we are forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are forbidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to express that a group of people is not allowed to do something. Example: "In this organization, we are forbidden from sharing confidential information with outsiders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

We are forbidden from shooting indiscriminately".

The New York Times

We are forbidden to leave the place so the four of us hide near the marsh.

The New York Times - Books

We are forbidden to shout "fire" in a crowded theater when there is no fire.

The New York Times

Poetry has the capacity to remind us of something we are forbidden to see.

The Guardian - Books

A guy pulls down his pants and bares his soul, and we are forbidden to have thoughts?

The New Yorker

In a moment, behind the curtain of trees, something that we are forbidden to witness will begin.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

We were forbidden to pray aloud.

The New York Times

We were forbidden to date or pursue romantic relationships with anyone living within our mission territory.

The New York Times

"We were forbidden to speak about our activities among each other, even off duty.

The New York Times

Because of religious prejudices that neither of us understood, we were forbidden to play with each other.

The New York Times - Tech

We were forbidden to engage in physical contact beyond a handshake with any member of the opposite sex.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "we are forbidden" to clearly and directly state prohibitions, especially in formal contexts or when emphasizing a rule or regulation. For instance, "As members of the council, "we are forbidden" from discussing confidential matters in public."

Common error

Avoid using "we are forbidden" when a situation merely involves a suggestion or a preference. "We are discouraged from working overtime" is more appropriate than ""we are forbidden" from working overtime" if overtime is simply not encouraged but technically allowed.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "we are forbidden" is to express a prohibition or restriction imposed on a group. Ludwig examples confirm this usage, indicating a clear statement of what is not permitted. It explicitly conveys that a certain action or behavior is not allowed.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

10%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

2%

Reference

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "we are forbidden" is a grammatically correct and commonly used phrase to express prohibitions or restrictions. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and usability. It is most frequently found in News & Media, Formal & Business, and Scientific contexts. While alternatives like "we are prohibited" or "we are not allowed" exist, "we are forbidden" often carries a more formal and stricter tone. When writing, use "we are forbidden" to clearly and directly state rules or regulations, while avoiding it in situations that only imply suggestions or preferences.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are prohibited

Replaces "forbidden" with a synonym indicating a formal ban or restriction.

we are not allowed

Uses a more common and less formal way to express the lack of permission.

we are not permitted

Uses "permitted" as a substitute for "allowed", offering a slightly more formal tone.

we are restricted

Indicates limitations or constraints on actions, implying less of a complete ban.

we are barred

Suggests that access or participation is blocked or prevented.

we are prevented from

Emphasizes the act of stopping someone from doing something.

we must not

Emphasizes an obligation not to perform an action.

we are under a ban

Highlights the existence of an official prohibition.

it is forbidden for us

Changes the sentence structure while maintaining the meaning.

we are compelled to abstain

Suggests a mandatory requirement to refrain from an action.

FAQs

How can I use "we are forbidden" in a sentence?

Use "we are forbidden" to express a prohibition or a rule that restricts a group from doing something. For example, "In this organization, "we are forbidden" from sharing confidential information."

What can I say instead of "we are forbidden"?

You can use alternatives like "we are prohibited", "we are not allowed", or "we are restricted" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "we are forbidden to" or "we are forbidden from"?

Both "we are forbidden to" and "we are forbidden from" are grammatically correct, but "we are forbidden to" is more common. For instance, ""We are forbidden" to enter the restricted area" versus ""We are forbidden" from entering the restricted area."

Is there a difference between "we are forbidden" and "we are not allowed"?

"We are forbidden" often implies a stricter or more formal prohibition than "we are not allowed". While both phrases indicate a lack of permission, "we are forbidden" suggests a rule or law is in place. The alternative "we are not allowed" carries a lighter tone.