Cool MateForbid vs Veto
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
Veto
FormalTop 2,000 (common)
Most common: Veto
| Forbid | Veto | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //ˈviːtəʊ//🇺🇸 //ˈviːtoʊ// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | To reject or prevent something from happening. |
| Example | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The president decided to veto the new legislation. |
| Register | Formal | Formal |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | veto power, veto request, cast a veto, override a veto, veto authority |
| Antonyms | permit, allow, authorize | - |
| 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'. | Confusing 'veto' with 'approve' or 'authorize'., Using 'veto' without specifying what is being vetoed., Assuming 'veto' is only used in political contexts. |
| Usage notes | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. | Used in formal contexts, particularly in politics. Avoid using it in casual conversation or informal writing. |
Frequently asked questions: Forbid vs Veto
What's the difference between Forbid and Veto?
Forbid: To not allow something. Veto: To reject or prevent something from happening.
Which is more common: Forbid and Veto?
Veto is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. Veto: The president decided to veto the new legislation.
Can I use Forbid and Veto interchangeably?
Not always. Forbid and Veto 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.