is not prescribed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is not prescribed" is a perfectly correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it when someone or something cannot or should not be assigned a particular role, requirement, or directive. For example, "The exact length of the report is not prescribed; so you can make it as short or as long as you like."

✓ Grammatically correct

Science

News & Media

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Stoning is not prescribed by the Koran.

The New York Times

"That is not prescribed by the Board of Education.

The New York Times

Tramadol, a pain medication, is not prescribed for children.

The New York Times

It is not prescribed in the law approved by the Leg islature at its last session.

The New York Times

However, when medication is not prescribed by health professionals, users' knowledge of such medication may be adversely affected.

The Journal of Sexual Medicine

This is not prescribed in detail, but schools have the flexibility to deal with these topics in ways they think are appropriate for their pupils, the response said.

The Guardian - Film

Wharton's reply: The exact extent of the north in the context of the northern powerhouse is not prescribed by the government.

The Guardian

The one-dimensional heat conduction analysis exists only if the temperature is not prescribed at any point of the cross-section along the span except the end surfaces.

Composite Structures

In this work, a general theory is developed for the case where the configuration is not prescribed at the end times of the variational principle.

Journal of Sound and Vibration

In contrast to some existing methods, the swimming velocity of the body is not prescribed but is computed along with the forces, without requiring a body-fitted grid.

Journal of Computational Physics

The rotational component of seismic excitation is typically ignored in analysis and design, and it is not prescribed in modern seismic codes.

Engineering Structures

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is not prescribed" to clearly indicate when a particular action, method, or treatment is optional or not formally required. For instance, "While exercise is encouraged, the specific type of workout is not prescribed."

Common error

Avoid using "is not prescribed" in everyday conversation or informal writing. It's best suited for formal, technical, or legal contexts where precision is important. In casual settings, simpler phrases like "isn't required" or "isn't necessary" may be more appropriate.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is not prescribed" functions as a passive construction indicating the absence of a requirement, direction, or mandatory instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is grammatically correct. Examples show it used in contexts where something is optional or lacks formal specification.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

47%

News & Media

33%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

3%

Academia

3%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is not prescribed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression that indicates the absence of a requirement or mandatory instruction. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is appropriate for use in a variety of contexts, particularly in science, news, and formal business settings. The phrase's function is to inform and clarify, setting boundaries by defining what is not mandated. While widely applicable, it's best suited for formal or technical writing, and simpler alternatives may be preferable in casual conversation. Ludwig's examples demonstrate the diverse applications of this phrase, highlighting its importance in conveying precision and clarity.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not mandated

Focuses on the lack of a formal requirement or obligation.

is not required

Emphasizes the absence of necessity or obligation.

is not specified

Highlights the absence of explicit details or instructions.

is not stipulated

Indicates that something is not formally arranged or demanded as part of an agreement.

is not dictated

Suggests a lack of control or command over a particular action or outcome.

is not compulsory

Emphasizes that something is optional rather than obligatory.

is not obligatory

Highlights the lack of a binding requirement.

is not enforced

Focuses on the absence of active implementation or application of a rule or regulation.

is not set down

Indicates that something has not been formally written or established.

is not laid down

Similar to "is not set down", implying a lack of established rules or guidelines.

FAQs

What does "is not prescribed" mean?

The phrase "is not prescribed" means something is not required, ordered, or specified as a course of action, treatment, or regulation. It indicates a lack of formal direction or obligation.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "is not prescribed"?

It is most appropriate in formal writing, technical manuals, medical contexts, or legal documents where it's important to precisely convey that something is optional or not mandated.

What can I say instead of "is not prescribed"?

You can use alternatives like "is not required", "is not specified", or "is not mandated" depending on the context.

Is "is not prescribed" the same as "is prohibited"?

No, "is not prescribed" means something is optional, while "is prohibited" means something is forbidden. They have opposite meanings. The former simply lacks recommendation, whereas the later is explicitly disallowed.