Cool MateI can't let you destroy it vs Prohibit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
I can't let you destroy it
Top 2,000 (common)
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Most formal: ProhibitMost common: I can't let you destroy it
| I can't let you destroy it | Prohibit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //aɪ kɑːnt lɛt jʊ dɪsˈtrɔɪ ɪt//🇺🇸 //aɪ kænt lɛt jʊ dɪsˈtrɔɪ ɪt// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// |
| Meaning | I can't allow you to damage it. | To not allow something. |
| Example | I can't let you destroy it, it's too important to me. | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. |
| Register | Neutral | Formal |
| How common | Top 2,000 (common) | Top 5,000 (fairly common) |
| CEFR level | - | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | let someone do something, destroy something valuable, can't allow this action, stop someone from acting, prevent damage | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior |
| Antonyms | - | allow, permit, enable |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'let' with 'allow' - they have similar meanings but are used differently., Using 'don’t' instead of 'can’t' - 'don’t' is not suitable for expressing inability., Wrong tense - ensure consistency in verb tenses in the sentence. | Confused with 'ban' - 'prohibit' is often used in formal settings., Using 'prohibit' with an infinitive instead of a gerund (e.g. 'prohibit smoking' not 'prohibit to smoke'). |
| Usage notes | Used to express disapproval or prevent an action. Appropriate in serious or casual contexts but may sound harsh if overused. | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. |
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Frequently asked questions: I can't let you destroy it vs Prohibit
What's the difference between I can't let you destroy it and Prohibit?
I can't let you destroy it: I can't allow you to damage it. Prohibit: To not allow something.
Which is more formal: I can't let you destroy it and Prohibit?
Prohibit is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: I can't let you destroy it and Prohibit?
I can't let you destroy it is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
I can't let you destroy it: I can't let you destroy it, it's too important to me. Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
Can I use I can't let you destroy it and Prohibit interchangeably?
Not always. I can't let you destroy it and Prohibit 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.