is prevented from doing so

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "is prevented from doing so" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that someone or something is not allowed or is hindered from performing a specific action. Example: "The employee is prevented from doing so due to company policy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

18 human-written examples

Mr. Corzine says he is prevented from doing so by a confidentiality agreement he signed when he was co-chairman of Goldman Sachs.

The New York Times

Mr. Corzine says he would like to release his tax returns but is prevented from doing so by a confidentiality agreement with Goldman , Sachs & Company his former employer.

The New York Times

Since both the author and the reader know that more information is wanted and that the author could have provided it, the author implicates that he is prevented from doing so by other considerations, such as politeness.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Vocal scores of the opera are also in evidence, amusingly so when the pedantic town clerk Beckmesser attempts to serenade his would-be bride Eva, but is prevented from doing so by the cobbler-poet Hans Sachs's boisterous song "Jerum!

The New York Times - Arts

So the Treasury can always make payments when due — unless it is prevented from doing so by political blackmail over the statutory debt limit, which is now due to be reached in May.

The New York Times

He has refused to make his tax returns public, insisting that he is prevented from doing so by a confidentiality pact with Goldman Sachs, the financial firm he once headed.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

42 human-written examples

"We would be prevented from doing so; we are prevented from doing so".

The Guardian

Casey was prevented from doing so at the Democratic National Convention.

The New Yorker

But they were prevented from doing so by the injunction.

The Telegraph

So should he and his counsel have been prevented from doing so?

The Guardian - Opinion

The economy will suffer if they are prevented from doing so.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "is prevented from doing so" to clearly and formally state that an action is not possible due to a specific obstacle or rule. It's suitable for contexts where you want to emphasize the reason for the inability.

Common error

Avoid using "is prevented from doing so" in casual conversation. Simpler phrases like "can't" or "unable to" are often more appropriate for informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "is prevented from doing so" functions as a passive construction indicating that an entity is being blocked or hindered from performing an action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it follows standard grammatical rules and is used to express inability due to external factors or restrictions.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

20%

Less common in

Science

10%

Formal & Business

10%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "is prevented from doing so" is a grammatically sound and relatively common expression used to indicate that someone or something is being stopped or hindered from performing a specific action. According to Ludwig, this phrase functions as a passive construction emphasizing external restrictions. It is most frequently found in news and media, encyclopedias, and Wiki sources, suggesting a neutral to formal register. While appropriate for formal writing, simpler alternatives like "cannot do so" might be preferable in casual contexts. Overall, this phrase is a useful tool for clearly stating restrictions or inabilities, as confirmed by Ludwig AI.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is unable to do so

Direct synonym; emphasizes the lack of ability.

cannot do so

A simpler, more direct way of expressing inability.

is not allowed to do so

Highlights the lack of permission.

is hindered from doing so

Focuses on the obstruction or impediment causing the inability.

is blocked from doing so

Emphasizes the obstruction preventing the action.

is barred from doing so

Implies a formal or legal prohibition.

is stopped from doing so

Emphasizes the action of being halted.

is prohibited from doing so

Indicates an explicit ban or restriction.

isimpeded from doing so

Focuses on the difficulty or obstacles encountered.

is restrained from doing so

Highlights the act of being held back or controlled.

FAQs

What does "is prevented from doing so" mean?

The phrase "is prevented from doing so" means that someone or something is stopped or hindered from performing a specific action, typically due to external factors or restrictions.

What can I say instead of "is prevented from doing so"?

You can use alternatives like "is unable to do so", "is hindered from doing so", or "cannot do so" depending on the context.

When is it appropriate to use "is prevented from doing so"?

It is appropriate to use "is prevented from doing so" in formal writing or speech when you want to emphasize that an action is not possible due to a specific rule, barrier, or circumstance.

Is there a difference between "is prevented from doing so" and "is not allowed to do so"?

While similar, "is prevented from doing so" often implies a practical or circumstantial barrier, whereas "is not allowed to do so" typically indicates a lack of permission or a formal prohibition.