Cool MateForbidden vs Not to be used
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Forbidden
FormalTop 3,000 (common)
Not to be used
Beyond 10,000 (less common)
Most formal: ForbiddenMost common: Forbidden
| Forbidden | Not to be used | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //fəˈbɪd.ən//🇺🇸 //fərˈbɪd.ən// | 🇬🇧 //nɒt tə bi juːzd//🇺🇸 //nɑt tə bi juzd// |
| Meaning | Not allowed or banned. | This phrase means something should not be used. |
| Example | The secret room was strictly forbidden to anyone except the owner. | The equipment is marked with a label saying 'Not to be used'. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 3,000 (common) | Beyond 10,000 (less common) |
| Collocations | forbidden zone, forbidden love, forbidden activities, forbidden fruit, forbidden city | clearly marked as not to be used, labelled as not to be used, identified as not to be used |
| Antonyms | allowed, permitted, legal | - |
| Common mistakes | Confused with 'prohibited' - both mean similar things, but 'forbidden' is less formal., Incorrectly used as a verb - 'forbidden' is strictly an adjective., Using 'forbidden' in positive contexts - it always suggests something disallowed. | Confused with similar phrases like 'not allowed' or 'off-limits'., Using it in very casual conversations where a simpler phrase would be better. |
| Usage notes | Used to describe something that is legally or socially unacceptable. Avoid using in casual conversations. | Use this phrase in contexts where something is banned or discouraged. It is clear and straightforward but shouldn’t be used in overly casual situations. |
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Frequently asked questions: Forbidden vs Not to be used
What's the difference between Forbidden and Not to be used?
Forbidden: Not allowed or banned. Not to be used: This phrase means something should not be used.
Which is more formal: Forbidden and Not to be used?
Forbidden is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Forbidden and Not to be used?
Forbidden is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Forbidden: The secret room was strictly forbidden to anyone except the owner. Not to be used: The equipment is marked with a label saying 'Not to be used'.
Can I use Forbidden and Not to be used interchangeably?
Not always. Forbidden and Not to be used 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.