must be prohibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must be prohibited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something is required to be banned or not allowed, often in formal or legal contexts. Example: "In order to maintain a safe environment, any form of harassment must be prohibited."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

33 human-written examples

Insurance companies must be prohibited from discriminating based on medical history — a prohibition that must include preventing them from issuing bare-bones policies that will appeal only to those in good health — but that won't do the job by itself.

The New York Times

A majority of nations believe that nuclear weapons are unacceptable and must be prohibited.

The Guardian

Unilateral action must be prohibited and geo-engineering must be outlawed as a form of aggression.

The Guardian - Opinion

Firing gas canisters or grenades directly into a crowd or toward individuals must be prohibited.

The Washington Post

While adults shouldn't needlessly expose themselves to this potentially deadly radiation, children must be prohibited from exposure to this cancer-causing agent.

The New York Times - Health

Dual tracking must be prohibited, and if foreclosure is unavoidable, servicers must provide borrowers with verification of their legal right to foreclose before starting the process.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

27 human-written examples

In addition, digital learning options must not be prohibited.

The Washington Post

What worked for the US, China and South Korea must not be prohibited by the WTO.

The Guardian - Opinion

Note: Expenditures on a non-federal sponsored project must not be prohibited by the sponsor in its terms and conditions or by University policy.

Yale University

That means, for example, that experiments involving the supply of heroin on medical prescription must not just be prohibited by national authorities out of hand.

European Parliament

Regarding content, the speech – in order to be prohibited – must be 'contemptuous, hateful and malicious'; specifying that it particularly targets expressions of 'classical' biological racism.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "must be prohibited", ensure the context clearly defines the authority enforcing the prohibition, enhancing the statement's clarity and impact.

Common error

Avoid using "must be prohibited" in casual conversation; opt for more relaxed alternatives like "is not allowed" or "is off-limits" to maintain a natural tone.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must be prohibited" functions as a modal passive construction, expressing a strong obligation that something is not allowed. Ludwig AI confirms this phrase is used to enforce rules or regulations, as seen in examples like, "Firing gas canisters or grenades directly into a crowd or toward individuals must be prohibited."

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

37%

Science

33%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Academia

8%

Wiki

7%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must be prohibited" is a modal passive construction used to express a strong and non-negotiable ban. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and frequently appears in formal contexts such as news reports, scientific articles, and official documents. To ensure clarity and appropriateness, avoid its overuse in casual settings, and always define the enforcing authority when using the phrase. Related phrases like "should be forbidden", "needs to be banned", and "is not allowed" can provide suitable alternatives depending on the context and desired tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

should be forbidden

Replaces "must" with "should", softening the obligation but retaining the sense of prohibition.

needs to be banned

Uses "needs to be" instead of "must be", and "banned" instead of "prohibited", offering a more direct and forceful tone.

is strictly forbidden

Emphasizes the prohibition with "strictly", reinforcing the mandatory nature of the ban.

is not allowed

Offers a simpler and more straightforward way to express the prohibition, suitable for less formal contexts.

cannot be permitted

Replaces "must" with "cannot", highlighting the impossibility of permission.

is impermissible

Uses the single word "impermissible" to convey that something is not allowed, suitable for formal contexts.

is out of the question

Expresses a strong rejection or prohibition, often used in informal settings.

is ruled out

Suggests that something has been officially excluded or prohibited.

is off-limits

Informally indicates that something is forbidden or restricted.

is under embargo

Specifically indicates a legal or official prohibition, often in trade or information contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "must be prohibited" in a sentence?

Use "must be prohibited" to express that something is absolutely not allowed or permitted. For instance, "The use of mobile phones during the exam "must be prohibited"."

What are some alternatives to "must be prohibited"?

Alternatives include "should be forbidden", "needs to be banned", or "is not allowed", depending on the formality and strength of the prohibition you wish to convey.

When is it appropriate to use "must be prohibited"?

"Must be prohibited" is best suited for formal or official contexts, such as legal documents, policy statements, or official announcements, where a strict ban is being communicated.

What is the difference between "must be prohibited" and "should be prohibited"?

"Must be prohibited" indicates a strict, non-negotiable ban, whereas "should be prohibited" suggests a recommendation or strong suggestion for a ban, leaving room for potential exceptions or flexibility.