Cool MateForbid vs Restrict
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Restrict
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: ForbidMost common: Restrict
| Forbid | Restrict | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | to limit or control something |
| Example | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | greatly, seriously, severely, attempt to, seek to, try to, to, an attempt to restrict something, measures to restrict something, greatly, seriously, severely, attempt to, seek to, try to, to, an attempt to restrict something, measures to restrict something |
| Antonyms | permit, allow, authorize | allow, permit, liberate |
| 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'. | Confused with 'restrictive' which describes something that limits., Using 'restrict' without an object, which is incorrect., Mixing up with 'refuse', which has a different meaning. |
| Usage notes | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. | Typically used in formal and neutral contexts, 'restrict' can refer to limitations on rights, access, or actions. It may not be appropriate in casual conversation. |
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Frequently asked questions: Forbid vs Restrict
What's the difference between Forbid and Restrict?
Forbid: To not allow something. Restrict: to limit or control something
Which is more formal: Forbid and Restrict?
Forbid is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Forbid and Restrict?
Restrict is the most common in everyday English.
Are Forbid and Restrict the same CEFR level?
Forbid: B2, Restrict: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Forbid and Restrict?
Forbid: verb, Restrict: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. Restrict: The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city.
Can I use Forbid and Restrict interchangeably?
Not always. Forbid and Restrict 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.