Cool MateForbid vs Outlaw
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Outlaw
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)C1verb
| Forbid | Outlaw | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈaʊt.lɔː//🇺🇸 //ˈaʊt.lɔː// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | to make something illegal or forbidden |
| Example | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | C1 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | outlaw a practice, outlaw behavior, outlaw a substance |
| Antonyms | permit, allow, authorize | legalize, permit, allow |
| Common mistakes | 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 | 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. |
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Frequently asked questions: Forbid vs Outlaw
What's the difference between Forbid and Outlaw?
Forbid: To not allow something. Outlaw: to make something illegal or forbidden
Which is more advanced: Forbid and Outlaw?
Outlaw is the highest level, at C1, on the CEFR scale.
Are Forbid and Outlaw the same CEFR level?
Forbid: B2, Outlaw: C1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Forbid and Outlaw?
Forbid: verb, Outlaw: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. Outlaw: The government decided to outlaw smoking in public places.
Can I use Forbid and Outlaw interchangeably?
Not always. 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.