Cool MateBan vs Forbid vs Outlaw vs Prohibit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ban
Forbid
Outlaw
Prohibit
| Ban | Forbid | Outlaw | Prohibit | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bæn//🇺🇸 //bæn// | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈaʊt.lɔː//🇺🇸 //ˈaʊt.lɔː// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// |
| Meaning | To say something is not allowed. | To not allow something. | to make something illegal or forbidden | To not allow something. |
| 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. | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | B1 | B2 | C1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | 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 | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, approve | permit, allow, authorize | legalize, permit, allow | allow, permit, enable |
| 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. | Confused with 'ban' - 'prohibit' is often used in formal settings., Using 'prohibit' with an infinitive instead of a gerund (e.g. 'prohibit smoking' not 'prohibit to smoke'). |
| 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. | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Ban vs Forbid vs Outlaw vs Prohibit
What's the difference between Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit?
Ban: To say something is not allowed. Forbid: To not allow something. Outlaw: to make something illegal or forbidden Prohibit: To not allow something.
Which is more common: Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit?
Ban is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit?
Outlaw is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit the same CEFR level?
Ban: B1, Forbid: B2, Outlaw: C1, Prohibit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit?
Ban: verb, Forbid: verb, Outlaw: verb, Prohibit: 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. Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
Can I use Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit interchangeably?
Not always. Ban, Forbid, Outlaw, and Prohibit 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.