prohibits

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "prohibits" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when indicating that something is not allowed or is forbidden by law, rule, or authority. Example: "The new policy prohibits employees from using personal devices during work hours."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Gina prohibits discrimination on the basis of genetic information in health insurance and in employment.

The Guardian - Opinion

Though not part of his actual sentence, the ousting was deemed necessary under an anti-corruption law passed last year that prohibits anyone with a conviction of more than two years from holding elected office or standing for office for six years.

The Guardian

Holder on Friday announced a new policy that, with a few exceptions, prohibits state and local law enforcement from implementing the controversial Equitable Sharing Program, which was created in 1985 as part of the US government's "war on drugs".

The Guardian

The group of women claim the undercover officers' actions breached their human rights as protected by the European Convention on Human Rights, including Article 3, which prohibits inhumane and degrading treatment, and Article 8, which protects private and family life.

The Guardian

Bury's order prohibits them from enforcing that rule while the rest of the case plays out in court.

The Guardian

In the report published on Wednesday Acma found the station breached clause 6.1 of the code "which prohibits the broadcast of statements by identifiable persons without their consent" and clause 9.1 of the code, which prohibits treating people on air in a "highly demeaning or highly exploitative manner".

The Guardian

Article three of the European convention on human rights prohibits "inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment".

The Guardian

The justices ruled that such executions violated the eighth amendment of the US constitution that prohibits cruel and unusual punishment. 5. Just months after the supreme court ban was imposed, a Georgia court found that Hill was "mentally retarded" by a "preponderance of the evidence".

The Guardian

A spokesman for the Chicago police, Martin Maloney, told the Chicago Tribune that the department prohibits the illegal practice of racial profiling and has taken steps to improve the training of officers on the issue.

The Guardian

"Recent legislation has come in that prohibits some additional costs when renting.

The Guardian

Groups like GetUp! and Markets for Change are currently exempt from section 45D of the Consumer and Competition Act which prohibits actions that stop a third person buying goods from another.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "prohibits", ensure the subject clearly identifies who or what is imposing the restriction and the object specifies what is being restricted.

Common error

Avoid ambiguity by clearly stating the extent of the prohibition. Vague statements can lead to misinterpretations. For instance, instead of saying "The rule prohibits certain activities", specify "The rule prohibits the use of electronic devices during meetings".

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "prohibits" is as a transitive verb in the third-person singular present tense. It indicates that a subject (often a law, rule, or authority) forbids or prevents a specific action or behavior. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "prohibits" is a grammatically correct and frequently used transitive verb that indicates a formal ban or restriction. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and widespread usage, particularly in news and media contexts. While synonymous with words like "forbids" and "bans", understanding its precise connotation helps in clear and effective writing. To ensure clarity, explicitly state the subject imposing the restriction and the action being prohibited. By avoiding vagueness, writers can ensure effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

forbids

A direct synonym, implying a clear and explicit ban.

bans

Similar to "forbids" but can also refer to a collectively agreed-upon prohibition.

outlaws

Indicates a formal legal prohibition.

disallows

Suggests a refusal to allow something, often in a specific context.

proscribes

Formally forbids something, often in a legal or moral context.

precludes

Means to prevent something from happening or being possible.

prevents

Indicates stopping something from happening.

impedes

Implies hindering or obstructing something, rather than a complete ban.

restricts

Means to put a limit on something rather than preventing it completely.

curtails

Suggests reducing or limiting something.

FAQs

How to use "prohibits" in a sentence?

"Prohibits" is used to indicate that something is not allowed or is forbidden by a rule, law, or authority. For example: "The law "prohibits discrimination" based on race".

What can I say instead of "prohibits"?

You can use alternatives like "forbids", "bans", or "disallows" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "prohibits" or "prevents"?

"Prohibits" indicates a formal ban or restriction, while "prevents" suggests stopping something from happening. The choice depends on whether you're referring to a rule or a general action. For example, "The law prohibits smoking", versus "The fence prevents entry".

What's the difference between "prohibits" and "restricts"?

"Prohibits" means to completely forbid something, while "restricts" means to limit or put conditions on it. For example, "The policy prohibits the use of personal devices" versus "The policy restricts the use of personal devices to authorized personnel only".