were forbidden

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "were forbidden" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to indicate that something was not allowed or prohibited in the past. Example: "In the past, certain practices were forbidden by law, leading to significant changes in societal behavior."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Pictures were forbidden here.

The New Yorker

Group activities were forbidden.

The New York Times - Health

Images were forbidden".

The Guardian - Arts

Cars were forbidden.

The New Yorker

First-person shooters were forbidden.

The New Yorker

We were forbidden to pray aloud.

The New York Times

Cars were forbidden from stopping outside schools.

The Economist

Pen, paper, and books were forbidden.

The New Yorker

Searches for any other purpose were forbidden.

The New York Times

"Common people were forbidden to wear silk".

The New York Times - Arts

Interracial dating and marriage were forbidden.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "were forbidden" to clearly and directly communicate that certain actions, items, or behaviors were not permitted, particularly in historical, legal, or formal contexts. For example, "During the war, certain books were forbidden for distribution."

Common error

Avoid using "were forbidden" to describe current prohibitions. Instead, use "are forbidden" or "is forbidden" depending on the subject (singular or plural). For example, don't say "These actions were forbidden now"; say "These actions are forbidden now".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "were forbidden" functions as a passive verb phrase indicating that certain actions, objects, or behaviors were not permitted or allowed. Ludwig AI indicates it's correct and usable in written English. It emphasizes the state of being prohibited rather than the act of prohibiting.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

76%

Encyclopedias

5%

Wiki

5%

Less common in

Science

3%

Formal & Business

3%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "were forbidden" is a grammatically sound and frequently used passive construction that denotes a past prohibition. Ludwig AI confirms its correctness and usability. Predominantly found in news and media sources, it conveys that something was not permitted or allowed at a specific point in time. When writing, ensure that you are referring to a past restriction and avoid using it in present-tense contexts. Consider similar phrases like ""were prohibited"" or "were not allowed" for variety, but maintain clarity by matching the tense and subject appropriately.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

were prohibited

This alternative uses a synonym with very similar implications. It is virtually interchangeable in most contexts.

were not allowed

This is a more direct and simple way of expressing the same meaning, suitable for informal contexts.

were banned

This option carries a stronger sense of official disapproval or legal interdiction.

were restricted

This suggests limitations were placed, but not necessarily a complete prohibition.

were off-limits

This is an informal way of saying something was not permitted, particularly in casual settings.

were out of bounds

Similar to "were off-limits", this implies exceeding acceptable limits.

were proscribed

A more formal and legalistic term indicating something was officially condemned and outlawed.

were interdicted

A formal synonym, suggesting an authoritative prohibition, often used in legal or religious contexts.

were vetoed

Implies that a decision or action was rejected or blocked by someone with authority.

were verboten

This is a German loanword, used to emphasize something strictly prohibited, adding a touch of humor or foreign flair.

FAQs

How can I use "were forbidden" in a sentence?

The phrase "were forbidden" is used to describe actions or items that were not allowed in the past. For instance, "In that country, certain books "were banned"" or "During the occupation, public gatherings "were prohibited"".

What phrases are similar to "were forbidden"?

Synonyms and similar phrases include ""were prohibited"", "were not allowed", ""were banned"", or "were restricted", depending on the specific context and degree of prohibition.

What's the difference between "were forbidden" and "are forbidden"?

"Were forbidden" refers to a past prohibition, while "are forbidden" indicates a current prohibition. For example, "Dancing and card playing "were forbidden"" refers to a past situation, whereas "These items "are forbidden" in this area" applies to the present.

Is it correct to say "is forbidden" instead of "were forbidden"?

The choice between "is forbidden" and "were forbidden" depends on the time frame. "Is forbidden" is used for singular subjects in the present tense, while "were forbidden" is for plural subjects or any subject in the past tense. For example, "This action is forbidden" (present, singular) versus "These actions "were forbidden"" (past, plural).