Understanding Adverbs of Prohibition in English Grammar

Mastering the nuances of English grammar is essential for effective communication. Among the many grammatical tools, adverbs of prohibition play a vital role in expressing what is not allowed or permitted.

These adverbs help convey restrictions, prohibitions, and rules in both spoken and written language. Whether you’re learning English as a second language or aiming to refine your grammar skills, understanding adverbs of prohibition enhances your ability to communicate clear boundaries and regulations.

This comprehensive guide explores every aspect of adverbs of prohibition, providing detailed explanations, numerous examples, rules, common mistakes, exercises, and advanced insights to ensure you grasp this important grammatical concept thoroughly.

Definition of Adverbs of Prohibition
Structural Breakdown of Adverbs of Prohibition
Categories and Types of Adverbs of Prohibition
Extensive Examples of Adverbs of Prohibition
Usage Rules for Adverbs of Prohibition
Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them
Practice Exercises with Answers
Advanced Aspects of Adverbs of Prohibition
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Conclusion and Final Tips

1. Definition of Adverbs of Prohibition

Adverbs of prohibition are specific words used to indicate that an action is not allowed or permitted. They modify verbs, adjectives, or entire sentences to express restrictions, bans, or prohibitive conditions. Unlike modal verbs such as must or should, which imply obligation or recommendation, adverbs of prohibition explicitly deny permission or prohibit an action.

Typically, adverbs of prohibition fall into the category of adverbs of negation or restriction. They serve as linguistic tools to set boundaries in communication, making clear what cannot happen or what is forbidden. These adverbs are crucial in formal rules, instructions, warnings, and everyday conversations where restrictions are necessary.

In terms of classification, adverbs of prohibition can be categorized based on their form and usage. Common examples include not, never, hardly, barely, and adverbial phrases like forbiddenly (rarely used). Understanding their function and placement within sentences helps learners communicate restrictions accurately and effectively.

2. Structural Breakdown of Adverbs of Prohibition

2.1 Basic Structural Patterns

Adverbs of prohibition are typically simple or compound words that modify verbs or entire clauses to convey restriction. The basic patterns include:

Pattern	Example	Description
Adverb + verb	She never eats meat.	The adverb ‘never’ modifies the verb ‘eats’ to show prohibition or negation.
Adverb + auxiliary/modal verb + base verb	They must not enter here.	The combination ‘must not’ expresses prohibition with modal verbs.
Adverbial phrase + verb	He is forbidden to speak.	Phrase ‘forbidden to’ indicates prohibition.

2.2 Placement of Adverbs of Prohibition

The position of adverbs of prohibition varies depending on the sentence structure:

Before the main verb: She never smokes.
Before modal verbs: You must not enter.
At the beginning or end of a sentence for emphasis: Never do that again.

2.3 Negative Constructions with Adverbs of Prohibition

Adverbs of prohibition often appear alongside negation or in negative constructions to reinforce restrictions:

Negative Form	Example
Not + verb	He does not allow smoking here.
Never + verb	They never permit late arrivals.
Must + not + verb	You must not park here.
Cannot + verb	I cannot enter without permission.

3. Categories and Types of Adverbs of Prohibition

3.1 Simple Adverbs of Prohibition

These are single words that directly express prohibition or negation. Examples include:

Not
Never
Hardly
Barely
Rarely

3.2 Modal + Adverb Combinations

Modal verbs combined with adverbs create a strong prohibition tone, such as:

Must not
Should not
Cannot
May not

3.3 Adverbial Phrases of Prohibition

Longer expressions used to prohibit actions or behaviors, often in formal contexts:

Forbidden to
Prohibited from
Not allowed to
Banned from

3.4 Formal and Informal Usage

In formal settings, phrases like prohibited from or forbidden to are common, while in casual speech, simple adverbs like never or not are more prevalent.

4. Extensive Examples of Adverbs of Prohibition

4.1 Examples with Simple Adverbs of Prohibition

Adverb	Example Sentences
Not	She does not allow smoking inside. He does not tolerate late arrivals. They do not permit pets in the building. We do not approve of such behavior. The sign says you must not park here.
Never	She never drinks alcohol. He never smokes cigarettes. They never enter restricted areas. I never allow my children to stay out late. We never tolerate disrespect.
Hardly	He hardly ever leaves his house. She hardly permits such behavior. They hardly allow visitors after hours. I hardly think it’s acceptable. We hardly ever see that happen.
Barely	The manager baredly allows late entries. She baredly permits noise after 10 PM. He baredly tolerates interruptions. They baredly approve of the new policy. I baredly agree with that rule.
Rarely	He rarely allows visitors during working hours. She rarely permits using cell phones in class. They rarely grant special exceptions. I rarely see such strict rules. We rarely prohibit smoking outside.

4.2 Examples with Modal Verbs + Adverbs

Modal + Adverb	Examples
Must not	You must not enter without permission. Employees must not use phones during work. Visitors must not touch the exhibits. Students must not cheat on exams. Drivers must not drink and drive.
Should not	You should not ignore safety rules. We should not waste resources. Children should not eat too much sugar. She should not be late for meetings. They should not park in restricted zones.
Cannot	I cannot allow you to enter. He cannot participate in the competition. They cannot use the facility without approval. We cannot accept that request. You cannot park here.
May not	Students may not leave early. Visitors may not take photos. Employees may not disclose confidential info. Guests may not bring outside food. Residents may not park in fire lanes.

4.3 Examples with Formal Phrases

Phrase	Examples
Forbidden to	Visitors are forbidden to touch the artwork. Employees are forbidden to disclose passwords. Guests are forbidden to smoke inside the building. Passengers are forbidden to use mobile phones during takeoff. Staff are forbidden to access restricted areas.
Prohibited from	The use of drones is prohibited from this park. Employees are prohibited from accepting gifts. Vehicles are prohibited from parking in fire lanes. Access is prohibited from this entrance after hours. Photography is prohibited from the museum exhibits.
Not allowed to	You are not allowed to smoke here. Students are not allowed to use mobile phones during exams. Guests are not allowed to bring outside food. Employees are not allowed to access this database. Visitors are not allowed to touch the artifacts.

5. Usage Rules for Adverbs of Prohibition

5.1 Placement within Sentences

Adverbs of prohibition are flexible but follow certain placement rules for clarity:

At the beginning of the sentence to emphasize prohibition:
Never disturb the wildlife.
Before the main verb:
She never comes late.
Before modal verbs:
You must not enter without permission.
At the end of sentence for emphasis:
Do that again, never.

5.2 Combining Adverbs with Modal Verbs

Modal verbs such as must, should, can, and may combine with adverbs to form prohibitive expressions. The placement often is:

Modal Verb + Adverb	Example
must not	You must not smoke here.
should not	Students should not cheat.
can not	I cannot enter without a pass.
may not	Visitors may not take photographs.

5.3 Formal vs. Informal Contexts

In formal writing, phrases like prohibited from and forbidden to are common, whereas in informal speech, simple adverbs such as never or not are often used. For example:

Formal: Employees are prohibited from using personal devices.
Informal: You can’t use your phone here.

6. Common Mistakes and How to Avoid Them

6.1 Mistake: Using the wrong adverb in prohibition context

Incorrect	Correct	Explanation
She never allows to smoke.	She never allows smoking.	The adverb ‘never’ should modify the verb directly, not the infinitive ‘to smoke’.
He must not to enter.	He must not enter.	Modal verb ‘must’ is followed directly by ‘not’ and the base verb, without ‘to’.
They are forbidding to park.	They are forbidding parking.	Use ‘forbidding’ as an adjective or ‘forbidden’ as a past participle, not ‘forbidding to’.

6.2 Mistake: Confusing ‘not’ with ‘never’ or ‘hardly’

Incorrect: He never allows to smoke.
Correct: He never allows smoking.
Incorrect: She hardly permits visitors.
Correct: She hardly permits visitors.

6.3 Mistake: Using positive adverbs in prohibitive sentences

Incorrect: You allow smoking here.
Correct: You must not allow smoking here.

7. Practice Exercises with Answers

7.1 Easy Level

Question	Options / Answer
Choose the correct prohibitive adverb: She ____ eats meat.	a) always b) never c) sometimes b) never
Fill in the blank: You ____ park here.	must not
Which phrase indicates formal prohibition? “Visitors are ____ touch the exhibits.”	forbidden to
Choose the correct sentence: ____ allow smoking inside.	a) Never b) Sometimes c) Always a) Never
Complete: Employees ____ use their phones during work hours.	must not

7.2 Intermediate Level

Question	Answer
Rewrite with a formal prohibition: “You can’t enter here.”	You are not allowed to enter here.
Identify the modal + adverb: “They ____ permit late arrivals.”	must not
Create a sentence with ‘forbidden to’.	Employees are forbidden to access the restricted area.
Choose the correct form: “She ____ smoke in the building.”	must not
Fill in: “Visitors ____ take photographs.”	may not

7.3 Advanced Level

Question	Answer
Explain why the sentence “He hardly permits to leave early” is incorrect and provide a correct version.	Because ‘permits’ is a verb that does not take ‘to’ after ‘permit’, the correct sentence is: “He hardly permits leaving early” or “He hardly permits early leaving.”
Construct a formal sentence using ‘prohibited from’.	Access is prohibited from entering this zone after hours.
Identify and correct the mistake: “She does not allow to use the gym.”	Correct: “She does not allow using the gym.” or “She does not allow people to use the gym.”
Create a sentence with ‘never’ as an adverb of prohibition.	He never allows anyone to cheat.
Explain the difference between ‘not allowed to’ and ‘must not’.	‘Not allowed to’ is a passive prohibition often used in rules, whereas ‘must not’ is an active prohibition emphasizing obligation or command.

8. Advanced Topics in Adverbs of Prohibition

8.1 Nuances of Formality and Tone

In legal, official, or professional contexts, precise language is essential. Phrases like prohibited from and forbidden to are preferred. The tone of the prohibition can influence how strictly the message is perceived. For example, must not carries a commanding tone, while not allowed to sounds more permissive and policy-driven.

8.2 Subtle Variations and Contextual Usage

Some adverbs of prohibition carry slight differences in meaning:

Never emphasizes absolute restriction over time.
Hardly suggests a rare or minimal allowance.
Barely indicates a borderline or minimal permission.

8.3 Combining Prohibitions with Other Grammar Elements

Prohibitions can be combined with conditional statements, passive voice, or reported speech to add complexity:


If you must not enter, please use the alternative door.
The sign said that you are not allowed to park here.
He told me I must not reveal the secret.

9. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q1: Can adverbs of prohibition be used with all verbs?

A1: Generally, yes. They modify verbs to indicate restrictions.

However, some verbs are less compatible, especially if they are intransitive or context-specific. For example, ‘never’ can modify ‘go,’ but not ‘be.’

Q2: Is ‘not’ the only adverb of prohibition?

A2: No. Other adverbs include ‘never,’ ‘hardly,’ ‘barely,’ and adverbial phrases like ‘forbidden to’ or ‘prohibited from.’ Each has specific nuances and usage contexts.

Q3: Can adverbs of prohibition be used in questions?

A3: Yes. For example, “Are you allowed to do that?” or “Must we not tell anyone?” However, the adverbs themselves are not typically used directly in questions but are part of the question structure.

Q4: How do I choose between ‘not allowed to’ and ‘must not’?

A4: ‘Not allowed to’ is more formal and policy-based, often used in rules. ‘Must not’ is more commanding, used in directives or strong prohibitions.

Q5: Are adverbs of prohibition used in negative sentences only?

A5: Mostly, yes. They serve to express negation or restriction.

However, they can also appear in affirmative sentences to emphasize the absence of allowance, e.g., “You are never allowed to do that.”

Q6: Can adverbs of prohibition be combined with each other?

A6: Generally, combining multiple prohibition adverbs is redundant and stylistically discouraged. Instead, use stronger phrases or modifiers for emphasis.

Q7: Are there regional differences in using adverbs of prohibition?

A7: Slight variations exist, especially between American and British English. For example, ‘not allowed to’ is common in both, but ‘must not’ is more formal in British English.

Q8: How can I make my prohibitive sentences more polite?

A8: Use polite modal phrases like ‘you are kindly requested not to’ or ‘please do not.’ These soften the tone while still conveying prohibition.

10. Conclusion and Final Tips

Adverbs of prohibition are indispensable tools in English for expressing restrictions, bans, and rules. They come in various forms—simple adverbs, modal verb combinations, and formal phrases—each suited to different contexts.

Proper placement within sentences, understanding subtle differences, and avoiding common mistakes are crucial for effective communication. Regular practice through exercises and awareness of formal versus informal usage will enhance your mastery.

Remember, clarity and tone are key in conveying prohibitions, whether in everyday conversations, professional writing, or legal documents. With a solid understanding of adverbs of prohibition, your ability to set boundaries and communicate rules accurately will significantly improve, making your English both precise and impactful.

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