Mastering the Past Tense of “Forbidden”: Forms, Usage & Examples

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Welcome to this comprehensive guide on understanding the past tense of the verb “forbid”. This article offers an in-depth exploration of the verb’s forms, correct usage, and common pitfalls. Since “forbid” is an irregular verb, learners often confuse its past tense forms, especially distinguishing between “forbade” and “forbidden”. Mastering these nuances significantly enhances your grammatical accuracy in both speaking and writing.

This guide is designed for ESL/EFL students, advanced learners wanting deeper insights, teachers seeking clear explanations, and grammar enthusiasts alike. We will cover definitions, verb forms, detailed examples, structural rules, common mistakes, exercises with answers, advanced notes, and a thorough FAQ.

By the end of this article, you will confidently use “forbid” in all its past forms, improving your fluency and precision. Let’s begin our journey to mastering this complex verb!

Table of Contents

3. DEFINITION SECTION

3.1 The Verb “Forbid”: Overview

The verb “forbid” means to refuse to allow something or to prohibit. It is an irregular, transitive verb, which means it requires a direct object (someone or something being prohibited).

Examples:

  • The company forbids smoking inside the building.
  • His religion forbids alcohol consumption.

3.2 What Is the Past Tense of “Forbid”?

“Forbid” has two relevant past forms:

  • Simple past: “forbade”
  • Past participle: “forbidden”

3.3 Grammatical Functions

“Forbade” functions as the simple past tense, describing a completed act of prohibition in the past.

“Forbidden” is the past participle, used with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses or in passive voice constructions.

3.4 Usage Contexts

Use “forbade” to narrate a specific, completed prohibition in the past.

Use “forbidden”:

  • with auxiliary verbs (“has,” “have,” “had”) in perfect tenses
  • in passive voice sentences
  • as an adjective (e.g., “forbidden fruit”)

Note differences in pronunciation:

  • American English: /fərˈbæd/ or /fərˈbeɪd/
  • British English: prefers /fəˈbæd/, but /fəˈbeɪd/ is also acceptable
Table 1: Overview of “Forbid” Forms and Functions
Verb Form Example Sentence Function Notes
Base form They often forbid smoking. Present simple
Simple past The school forbade smoking last year. Completed past action “Forbade” (/fərˈbæd/ or /fərˈbeɪd/)
Past participle Smoking has been forbidden since 2010. Perfect tenses / Passive voice “Forbidden”
Present participle Forbidding children from running. Continuous tenses / Gerund

4. STRUCTURAL BREAKDOWN

4.1 Irregular Verb Patterns

“Forbid” is irregular because it doesn’t form its past tense by simply adding -ed like regular verbs.

Compare:

  • Regular: allow → allowed
  • Irregular: forbid → forbade (simple past), forbidden (past participle)

4.2 Simple Past Formation: “Forbade”

The simple past form is “forbade”.

Pronunciations:

  • /fərˈbæd/ (rhymes with “bad”)
  • /fərˈbeɪd/ (rhymes with “made”)

Both are acceptable, with slight regional and speaker preferences.

4.3 Past Participle Formation: “Forbidden”

“Forbidden” is the past participle form, used:

  • with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses (has/have/had)
  • in passive voice constructions

Example:

They have forbidden access to the files.

4.4 Tense Use Patterns

  • Simple past (“forbade”): narrates a completed past action
  • Perfect tenses (“have/has/had forbidden”): shows a connection to present or another past event
  • Passive voice (“was/were/has been forbidden”): emphasizes the prohibition’s effect on the subject

4.5 Syntax in Sentences

Common structures:

  • Subject + forbid + object + to + verb
  • Subject + forbid + object + from + verb-ing
  • Passive: Object + be + forbidden + to + verb / from + verb-ing

Examples:

  • The manager forbade us to enter.
  • The manager forbade us from entering.
  • We were forbidden to enter.
Table 2: Sentence Structures with “Forbid” in Past Forms
Structure Type Example Tense/Voice
Active, simple past The manager forbade us to enter. Past, Active
Passive, perfect We have been forbidden to enter. Present perfect, Passive
Passive, simple past Smoking was forbidden in the park. Past simple, Passive

5. TYPES OR CATEGORIES

5.1 Simple Past of “Forbid” – “Forbade”

Use “forbade” to narrate specific events in the past. This form is common in storytelling, historical accounts, or formal speech.

Examples:

  • The king forbade his subjects to leave the city.
  • My doctor forbade me from eating sweets last year.

5.2 Past Participle of “Forbid” – “Forbidden”

Use “forbidden” in:

  • perfect tenses (have/has/had forbidden)
  • passive voice (was/were/has been forbidden)
  • as an adjective (forbidden fruit)

Examples:

  • They have forbidden cameras inside the venue.
  • Entry was forbidden after dark.
  • It was considered forbidden knowledge.

5.3 “Forbid” in Negative Forms

  • Simple past negative: did not forbid
  • Perfect tense negative: has/have not forbidden

Examples:

  • The law did not forbid it at that time.
  • They have not forbidden visitors yet.

5.4 “Forbid” in Questions (Interrogative Forms)

  • Did you forbid him to leave?
  • Has she forbidden smoking here?

5.5 Differences in Formality and Register

“Forbade” often sounds formal or literary, while in casual speech, people prefer “did not allow” or “told me not to.”

Example alternatives:

  • My boss forbade me from attending. (formal)
  • My boss didn’t let me attend. (informal)
  • Photography is prohibited in the gallery. (formal/legal)
  • You’re not allowed to take photos here. (neutral/informal)
Table 3: Summary of Categories, Contexts, and Examples
Category Context Example
Simple past Past event narration They forbade us to leave early.
Past participle (perfect) Result affecting present She has forbidden me to call her.
Past participle (passive) Passive construction Smoking was forbidden inside.
Negative Prohibition not made They did not forbid visitors.
Interrogative Questioning prohibition Did he forbid you from going?
Adjective Describing noun It was forbidden knowledge.
Informal alternative Casual speech They didn’t let us in.

6. EXAMPLES SECTION

6.1 Basic Examples with “Forbade” (Simple Past)

  • The teacher forbade students to use their phones.
  • My parents forbade me from going out late.
  • The coach forbade junk food during training.
  • Authorities forbade access to the flooded area.
  • The king forbade trade with the enemy nation.
  • The company forbade overtime last month.
  • His religion forbade certain foods centuries ago.
  • The law forbade people to carry weapons.
  • The doctor forbade her to drink alcohol.
  • The librarian forbade eating in the library.

6.2 Basic Examples with “Forbidden” (Past Participle)

  • Photography has been forbidden in the museum.
  • Entry was forbidden after midnight.
  • Pets have been forbidden in this apartment complex.
  • Access is forbidden beyond this point.
  • Smoking has been forbidden since 2010.
  • Chewing gum is forbidden in class.
  • Alcohol has been forbidden during the event.
  • The files have been forbidden for public access.
  • Weapons are forbidden on school grounds.
  • Parking is forbidden here after 6 PM.

6.3 Examples Using Passive Voice

  • Cell phone use was forbidden during the exam.
  • Visitors were forbidden from taking pictures.
  • Food has been forbidden inside the lab.
  • Children were forbidden to leave the playground.
  • Public gatherings have been forbidden since the outbreak.
  • Entry was forbidden due to safety concerns.
  • Construction has been forbidden in the protected area.
  • Smoking was forbidden throughout the flight.
  • Access has been forbidden until further notice.
  • Weapons were forbidden at the concert venue.

6.4 Examples in Perfect Tenses

  • They have forbidden pets in all dormitories.
  • The school has forbidden students to leave campus early.
  • He has forbidden us from discussing the topic.
  • The council has forbidden construction on wetlands.
  • The manager has forbidden overtime work this month.
  • She had forbidden them to enter her office.
  • By 2010, the country had forbidden imports of that product.
  • They have not forbidden visitors yet.
  • He has never forbidden me from speaking out.
  • The committee had already forbidden such practices.

6.5 Examples in Negative and Interrogative Forms

  • They did not forbid us to leave.
  • Did your parents forbid you from watching that movie?
  • The judge did not forbid him from contacting her.
  • Has the school forbidden students from wearing hats?
  • Did the doctor forbid you to eat sweets?
  • They have not forbidden visitors yet.
  • Had she forbidden you to speak to them?
  • Didn’t they forbid parking on this street?
  • Haven’t authorities forbidden gatherings?
  • Why did he forbid you from participating?

6.6 Examples with “Forbidden” as an Adjective

  • It was considered forbidden fruit.
  • The site is a forbidden area for civilians.
  • They entered the forbidden zone despite warnings.
  • Forbidden knowledge tempted the scientist.
  • She wore forbidden colors at the ceremony.
  • He explored forbidden territory without permission.
  • The children whispered about forbidden topics.
  • Forbidden love was at the story’s center.
  • The cave is a forbidden place for locals.
  • They discovered forbidden books in the attic.

6.7 Complex Examples (Advanced Structures)

  • Despite being forbidden, he secretly accessed the files.
  • The children had been forbidden from playing outside, yet they sneaked out.
  • Everything forbidden during the fast was tempting.
  • She acted as if nothing had been forbidden.
  • Even though photography was forbidden, he took many pictures.
  • After access was forbidden, many protested the decision.
  • The students had been forbidden from eating snacks, yet many did.
  • He went into the forbidden zone, risking arrest.
  • The ritual, once forbidden, is now celebrated openly.
  • Although the king had forbidden travel, merchants crossed the border.

6.8 Comparison Table: “Forbade” vs. “Forbidden” in Sentences

Table 4: “Forbade” vs. “Forbidden” Usage
Form Example Sentence Usage Context
Forbade The director forbade smoking inside the studio. Simple past, active voice
Forbidden Smoking has been forbidden in the studio since 2015. Passive/perfect tense, also adjective use
Forbade The council forbade parking in the alley. Completed past action
Forbidden Parking is forbidden in the alley after 6 PM. Passive/adjective
Forbade Her parents forbade her to date him. Active narration, past event
Forbidden She has been forbidden from seeing him. Passive, perfect tense

Additional Example Tables

Table 5: Examples by Tense and Voice
Tense/Voice Affirmative Negative Question
Simple Past Active The school forbade smoking. The school did not forbid smoking. Did the school forbid smoking?
Simple Past Passive Smoking was forbidden. Smoking was not forbidden. Was smoking forbidden?
Present Perfect Passive Smoking has been forbidden. Smoking has not been forbidden. Has smoking been forbidden?
Table 6: Examples with Prepositions
Structure Example
forbid + object + to + verb The coach forbade players to leave early.
forbid + object + from + verb-ing The coach forbade players from leaving early.
be forbidden + to + verb (passive) Players were forbidden to leave early.
be forbidden + from + verb-ing (passive) Players were forbidden from leaving early.

7. USAGE RULES

7.1 When to Use “Forbade”

  • To narrate a specific, completed act of prohibition in the past.
  • Commonly used in the active voice.
  • Example: My parents forbade me from staying out late when I was a teenager.

7.2 When to Use “Forbidden”

  • In perfect tenses: They have forbidden the sale of fireworks.
  • In passive voice: Access was forbidden after dark.
  • As an adjective: They entered the forbidden zone.

7.3 Prepositions Following “Forbid”

  • Forbid + object + to + verb (more formal or traditional)
  • Forbid + object + from + verb-ing (common in modern usage)

Both are acceptable, but “from + verb-ing” is often preferred in contemporary speech.

7.4 Formal vs. Informal Alternatives

Informal alternatives include:

  • “not allow” – They didn’t allow us to leave.
  • “ban” – The school banned cell phones.
  • “prohibit” – Smoking is prohibited in the building.

Choose based on tone and context.

7.5 Common Exceptions and Variations

  • “Forbade” is less common in everyday speech; “didn’t allow” is often preferred.
  • Pronunciation varies: both /fərˈbæd/ and /fərˈbeɪd/ are correct.
  • Context dictates use of active or passive voice and choice of prepositions.
Table 7: Usage Rules Summary with Examples
Rule Example
Use “forbade” for specific past events The teacher forbade us to talk.
Use “forbidden” in perfect tenses They have forbidden cameras inside.
Use “forbidden” in passive voice Smoking is forbidden here.
Use “to + verb” or “from + verb-ing” She forbade me to leave. / She forbade me from leaving.
Informal alternatives They didn’t let me go. / It’s banned.

8. COMMON MISTAKES

8.1 Confusing “Forbade” and “Forbidden”

Incorrect: He has forbade me to go.

Correct: He has forbidden me to go.

8.2 Using Regular Past Form *”Forbidded”*

Incorrect: They forbidded us.

Correct: They forbade us.

8.3 Incorrect Passive Forms

Incorrect: Smoking was forbade.

Correct: Smoking was forbidden.

8.4 Wrong Prepositions

Incorrect: She forbade me to not go.

Correct: She forbade me from going.

8.5 Pronunciation Errors

Only using /fərˈbæd/; remember /fərˈbeɪd/ is also acceptable.

8.6 Overusing “Forbidden” in Place of “Forbade”

Incorrect: The teacher forbidden us to leave early.

Correct: The teacher forbade us to leave early.

Table 8: Common Mistakes and Corrections
Incorrect Sentence Correct Sentence Explanation
He has forbade me to go. He has forbidden me to go. Use past participle “forbidden” with “has”.
They forbidded us from entering. They forbade us from entering. “Forbade” is the correct simple past.
Smoking was forbade inside. Smoking was forbidden inside. Passive requires past participle.
She forbidden me to come. She forbade me to come. Use simple past “forbade” for past narration.
They has forbiddened visitors. They have forbidden visitors. “Forbidden” is the correct past participle; no “-ed” ending.

9. PRACTICE EXERCISES

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank

  1. The teacher ______ students from cheating. (forbade/forbidden)
  2. Entrance is ______ after 10 PM. (forbade/forbidden)
  3. They have ______ all outdoor activities. (forbade/forbidden)
  4. Our parents ______ us to stay out late when we were kids. (forbade/forbidden)
  5. Photography has been ______ in the temple. (forbade/forbidden)
  6. He ______ me from entering his office yesterday. (forbade/forbidden)
  7. The company has ______ smoking inside the building. (forbade/forbidden)
  8. They did not ______ visitors during the festival. (forbid/forbade)
  9. The law has ______ such practices for decades. (forbidden/forbade)
  10. She ______ me to make any phone calls. (forbade/forbidden)

9.2 Error Correction

  1. Smoking was forbade inside the restaurant.
  2. They has forbiddened us from entering.
  3. She has forbade her son to drive.
  4. The king forbidden the peasants from leaving.
  5. They did not forbade visitors last year.
  6. He has never forbade me anything.
  7. Parking was forbidded in that street.
  8. The judge had forbid him to leave town.
  9. My boss forbidden me to work overtime.
  10. Did the police forbidden protests?

9.3 Identify the Verb Form

  1. The manager forbade us to enter.
  2. Smoking has been forbidden since 2015.
  3. They forbid loud music after 10 PM.
  4. The teacher is forbidding cheating during the exam.
  5. They have forbidden visitors in the ICU.
  6. Did she forbid you from going?
  7. Parking was forbidden yesterday.
  8. She forbade her children from fighting.
  9. They did not forbid us to speak.
  10. He has never forbidden me anything.

9.4 Sentence Construction

  • Write 3 sentences using “forbade” in the simple past.
  • Write 3 sentences using “forbidden” in perfect tenses.
  • Write 3 passive sentences with “forbidden”.
  • Write 3 sentences using negative forms.
  • Write 3 questions with “forbade” or “forbidden”.

9.5 Transformation Exercise

  1. The coach forbade players to leave early. → (Passive)
  2. The government has forbidden the sale of fireworks. → (Passive)
  3. The school forbade students from wearing hats. → (Passive)
  4. They forbade visitors to enter the lab. → (Passive)
  5. The manager has forbidden overtime work. → (Passive)

9.6 Mixed Review Quiz

  1. Which is the correct past participle of “forbid”?
    a) forbidded
    b) forbidden
    c) forbade
  2. Choose the correct sentence:
    a) They has forbiddened us.
    b) They have forbidden us.
    c) They have forbade us.
  3. Identify the tense: “She forbade me to come.”
  4. Identify the tense: “They have forbidden smoking.”
  5. Rewrite in passive: “The principal forbade cell phones.”
  6. Fill in: “Entry was ______ after dark.”
    a) forbade
    b) forbidden
    c) forbid
  7. Correct the error: “They did not forbade us.”
  8. Is “forbidded” a correct form?
  9. Which preposition fits: “He forbade me _____ leaving”?
    a) from
    b) to
    c) for
  10. Form a question: “Has the doctor ______ you from eating sweets?”
  11. Use “forbade” in a sentence.
  12. Use “forbidden” as an adjective in a sentence.
  13. Rewrite in negative: “The law forbade protests.”
  14. Rewrite using perfect tense: “The council forbade fireworks.”
  15. Choose the correct sentence:
    a) She has forbade us.
    b) She forbade us.
    c) She has forbidden us.

Answer Keys

9.1 Fill-in-the-Blank Answers

  1. forbade
  2. forbidden
  3. forbidden
  4. forbade
  5. forbidden
  6. forbade
  7. forbidden
  8. forbid
  9. forbidden
  10. forbade

9.2 Error Correction Answers

  1. Smoking was forbidden inside the restaurant.
  2. They have forbidden us from entering.
  3. She has forbidden her son to drive.
  4. The king forbade the peasants from leaving.
  5. They did not forbid visitors last year.
  6. He has never forbidden me anything.
  7. Parking was forbidden in that street.
  8. The judge had forbidden him to leave town.
  9. My boss forbade me to work overtime.
  10. Did the police forbid protests?

9.3 Identify the Verb Form Answers

  1. Simple past
  2. Past participle
  3. Base form
  4. Present participle
  5. Past participle
  6. Base form
  7. Past participle
  8. Simple past
  9. Base form
  10. Past participle

9.5 Transformation Exercise Answers

  1. Players were forbidden to leave early.
  2. The sale of fireworks has been forbidden.
  3. Students were forbidden from wearing hats.
  4. Visitors were forbidden to enter the lab.
  5. Overtime work has been forbidden.

9.6 Mixed Review Quiz Answers

  1. b) forbidden
  2. b) They have forbidden us.
  3. Simple past
  4. Present perfect
  5. Cell phones were forbidden by the principal.
  6. b) forbidden
  7. They did not forbid us.
  8. No
  9. a) from
  10. forbidden
  11. My parents forbade me to go.
  12. It was forbidden fruit.
  13. The law did not forbid protests.
  14. The council has forbidden fireworks.
  15. c) She has forbidden us.

10. ADVANCED TOPICS

10.1 “Forbid” in Reported Speech

Direct: She said, “I forbid you to go.”

Reported: She forbade me to go.

Note: “Forbade” is used to report a past command.

10.2 Nuances of Formality and Tone

Choosing “forbade” or “forbidden” can affect the tone:

  • “Forbade” sounds more formal, literary, or emphatic.
  • “Did not allow” is neutral/informal.
  • “Prohibited” sounds technical/legal.

10.3 Historical and Literary Usage

Classic literature often uses “forbade” and “forbidden”:

  • “He forbade her to speak again.” (Victorian novel)
  • “Forbidden fruit tastes the sweetest.” (Biblical proverb)

Modern usage favors “not allowed” in casual contexts.

10.4 “Forbidden” as a Fixed Expression or Idiom

Common idioms:

  • “Forbidden fruit”: Tempting but off-limits pleasures.
  • “Forbidden zone”: Restricted or dangerous area.
  • “Forbidden knowledge”: Knowledge considered taboo or dangerous.

10.5 Modal Verbs and “Forbid”

Prohibition can also be expressed with modals:

  • “Must not”: You must not smoke here.
  • “Cannot”: You cannot enter.
  • “Are not allowed to”: You are not allowed to leave.
  • “Are forbidden to”: You are forbidden to leave.

Modal verbs often sound stronger or more immediate.

10.6 Regional Variations in Usage and Pronunciation

  • American English: Both /fərˈbæd/ and /fərˈbeɪd/ pronunciations; prefers “didn’t allow” in speech.
  • British English: Slight preference for /fəˈbæd/; “prohibit” more common in formal registers.
  • Colloquial: “Not let,” “ban,” or “not allowed” used more frequently.
Table 9: Advanced Usage Examples and Contexts
Context Example
Reported speech He said he forbade me from returning.
Idiomatic expression They were tempted by forbidden fruit.
Modal alternative You must not enter this room.
Historical usage The king forbade all travel beyond the border.
Regional preference They didn’t allow visitors. (US, informal)

11. FAQ SECTION

  1. What is the simple past tense of “forbid”?
    It is “forbade”.
  2. What is the past participle of “forbid”?
    It is “forbidden”.
  3. How do I correctly use “forbade” and “forbidden” in sentences?
    Use “forbade” when narrating a specific event in the past. Use “forbidden” with auxiliary verbs in perfect tenses or in passive voice.
  4. Can “forbidden” be used as an adjective?
    Yes, it describes something prohibited, e.g., forbidden fruit.
  5. Is “forbidded” ever correct?
    No, “forbidded” is incorrect. Use “forbade” or “forbidden” depending on context.
  6. What are common prepositions used after “forbid”?
    Both “to + verb” and “from + verb-ing” are used.
  7. What are some synonyms for “forbid”?

    Ban, prohibit, disallow, block, prevent, bar.

  8. Are there differences between American and British English in using “forbade”/”forbidden”?
    Slight preferences in pronunciation and choice of alternative words, but forms are the same.
  9. How do I pronounce “forbade” correctly?
    Either /fərˈbæd/ (rhymes with “bad”) or /fərˈbeɪd/ (rhymes with “made”).
  10. When should I use passive voice with “forbidden”?
    When focusing on the thing prohibited rather than who prohibited it, e.g., Photography is forbidden.
  11. Why is “forbid” considered an irregular verb?
    Because its past forms do not follow the regular “-ed” pattern: “forbid” → “forbade” → “forbidden”.
  12. What are some common mistakes to avoid with this verb?
    Using “forbidded,” confusing “forbade” and “forbidden,” wrong prepositions, and incorrect passive forms.

12. CONCLUSION

In this guide, we’ve thoroughly examined the irregular verb “forbid”, focusing on its past forms: “forbade” (simple past) and “forbidden” (past participle and adjective). Using these correctly enhances your clarity and precision in English.

Remember:

  • Use “forbade” to narrate specific past prohibitions.
  • Use “forbidden” with perfect tenses, in passive voice, or as an adjective.
  • Pay attention to prepositions and context.
  • Avoid common mistakes like “forbidded.”

Practice regularly with the exercises provided and observe real-world examples to reinforce your understanding. Mastering irregular verbs like “forbid” is key to achieving fluency.

Explore our other resources on verb tenses and irregular verbs to deepen your knowledge further.

Keep learning confidently, and soon you’ll use “forbid,” “forbade,” and “forbidden” naturally in your English communication!

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