Cool MateExclude vs Forbid
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Exclude
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Most formal: ForbidMost common: Exclude
| Exclude | Forbid | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ɪkˈskluːd/","/ɪkˈskluːdz/","/ɪkˈskluːdɪd/","/ɪkˈskluːdɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ɪkˈskluːd/","/ɪkˈskluːdz/","/ɪkˈskluːdɪd/","/ɪkˈskluːdɪŋ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// |
| Meaning | To leave something out or not include it. | To not allow something. |
| Example | You should exclude any irrelevant details from your report. | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | altogether, completely, entirely, be designed to, attempt to, try to, from, feel excluded, socially excluded, altogether, completely, entirely, be designed to, attempt to, try to, from, feel excluded, socially excluded, altogether, completely, entirely, be designed to, attempt to, try to, from, feel excluded, socially excluded | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use |
| Antonyms | include, admit | permit, allow, authorize |
| Common mistakes | 'Exclude' is often confused with 'include' as opposites., Learners sometimes use 'exclude' with incorrect prepositions., Some learners forget to use an object after 'exclude'. | 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'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'exclude' in contexts where you're saying that something is not part of a group. Appropriate in both written and spoken English but avoid in very casual settings. | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. |
Frequently asked questions: Exclude vs Forbid
What's the difference between Exclude and Forbid?
Exclude: To leave something out or not include it. Forbid: To not allow something.
Which is more formal: Exclude and Forbid?
Forbid is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Exclude and Forbid?
Exclude is the most common in everyday English.
Are Exclude and Forbid the same CEFR level?
Exclude: B2, Forbid: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Exclude and Forbid?
Exclude: verb, Forbid: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Exclude: You should exclude any irrelevant details from your report. Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes.
Can I use Exclude and Forbid interchangeably?
Not always. Exclude and Forbid 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.