Informal way of expressing a prohibition.

I command you not to

Strong and authoritarian prohibition.

I rule against

Implies a formal decision prohibiting something.

I put my foot down

Idiomatic way of expressing a firm refusal or prohibition.

I draw the line

Idiomatic expression for setting a limit or prohibition.

FAQs

What does "I forbid" mean?

The phrase "I forbid" expresses a strong prohibition or command, indicating that something is not allowed or permitted.

When is it appropriate to use "I forbid"?

Use "I forbid" when you want to express a firm and authoritative prohibition, particularly in situations where you have the power or right to enforce it. Consider alternatives like "I do not permit" or "I prohibit" for more formal contexts.

What are some alternatives to "I forbid"?

You can use alternatives such as "I prohibit", "I disallow", "you are not allowed to", or "I do not permit" depending on the desired level of formality and the context.

Is "I forbid" too strong for everyday conversation?

Yes, using "I forbid" in everyday conversation can sound overly dramatic or authoritarian. Simpler phrases like "I don't want you to" or "please don't" are often more appropriate.