not allow

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not allow" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate a prohibition or restriction on an action or behavior. Example: "The school policy does not allow students to use their phones during class."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Boston does not allow pacesetters.

The New York Times - Sports

Nissley would not allow it.

The New Yorker

"That I will not allow".

The New York Times

But one thing she does not allow.

The New York Times

Marco Reus did not allow that indulgence.

The New York Times - Sports

Formerly, the Whitney did not allow photography.

The Guardian - Arts

But they would not allow it.

The New York Times

Judge Sullivan would not allow it.

The New Yorker

"We do not allow cover-ups".

The New York Times

We will not allow this to happen.

The Economist

It did not allow Jews or blacks.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not allow", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is doing the prohibiting. For instance, specify "The rules do not allow..." rather than just "Do not allow...".

Common error

Avoid using "not allow" with a singular subject requiring "allows". Always ensure subject-verb agreement: "He does not allow..." (correct) vs. "He do not allow..." (incorrect).

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not allow" functions as a negative transitive verb phrase, indicating a prohibition or lack of permission. It requires a direct object, specifying what is being disallowed. As Ludwig AI indicates, the phrase is grammatically correct.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Wiki

30%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

5%

Encyclopedias

3%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "not allow" is a versatile and grammatically sound way to express prohibition or restriction, confirmed by Ludwig AI's analysis. It enjoys widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in News & Media and Wiki sources. While alternatives like "prohibit" or "forbid" may offer a more formal tone, "not allow" strikes a balance between clarity and accessibility. Remember to ensure subject-verb agreement and clearly specify what is being disallowed to maximize the effectiveness of your writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

prohibit

A more formal and direct synonym indicating a strong restriction.

forbid

Similar to "prohibit" but often carries a stronger emotional connotation.

disallow

Indicates a refusal to allow something, often in an official context.

rule out

To exclude something as a possibility or option.

preclude

To prevent something from happening or being possible.

block

To prevent access or progress.

restrict

To put a limit on something.

inhibit

To hinder or restrain an action or process.

veto

To reject or prohibit a decision or proposal.

decline to permit

A more verbose way of expressing refusal to allow something.

FAQs

How can I use "not allow" in a sentence?

You can use "not allow" to indicate a prohibition or restriction. For example, "The school does "not allow" students to use phones during class".

What's a more formal way to say "not allow"?

More formal alternatives include "prohibit", "forbid", or "disallow". The choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Which is correct: "does not allow" or "do not allow"?

"Does not allow" is used with singular subjects (e.g., he, she, it), while "do not allow" is used with plural subjects (e.g., they, we, you) and the pronoun "I". For example, "He does "not allow" smoking" and "They do "not allow" pets".

What is the difference between "not allow" and "not permitted"?

"Not allow" is a more general term for prohibition, while "not permitted" often implies a formal or official restriction. You might say "The rules do "not allow" it", but "Photography is "not permitted" in the museum".