must not be allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "must not be allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a prohibition or something that is not permitted in a certain context. Example: "In our organization, any form of discrimination must not be allowed under any circumstances."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

This must not be allowed.

The New York Times

They must not be allowed to succeed".

Independent

That must not be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

This must not be allowed to happen.

The Guardian

They must not be allowed to vote.

The New York Times

Guaidó must not be allowed to fail.

The Guardian - Opinion

That perception must not be allowed".

The Guardian

She must not be allowed to die!

The New Yorker

It must not be allowed to fail.

The New York Times

It must not be allowed to happen.

The Guardian - Sport

It must not be allowed to succeed.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Consider the tone you wish to convey. "Must not be allowed" is a strong prohibitive statement. For softer prohibitions, alternatives like "should not be permitted" might be more appropriate.

Common error

Avoid using "must not be allowed" in casual conversations or informal writing where a less forceful expression would be more natural. Overusing strong prohibitions can sound overly authoritarian.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "must not be allowed" functions as a modal verb phrase expressing strong prohibition or prevention. It indicates that something is strictly forbidden and should not be permitted. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and frequent use.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Formal & Business

10%

Science

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Academia

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "must not be allowed" is a grammatically sound and frequently used expression for conveying strong prohibition or prevention. As Ludwig AI analysis shows, it appears most commonly in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While versatile, it's essential to consider the tone and avoid overuse in informal settings. Remember, while forceful, alternative phrases like "should not be permitted" or "cannot be tolerated" might be more fitting depending on the specific context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

is not to be allowed

A slightly more emphatic and formal version of the original phrase, highlighting the act of allowance.

must be prevented

Focuses on the action of preventing something, rather than allowing it. Retains a strong sense of necessity.

is forbidden

Direct and simple way of saying something is not allowed. Can be used in various contexts.

should not be permitted

Replaces "must" with "should", indicating a recommendation against something rather than a strict prohibition. This is a less forceful expression.

is strictly prohibited

Formal and emphatic way of saying something is not allowed. Adds a legal or official tone.

cannot be tolerated

Emphasizes that something is unacceptable and will not be endured. Focus is more on the lack of acceptance than on prevention.

cannot be accepted

Focuses on the unacceptability of something, similar to "cannot be tolerated" but potentially in a more formal setting.

is impermissible

A more formal and less common way of saying something is not allowed. Implies a rule or law is being broken.

is out of the question

Indicates something is completely impossible or unacceptable. Less direct in addressing allowance.

is not an option

States that something is not a viable choice or possibility. Focuses on feasibility rather than permission.

FAQs

What does "must not be allowed" mean?

The phrase "must not be allowed" indicates that something is strictly forbidden or that permission should not be granted for a particular action or event.

When is it appropriate to use the phrase "must not be allowed"?

It's appropriate to use "must not be allowed" in situations where you want to express a strong prohibition, typically in formal writing, rules, regulations, or when emphasizing the importance of preventing something.

What are some alternatives to "must not be allowed"?

You can use alternatives like "should not be permitted", "cannot be tolerated", or "is strictly prohibited" depending on the context and desired level of formality.

Is "must not be allowed" the same as "cannot be allowed"?

While similar, "must not be allowed" carries a stronger sense of obligation or necessity compared to "cannot be allowed". "Cannot be allowed" suggests something is impossible or unfeasible, while "must not be allowed" implies a deliberate decision to prevent something.