Cool MateProhibit vs Restrict
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Restrict
Top 2,000 (common)B2verb
Most formal: ProhibitMost common: Restrict
| Prohibit | Restrict | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// | 🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/ |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | to limit or control something |
| Example | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. | The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 2,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior | 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 | allow, permit, enable | allow, permit, liberate |
| Common mistakes | 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'). | 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 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. | 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. |
Frequently asked questions: Prohibit vs Restrict
What's the difference between Prohibit and Restrict?
Prohibit: To not allow something. Restrict: to limit or control something
Which is more formal: Prohibit and Restrict?
Prohibit is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Prohibit and Restrict?
Restrict is the most common in everyday English.
Are Prohibit and Restrict the same CEFR level?
Prohibit: B2, Restrict: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Prohibit and Restrict?
Prohibit: verb, Restrict: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. Restrict: The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city.
Can I use Prohibit and Restrict interchangeably?
Not always. Prohibit 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.