What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
prohibition
Example
The prohibition of alcohol in the United States lasted from 1920 to 1933. [prohibition: noun]
Example
The government has imposed a prohibition on smoking in public places. [prohibition: noun]
ban
Example
The government has banned the use of plastic bags to reduce environmental pollution. [banned: verb]
Example
The school has imposed a ban on cell phone use during class hours. [ban: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Ban is more commonly used than prohibition in everyday language. Ban is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while prohibition is less common and often associated with historical or legal contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between prohibition and ban?
Prohibition is typically associated with a more formal or official tone, while ban can be used in both formal and informal contexts, allowing it to be employed in various formality levels.
