Cool MateBan vs Prohibit
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Ban
Top 2,000 (common)B1verb
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
Most formal: ProhibitMost common: Ban
| Ban | Prohibit | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //bæn//🇺🇸 //bæn// | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// |
| Meaning | To say something is not allowed. | To not allow something. |
| Example | The government decided to ban smoking in all public places. | 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 | B1 | B2 |
| Part of speech | verb | verb |
| Collocations | ban on smoking, ban weapons, ban certain activities | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, approve | allow, permit, enable |
| Common mistakes | Confusing 'ban' with 'prohibit' - they have similar meanings but different uses., Using 'ban' without a clear object - 'ban something' is necessary., Omitting the context when saying 'ban' - it should be clear what is banned. | 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 in legal or formal contexts. Avoid in casual conversation unless discussing specific rules. 'Ban' implies a strong prohibition. | Use 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. |
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Frequently asked questions: Ban vs Prohibit
What's the difference between Ban and Prohibit?
Ban: To say something is not allowed. Prohibit: To not allow something.
Which is more formal: Ban and Prohibit?
Prohibit is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Ban and Prohibit?
Ban is the most common in everyday English.
Which is more advanced: Ban and Prohibit?
Prohibit is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Ban and Prohibit the same CEFR level?
Ban: B1, Prohibit: B2 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Ban and Prohibit?
Ban: verb, Prohibit: verb.
Can you show an example of each?
Ban: The government decided to ban smoking in all public places. Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving.
Can I use Ban and Prohibit interchangeably?
Not always. Ban 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.