we are prevented from

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "we are prevented from" is correct and usable in written English. You can use it when describing a situation where an obstacle or restriction stops someone from doing something. Example: "We are prevented from entering the building due to safety regulations." Alternative expressions include "we are hindered from" and "we are barred from."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Formal & Business

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

11 human-written examples

"We would be prevented from doing so; we are prevented from doing so".

The Guardian

"Without forthright information from the F.B.I., we are prevented from taking the critical steps needed to protect the American public".

The New York Times

When we are prevented from hanging our flags because a St George's cross isn't a corporate sponsor's logo we know Fifa values its contracts more.

The Guardian - Opinion

We are invited to reject the fragmenting of reality, and to see its diverse interconnections without which we are prevented from ever knowing anything fully – including our own reality.

The Guardian - Opinion

"We are trying to solve the problem of people search," says Bohm. "Due to privacy, identity and reputation issues, as well as the basic structure of social networks, we are prevented from reaching outside our social circles.

TechCrunch

Why don't you advertise which interactive channel will be showing the available content? Unfortunately we are prevented from publicising which streams we are broadcasting our outputs for two reasons.

BBC

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

49 human-written examples

"We were prevented from doing that by A.M.S.F.C. because of lobbying by the recreational fishery.

The New York Times

We're having job reductions, offices closing, and the increased targets mean we're prevented from taking the time we need on calls.

The Guardian

"Since we were prevented from selling the art in November, we have been missing the interest on that money every day," said Brenda Edson, a spokeswoman for the college.

The New York Times - Arts

"If anything good comes from this, it would be to reform the system where we're prevented from telling one another what we know out of fear, quite frankly, of being sued".

The New York Times

We were prevented from encountering arguments examining how this idea of "more" (or, in economic terms, of a surplus) contributed fundamentally to the systemic inequalities that define capitalist societies.

The Guardian - Opinion

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using "we are prevented from", clearly state the reason or source of the prevention to provide context and avoid ambiguity. For example: "We are prevented from sharing personal data due to privacy regulations."

Common error

Avoid using "we are prevented from" without specifying the reason. This can leave the reader confused. For example, instead of "We are prevented from proceeding", write "We are prevented from proceeding because of a lack of funding."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "we are prevented from" functions as a declarative statement indicating restriction or inability to perform a specific action. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's a grammatically correct way to express that external factors hinder a group from doing something. This is supported by the examples provided which showcase usage across varied contexts.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Science

15%

Formal & Business

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "we are prevented from" is a grammatically correct and frequently used expression to convey that a group is being restricted from performing an action due to external circumstances, according to Ludwig AI. It is most commonly found in news and media, scientific, and formal business contexts. While suitable for various settings, it's best practice to explicitly state the cause of prevention to maintain clarity. For alternative phrasings, options like "we are prohibited from" or "we are barred from" can be used depending on the specific nuance desired. Remember to avoid ambiguity by always indicating the reason for the prevention.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

we are prohibited from

Indicates a formal ban or legal restriction, implying a stronger prohibition than simply being prevented.

we are barred from

Suggests an official exclusion or interdiction, highlighting the act of being blocked.

we are restricted from

Highlights limitations placed upon an action, focusing on defined boundaries.

we are hindered from

Indicates that progress is slowed or made difficult, but not necessarily stopped completely.

we are restrained from

Implies a controlling force that limits action, indicating a degree of external pressure.

we are impeded from

Similar to hindered, but may imply a more significant obstruction.

we are blocked from

Highlights the obstruction or obstacle preventing an action, focusing on the hindrance.

we are unable to

A more general expression of inability, lacking the implication of external prevention.

we cannot

A straightforward statement of incapability, without specifying the cause.

we are incapable of

Suggests a lack of inherent ability, rather than an external prevention.

FAQs

What does "we are prevented from" mean?

The phrase "we are prevented from" signifies that an external force, rule, or circumstance is stopping a group (represented by "we") from performing a certain action.

What can I say instead of "we are prevented from"?

You can use alternatives like "we are prohibited from", "we are barred from", or "we cannot", depending on the context.

Is it more formal to say "we are prevented from" or "we can't"?

"We are prevented from" is generally more formal than "we can't". The former is suitable for professional and formal communication, while the latter is more appropriate for informal settings.

How do I use "we are prevented from" in a sentence?

Use "we are prevented from" followed by the action that is being restricted. For example: "We are prevented from accessing the data" or "We are prevented from entering the site".