is now illegal

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is now illegal" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something has recently been made unlawful or prohibited by law. Example: "As of this month, texting while driving is now illegal in our state."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Under Friday's ruling, it is now illegal to distribute propaganda material promoting IS, to display the group's symbols, or to take part in activities connected with the group.

Independent

(It is now illegal).

The New York Times

Such discrimination is now illegal.

The Economist

Such reprocessing is now illegal.

The New York Times - Science

Bribing foreigners is now illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

It is now illegal to import them.

The Guardian

Clapping in the street is now illegal.

The Guardian - Opinion

Merely to back such a complaint is now illegal.

The Economist

Every abortion is now illegal, regardless of circumstance.

The Guardian

It is now illegal to deny the Holocaust, for example.

The Guardian

In Arizona, the purchase or sale of individual catalytic converters by most people is now illegal.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "is now illegal", ensure that the context clearly indicates when the change in legality occurred. This helps avoid ambiguity and provides clarity to the reader.

Common error

Avoid using "is now illegal" when referring to actions that have been illegal for a long time. Instead, use "has always been illegal" or "is illegal".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is now illegal" functions as a predicate adjective, describing the current legal status of a subject. It indicates that something has recently transitioned into being against the law, according to Ludwig.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

78%

Science

12%

Encyclopedias

3%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

2%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is now illegal" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to indicate that something has recently become prohibited by law. Ludwig AI analysis confirms its validity and widespread use across various contexts, particularly in news and media, science, and encyclopedias. When using this phrase, ensure that the context clearly specifies when the change in legality took effect. Avoid using it for actions that have always been illegal; instead, opt for alternatives like "is illegal". High-quality sources such as The New York Times and The Guardian frequently employ this phrase, solidifying its reliability in both formal and informal communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

has been outlawed

Indicates a formal prohibition, often by law.

is currently prohibited

Emphasizes the present state of being forbidden.

is now prohibited by law

Highlights the legal aspect of the prohibition.

has been declared unlawful

Focuses on the declaration of illegality.

is no longer permitted

Suggests a change in permission status.

is against the law

A more general way to state that something is illegal.

is now a crime

Highlights the criminal aspect of the action.

is now banned

A simple and direct way to say something is prohibited.

is officially forbidden

Emphasizes the official nature of the prohibition.

is subject to legal penalties

Focuses on the consequences of violating the prohibition.

FAQs

What's a simple way to say "is now illegal"?

You can use "is now banned" or "is currently prohibited" as simpler alternatives.

How can I emphasize the legal aspect of "is now illegal"?

To emphasize the legal aspect, you can use "is now prohibited by law" or "has been declared unlawful".

Which is correct, "is now illegal" or "was now illegal"?

"Is now illegal" is correct when referring to a present state of illegality. "Was now illegal" is grammatically incorrect.

What is the difference between "is illegal" and "is now illegal"?

"Is illegal" refers to a general state of illegality, while "is now illegal" indicates a recent change in legal status. For instance, compare "Murder is illegal" with "Public smoking in this area is now illegal".