is forbidden to

USAGE SUMMARY

"is forbidden to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is generally used to indicate that something is not allowed. For example, "Throwing rocks in the park is forbidden to everyone."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

53 human-written examples

Alcohol is forbidden to Moslems.

The New York Times

Today, entry is forbidden to the public.

The Guardian

It is forbidden to mention their real past.

The New Yorker

It is forbidden to trouble him or humiliate him".

The New Yorker

By then he is forbidden to send any more messages.

The New Yorker

But it is forbidden to take anything from this land.

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

It was forbidden to refuse.

The New Yorker

So universities are forbidden to "over-recruit".

The Economist

He has been forbidden to leave Ukraine.

The New York Times

He has been forbidden to leave China.

The New York Times - Arts

We were forbidden to pray aloud.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is forbidden to", ensure that the context clearly indicates who or what is being prohibited and from doing what. For example: "Access to the server is forbidden to unauthorized personnel."

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating the extent of the prohibition. Instead of saying, "Smoking is forbidden," specify where smoking is prohibited: "Smoking is forbidden in all public areas of the building."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is forbidden to" functions as a passive construction, indicating that the subject is the recipient of a prohibition. This usage is supported by examples found by Ludwig, showcasing its role in expressing restrictions or bans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

62%

Science

23%

Wiki

8%

Less common in

Formal & Business

4%

Encyclopedias

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "is forbidden to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its usability. It's most frequently found in news and media, scientific writing, and wiki entries, indicating a neutral to formal register. When using this phrase, ensure clarity by specifying who is forbidden from doing what. Alternatives include "is prohibited from" and "is not allowed to", offering varying degrees of formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited from

This alternative is a more formal synonym, emphasizing the official or legal nature of the prohibition.

is not permitted to

This is a more formal alternative, often used in official contexts.

cannot

This is a simple and direct way of expressing inability or prohibition.

is not allowed to

This alternative uses simpler language, making it more accessible and less formal.

is off-limits to

This alternative is a more informal synonym for “is out of bounds for”.

must not

This is a more direct and forceful way of expressing a prohibition.

is restricted from

This alternative suggests a limitation or partial prohibition, rather than a complete ban.

is barred from

This alternative implies a more forceful or permanent exclusion.

is precluded from

This is a highly formal and somewhat archaic synonym.

is out of bounds for

This idiom implies that something is off-limits or inappropriate.

FAQs

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

The phrase "is forbidden to" indicates that something is not allowed. For example, "He "is forbidden to leave" the country" or "Citizens "are forbidden to own" certain types of weapons".

What are some alternatives to "is forbidden to"?

You can use alternatives such as "is prohibited from", "is not allowed to", or "must not" to convey a similar meaning.

Is "is forbidden to" formal or informal?

"Is forbidden to" has a neutral to slightly formal tone. For more informal contexts, consider using "is not allowed to". For more formal contexts, you might use "is prohibited from".

What's the difference between "is forbidden to" and "is not allowed to"?

While both phrases indicate a prohibition, "is forbidden to" often implies a stricter or more official ban, while "is not allowed to" can be used in more casual contexts. They are largely interchangeable, but the nuance depends on the specific situation.