Cool MateForbid vs You cannot pass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbid
FormalBeyond 10,000 (less common)B2verb
You cannot pass
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ForbidMost common: You cannot pass
| Forbid | You cannot pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd// | 🇬🇧 //juː kəˈnɒt pɑːs//🇺🇸 //ju kəˈnɑt pæs// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | You can't go through. |
| Example | The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. | The sign read, 'You cannot pass' at the security checkpoint. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Beyond 10,000 (less common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | forbid someone to do something, forbid access, forbid entry, forbid alcohol, forbid use | say 'you cannot pass', you cannot pass law, you cannot pass the exam |
| Antonyms | permit, allow, authorize | you may enter, go ahead, you can pass |
| 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'. | Using it in overly casual situations when formality is required., Misplacing the stress in pronunciation., Confusing it with similar phrases like 'you shouldn't go'. |
| Usage notes | Use 'forbid' in formal contexts where strict rules or laws apply. It's not common in casual conversations. | Use in situations where entry or progress is restricted; appropriate in both formal and casual settings. |
See it in real clips
Frequently asked questions: Forbid vs You cannot pass
What's the difference between Forbid and You cannot pass?
Forbid: To not allow something. You cannot pass: You can't go through.
Which is more formal: Forbid and You cannot pass?
Forbid is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Forbid and You cannot pass?
You cannot pass is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Forbid: The school decided to forbid cell phones during classes. You cannot pass: The sign read, 'You cannot pass' at the security checkpoint.
Can I use Forbid and You cannot pass interchangeably?
Not always. Forbid and You cannot pass 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.