is not allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not allowed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone is prohibited from doing something. Example: "Students are not allowed to use their phones during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Academia

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

And she is not allowed to tip.

The New York Times - Tech

He is not allowed to do so.

Independent

She is not allowed to.

The New York Times

Education, though, is not allowed to suffer.

The Guardian - Sport

Civil society is not allowed to flourish.

The Guardian - Opinion

"She is not allowed to leave school.

The New York Times

He is not allowed to speak with Ms. Newman.

The New York Times

It is not allowed to do business in Israel.

The Washington Post

Money is not allowed to be discussed alongside morality.

The Guardian

Now, he is not allowed to interact with the public.

The Washington Post

Tiny WSMR is not allowed to stop anywhere it likes.

The Guardian - Travel

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is not allowed to", ensure the context clearly identifies who or what is imposing the restriction. This helps avoid ambiguity and strengthens the clarity of your statement.

Common error

Avoid using "is not allowed to" without specifying the source or context of the prohibition. For example, instead of "He is not allowed to", specify "He is not allowed to leave the house without permission."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not allowed to" functions as a modal construction indicating prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig examples show this usage across diverse contexts, reinforcing its role in expressing restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

52%

Science

30%

Academia

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

3%

Encyclopedias

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not allowed to" is a common and grammatically correct way to express prohibition or lack of permission. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in diverse contexts, particularly in news, scientific, and academic writing. To enhance clarity, always specify the source or context of the restriction. Consider using alternatives like "is prohibited from" or "is not permitted to" for variety and formality. Remember, while "cannot" can sometimes substitute, "is not allowed to" specifically emphasizes the prohibited nature of the action. Ludwig examples clearly illustrate its function, purpose, and acceptable usage.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is prohibited from

Emphasizes a formal prohibition, often by rule or law.

is forbidden to

Highlights a strong sense of being disallowed or interdicted.

is not permitted to

Implies a lack of official permission or authorization.

does not have permission to

Explicitly states the absence of granted approval.

cannot

A more direct and simple way to express inability or prohibition.

must not

Indicates a requirement not to do something, conveying a sense of obligation.

is restricted from

Indicates that certain actions are limited or controlled.

is unauthorized to

Suggests that an action is being done without proper sanction or approval.

is unable to

Focuses on the inability to perform an action, rather than an explicit prohibition.

lacks the authority to

Highlights the absence of power or right to do something.

FAQs

How can I use "is not allowed to" in a sentence?

Use "is not allowed to" to indicate a prohibition or lack of permission. For example, "Students "are not allowed to" use their phones during the exam."

What can I say instead of "is not allowed to"?

Alternatives include "is prohibited from", "is forbidden to", or "is not permitted to", depending on the level of formality you want to convey.

Which is correct, "is not allowed to" or "isn't allowed to"?

Both are grammatically correct, but "is not allowed to" is more formal, while "isn't allowed to" is a contraction suitable for informal contexts.

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

"Cannot" expresses either an inability or a prohibition, whereas "is not allowed to" focuses specifically on a prohibition. Using "is not allowed to" clarifies that the action is forbidden, rather than simply impossible.