What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
forbid
Example
I forbid you from going to that party. [forbid: verb]
Example
The teacher forbade the use of cell phones during class. [forbade: past tense verb]
ban
Example
The government has banned smoking in public places. [ban: verb]
Example
The company imposed a ban on using social media during work hours. [ban: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ban is more commonly used than forbid in everyday language. Ban is often used in news headlines and official statements, while forbid is more commonly used in personal or individual contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between forbid and ban?
Ban is generally considered more formal than forbid. It is often used in legal or governmental contexts, while forbid is more versatile and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
