Modal Verbs and Phrases for Prohibition

Modal Verbs and Phrases for Prohibition

Hello English learners! In today’s lesson, we’ll look at how to talk about things that are forbidden or not allowed in English. We will explore modal verbs like ‘can’t’ and ‘mustn’t’, as well as other phrases such as ‘not allowed to’ and ‘don’t let’. You will also see the difference between prohibition and lack of necessity, which is a common mistake. Modal Verbs and Phrases for Prohibition

Prohibition in the present and future

Here are the most common ways to say something is forbidden:   

Modal Verbs and Phrases for Prohibition

Common Mistake:

Don’t have to

Don’t have to ≠ forbidden

It means not necessary.

Prohibition: You mustn’t park on the pavement. (= It’s against the rules.)

Lack of necessity: You don’t have to take a taxi. (= It’s optional; you can walk if you want.)

Prohibition in the past

To talk about rules or restrictions in the past, we use: 

Modal Verbs and Phrases for Prohibition

Note: We don’t use mustn’t for the past.

❌ I mustn’t stay out late when I was young.

✅ I wasn’t allowed to stay out late when I was young.

Extra Examples

• You can’t enter without a ticket.
• Visitors mustn’t touch the paintings in the gallery.
• My sister won’t let me use her computer.
• Students aren’t allowed to wear trainers at this school.
• The government doesn’t allow people to build houses in this area.
• I couldn’t leave the exam hall until the time was up.
• He wasn’t allowed to play football because of his injury.
• They didn’t allow children to watch horror films.

Do the quiz to perfect your knowledge:

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