Cool MateBan vs Forbid vs Outlaw
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ban
Forbid
Outlaw
| Ban | Forbid | Outlaw | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bæn//🇺🇸 //bæn// | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈaʊt.lɔː//🇺🇸 //ˈaʊt.lɔː// |
| Meaning | To say something is not allowed. | To not allow something. | to make something illegal or forbidden |
| Example | The government decided to ban smoking in all public places. | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb | verb |
| Collocations | ban on smoking, ban weapons, ban certain activities | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | outlaw a practice, outlaw behavior, outlaw a substance |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, approve | permit, allow, authorize | legalize, permit, allow |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'ban' with 'prohibit' - they have similar meanings but different uses., Using 'ban' without a clear object - 'ban something' is necessary., Omitting the context when saying 'ban' - it should be clear what is banned. | Confusing with 'prohibit' - 'forbid' is more personal, while 'prohibit' is often legal., Using the wrong tense - ensure proper tense matching with 'forbade' in the past., Misplacing 'to' - do not say 'forbid to do something', just use 'forbid someone to do something'. | Incorrectly using 'outlaw' as a noun instead of a verb., Confusing 'outlaw' with 'ban' which is less formal., Using 'outlaw' without an object, as it always needs one. |
| Usage notes | Used in legal or formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing specific rules. 'Ban' implies a strong prohibition. | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. | Typically used in legal or political contexts; avoid in casual conversations. Can describe both laws and behaviors. |
Frequently asked questions: Ban vs Forbid vs Outlaw
What's the difference between Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw?
Ban: To say something is not allowed. Forbid: To not allow something. Outlaw: to make something illegal or forbidden
Which is more common: Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw?
Ban is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw?
Outlaw is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw the same CEFR level?
Ban: B1, Forbid: B2, Outlaw: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw?
Ban: verb, Forbid: verb, Outlaw: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Ban: The government decided to ban smoking in all public places. Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. Outlaw: The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places.
Can I use Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw interchangeably?
Not always. Ban, Forbid, and Outlaw are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.