Cool MateProhibit vs You cannot pass
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Prohibit
FormalTop 5,000 (fairly common)B2verb
You cannot pass
Top 3,000 (common)
Most formal: ProhibitMost common: You cannot pass
| Prohibit | You cannot pass | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 //prəˈhɪbɪt//🇺🇸 //prəˈhɪbɪt// | 🇬🇧 //juː kəˈnɒt pɑːs//🇺🇸 //ju kəˈnɑt pæs// |
| Meaning | To not allow something. | You can't go through. |
| Example | The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. | The sign read, 'You cannot pass' at the security checkpoint. |
| Register | Formal | Neutral |
| How common | Top 5,000 (fairly common) | Top 3,000 (common) |
| CEFR level | B2 | - |
| Part of speech | verb | |
| Collocations | prohibit access, prohibit use, prohibit behavior | say 'you cannot pass', you cannot pass law, you cannot pass the exam |
| Antonyms | allow, permit, enable | you may enter, go ahead, you can pass |
| 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'). | 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 'prohibit' in formal contexts such as laws or regulations. It is often more severe than 'forbid'. | Use in situations where entry or progress is restricted; appropriate in both formal and casual settings. |
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Frequently asked questions: Prohibit vs You cannot pass
What's the difference between Prohibit and You cannot pass?
Prohibit: To not allow something. You cannot pass: You can't go through.
Which is more formal: Prohibit and You cannot pass?
Prohibit is the most formal of these.
Which is more common: Prohibit and You cannot pass?
You cannot pass is the most common in everyday English.
Can you show an example of each?
Prohibit: The law will prohibit the use of mobile phones while driving. You cannot pass: The sign read, 'You cannot pass' at the security checkpoint.
Can I use Prohibit and You cannot pass interchangeably?
Not always. Prohibit 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.