was prohibited

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "was prohibited" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not allowed or forbidden in the past. Example: "The use of mobile phones in the classroom was prohibited to maintain a focused learning environment."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

It is prohibited, just like alcohol was prohibited during Prohibition.

Huffington Post

Bluffing about evidence was prohibited.

The New Yorker

Filming itself was prohibited.

The Guardian - Travel

The practice of nonregistered religions was prohibited.

Encyclopedia Britannica

For safety's sake, blitzing was prohibited.

The New York Times - Sports

The word 'camera' was prohibited.

The Guardian - Film

The purchase of military commissions was prohibited.

The Guardian - Opinion

Smoking was prohibited in the building.

The New York Times

First, TV advertising of cigarettes was prohibited.

The Guardian - Opinion

As a felon, Mr. Spengler was prohibited from owning guns.

The New York Times

Cockfighting was prohibited by law in Great Britain in 1849.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "was prohibited", ensure the context clearly indicates who or what authority imposed the prohibition. This adds clarity and avoids ambiguity.

Common error

Avoid assuming the reader understands the extent of the prohibition. Specify what exactly "was prohibited" to prevent misinterpretations. For example, instead of saying "alcohol was prohibited", specify "the sale and consumption of alcohol was prohibited".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "was prohibited" functions as a passive verb phrase, indicating that a particular action or activity was forbidden or not allowed by some authority or rule. Ludwig shows it's typically used to describe past restrictions or bans.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Science

40%

Encyclopedias

10%

Less common in

Wiki

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Social Media

5%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "was prohibited" is a grammatically sound and frequently used phrase to express that something was forbidden or disallowed in the past. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and common usage. It appears across various contexts, including news, science, encyclopedias, and legal documentation. While it generally carries a neutral to formal tone, the degree of formality can vary depending on the specific source and the context of its use. Remember to be specific about what "was prohibited" to prevent any ambiguity in communication. Consider using alternatives like "was forbidden" or "was banned" based on the specific nuance you want to convey.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

was forbidden

Direct synonym, maintaining the same passive voice and meaning.

was banned

Similar in meaning, often used for official or legal prohibitions.

was proscribed

More formal and legalistic term for being prohibited.

was disallowed

Implies a refusal of permission rather than a formal ban.

was interdicted

A formal and often religious term for being prohibited or forbidden.

was not allowed

More general term for something not permitted.

was vetoed

Implies a specific authority rejecting or blocking something.

was ruled out

Indicates that something was considered and then rejected or deemed impossible.

was off-limits

More informal way of saying something was not permitted or accessible.

was out of bounds

Similar to "off-limits", often used in sports or figurative contexts.

FAQs

How can I use "was prohibited" in a sentence?

Use "was prohibited" to indicate that something was forbidden or not allowed in the past. For example, "Smoking "was prohibited" in the building".

What are some alternatives to saying "was prohibited"?

Alternatives include "was forbidden", "was banned", or "was disallowed". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it more formal to say "was prohibited" or "was not allowed"?

"Was prohibited" generally carries a more formal or official tone than "was not allowed", which is a more general way of saying something was not permitted.

What's the difference between "was prohibited" and "was restricted"?

"Was prohibited" means something was completely forbidden, while "was restricted" means there were limitations or conditions placed on it, but it wasn't entirely forbidden.