is forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is forbidden" is grammatically correct and commonly used in written English.
It can be used to express that something is not allowed or prohibited. Here is an example: "Smoking is forbidden in this building. Please refrain from smoking while on the premises."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Formal & Business

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Heckling is forbidden.

The New York Times - Magazine

(Photography is forbidden).

The New York Times - Arts

Mayonnaise is forbidden.

The New Yorker

Public nudity is forbidden.

Independent

Now retreading is forbidden.

The New Yorker

It is forbidden".

The New York Times

That is forbidden".

The New York Times

Small talk is forbidden.

The New York Times

Anything homemade is forbidden.

The New Yorker

Homosexuality is forbidden in Iran.

The New York Times

Alcohol is forbidden, polygamy common.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is forbidden" to clearly and directly state that an action or object is not permitted. This phrasing leaves no room for ambiguity.

Common error

While grammatically correct, "is forbidden" can sound overly formal in casual conversation. Opt for alternatives like "not allowed" or "off-limits" for a more natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is forbidden" functions as a predicative adjective, indicating a state of being disallowed or prohibited. Ludwig AI confirms that it follows standard grammatical rules and is commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

45%

Science

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is forbidden" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to denote that something is not allowed. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical validity and common usage. It appears across diverse sources, including news, scientific publications, and wikis, exhibiting a neutral to formal register. For less formal situations, consider alternatives such as "is not allowed" or "is off-limits". While generally clear, overuse in casual contexts can sound stiff. Always be mindful of the audience and the specific context to ensure appropriate language use.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited

Direct synonym, interchangeable in many contexts but carries a slightly more formal tone.

is not allowed

A more straightforward and less formal way of expressing the same idea.

is banned

Implies an official or legal prohibition.

is restricted

Indicates that something is limited but not necessarily completely disallowed.

is off-limits

Informal way to indicate something is out of bounds or inaccessible.

is verboten

A German loanword that is a direct synonym but less commonly used in English.

is out of the question

Suggests something is not feasible or acceptable.

is impermissible

A more formal and less common synonym.

must not be done

Emphasizes obligation and avoidance.

cannot be done

Focuses on impossibility or lack of permission.

FAQs

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

Use "is forbidden" to state that something is not allowed or permitted. For example, "Smoking is forbidden in this area".

What are some alternatives to "is forbidden"?

You can use alternatives like "is prohibited", "is not allowed", or "is banned" depending on the context.

Is it better to use "is forbidden" or "is prohibited"?

"Is forbidden" and "is prohibited" are often interchangeable, but "is forbidden" can sometimes carry a slightly stronger or more absolute connotation. "Is prohibited" tends to be more formal and is often used in legal or official contexts.

What's the difference between "is forbidden" and "is restricted"?

"Is forbidden" means something is completely disallowed, while "is restricted" indicates limitations or conditions. For instance, "Access is forbidden" means no access is permitted, while "Access is restricted" means access is limited to certain people or times.