not allowed

USAGE SUMMARY

"not allowed" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to indicate that something is prohibited, forbidden, or not permitted. For example, "Swimming in the lake is not allowed."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Not allowed.

The New York Times

You're just not allowed.

The New York Times

Rentals are not allowed.

The New York Times

Visitors were not allowed.

The New Yorker

I am not allowed.

The New York Times

Subletting is not allowed.

The New York Times

Photography was not allowed.

The New York Times

(Coolers are not allowed).

The New York Times

This was not allowed.

The New Yorker

Pets are not allowed.

Independent

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

Nissley would not allow it.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "not allowed", ensure the context clearly specifies who or what authority is imposing the restriction.

Common error

Avoid using "not allowed" without specifying what is prohibited. Instead of saying "That's not allowed", specify "Parking here is not allowed".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not allowed" functions as a predicate adjective expressing prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig AI confirms its validity through numerous examples, demonstrating its role in stating what actions or behaviors are restricted.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

35%

Wiki

25%

Science

20%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

5%

Reference

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not allowed" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to express prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and widespread use across diverse contexts. Predominantly found in News & Media, Wiki, and Scientific sources, it maintains a neutral register. When using this phrase, clarity is key: always specify what is being restricted. Consider alternatives like "prohibited" or "forbidden" for nuanced expression or formal contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Not permitted

A more formal synonym, often used in official contexts.

Prohibited

More formal and direct, implying a strict rule or law.

Unauthorized

Implies that something lacks official approval or permission.

Forbidden

Suggests a stronger sense of interdiction, often with moral or ethical implications.

Against the rules

Emphasizes that something violates established regulations.

Off limits

Similar to "out of bounds", indicating an area or topic that is restricted.

Out of bounds

Suggests a boundary that should not be crossed, either literally or figuratively.

Not acceptable

Indicates that something does not meet the required standards or expectations.

Not an option

Indicates that something is not a viable choice or possibility.

Illicit

Suggests that something is unlawful or morally wrong.

FAQs

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

Use "not allowed" to indicate something is prohibited or forbidden. For example, "Smoking is not allowed in this area".

What are some alternatives to saying "not allowed"?

You can use alternatives like "prohibited", "forbidden", or "not permitted" depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "not permitted" instead of "not allowed"?

Yes, ""not permitted"" generally carries a more formal tone than "not allowed", making it suitable for official or professional contexts.

What's the difference between "not allowed" and "not possible"?

"Not allowed" indicates a prohibition, while "not possible" indicates something is unachievable or infeasible. The former relates to rules, the latter to capabilities.