not be allowed to

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "not be allowed to" is correct and usable in written English.
It is typically used to express a prohibition or restriction on someone's actions or behavior. Example: "Students will not be allowed to use their phones during the exam."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

56 human-written examples

Chongzuo will not be allowed to die.

The Economist

They must not be allowed to succeed".

Independent

That must not be allowed to happen.

The New York Times

It could not be allowed to fail.

The Economist

This must not be allowed to happen.

The Guardian

They must not be allowed to vote.

The New York Times

She must not be allowed to die!

The New Yorker

She should not be allowed to run.

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

When using "not be allowed to", ensure clarity about who or what is imposing the restriction. Specifying the authority enhances the sentence's precision.

Common error

Avoid using singular verbs with plural subjects when constructing sentences with "not be allowed to". For example, it's incorrect to say "They is not be allowed to enter".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "not be allowed to" functions as a modal construction expressing prohibition or lack of permission. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, this phrase is common in expressing that someone is restricted from performing an action.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "not be allowed to" is a common and grammatically correct phrase used to express prohibition or lack of permission. Ludwig AI confirms its widespread use across diverse contexts, especially in news and media. While variations exist, such as "be prohibited from" or "must not", this phrase effectively communicates restrictions and is suitable for neutral to formal communication. To enhance clarity, always indicate the source of the prohibition.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

not be permitted to

This is a direct synonym, indicating a lack of authorization.

be prohibited from

This alternative indicates a formal prohibition, often by rule or law.

be forbidden to

Similar to "be prohibited from", this suggests a strong interdiction.

be restricted from

This implies limitations or constraints on certain actions.

be barred from

Suggests an official exclusion from a place or activity.

be prevented from

Suggests an external force is stopping the action.

be ineligible to

Indicates a lack of qualification or entitlement.

must not

Expresses a strong obligation not to do something.

cannot

Implies an inability or lack of permission.

lack the ability to

Focuses on the absence of capacity or skill rather than direct prohibition.

FAQs

What does "not be allowed to" mean?

The phrase "not be allowed to" means that someone lacks permission or authorization to do something. It implies a prohibition or restriction.

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

You can use "not be allowed to" to express that a particular action is forbidden. For example, "Students will "not be allowed to" use their phones during the exam".

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

Alternatives include "be prohibited from", "be forbidden to", or "not be permitted to". The best choice depends on the specific context and desired level of formality.

Is there a difference between "not be allowed to" and "must not"?

"Not be allowed to" indicates a lack of permission, while "must not" expresses a strong obligation or command not to do something. The nuance lies in whether the emphasis is on permission or obligation.