What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
banning
Example
The government is considering banning single-use plastic bags to reduce pollution. [banning: gerund or present participle]
Example
The school has banned cell phones in classrooms to minimize distractions. [banned: past tense]
prohibition
Example
During the prohibition era, the sale and consumption of alcohol were illegal in the United States. [prohibition: noun]
Example
There is a prohibition on smoking in public places to protect people from secondhand smoke. [prohibition: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Banning is more commonly used in everyday language, while prohibition is often used in more formal or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between banning and prohibition?
Prohibition is generally considered more formal and legalistic than banning. It is commonly used in legal documents, discussions of legislation, or historical contexts. On the other hand, banning is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal situations.
