Table of Contents
Introduction
In English, we use modals of prohibition to tell someone that something is not allowed or forbidden. The core modals of prohibition are mustn’t and can’t.
We also use other expressions to show prohibition, such as not allowed to, not permitted to, forbidden, or prohibited. These are expressions of prohibition, not true modals, but they are very common in everyday English and formal rules.
This post includes a quick review, followed by a quiz with answers to help you practice and check your understanding.
Before doing the “Modals of Prohibition Quiz“, let’s quickly review how prohibition is expressed in English.
Quick Review: Modals vs Expressions of Prohibition
Modals of Prohibition:
- Mustn’t → strong prohibition
- Example: You mustn’t park here.
- Can’t → everyday prohibition
- Example: You can’t enter this building without a pass.
Expressions of Prohibition:
- Not allowed to → formal prohibition
- Example: Students are not allowed to use phones during class.
- Not permitted to → formal rule
- Example: Visitors are not permitted to feed the animals.
- Forbidden / prohibited → formal or official rules
- Example: It is forbidden to drive without a license.
→ More about expressing prohibition
Modals of Prohibition Quiz with Answers
Matching Quiz
Match each prohibition (Column A) with the correct reason (Column B).
| Column A | Column B |
|---|---|
| 1. You are not allowed to smoke here. | a. It’s dangerous because of strong currents. |
| 2. You mustn’t use your phone in class. | b. This is a hospital. |
| 3. You can’t enter this area without a helmet. | c. It’s a safety rule at the construction site. |
| 4. You are not permitted to park here. | d. It may disturb the teacher and other students. |
| 5. You mustn’t touch the paintings. | e. It’s private property. |
| 6. You can’t swim in this part of the beach. | f. Food and animals are not allowed for hygiene reasons. |
| 7. You are not allowed to bring pets inside. | g. They could be damaged. |
2 → d
3 → c
4 → e
5 → g
6 → a
7 → f
Multiple Choice Quiz
Choose the correct answer for each question.
- You _________ be late for schoo.
- a) mustn’t
- b) don’t have to
- c) can
- You _________ take photos in the museum.
- a) can’t
- b) must
- c) may
- In this library, you are not _________ use your phone.
- a) allowed to
- b) allowing
- c) allow
- It is midnight. You _________ play loud music now.
- a) mustn’t
- b) must
- c) should
- Children are not _________ to watch this movie.
- a) allow
- b) allowed
- c) allowing
- You _________ park your car in front of the hospital entrance.
- a) mustn’t
- b) may
- c) should
- “_________ smoking inside the building.” (sign)
- a) Mustn’t
- b) No
- c) Can’t
- Employees _________ wear jeans to the office.
- a) can
- b) mustn’t
- c) should
- Drivers _________ use their phones while driving.
- a) mustn’t
- b) may
- c) can
- Students are _________ bring food into the classroom.
- a) not allowed to
- b) mustn’t to
- c) can’t to
2. a) can’t → Visitors are not permitted to take photos there.
3. a) allowed to → “not allowed to” is the correct structure.
4. a) mustn’t → It is prohibited because it disturbs others.
5. b) allowed → Passive form: “not allowed.”
6. a) mustn’t → Strong prohibition for safety reasons.
7. b) No → Signs usually use “No + noun/verb-ing.”
8. b) mustn’t → Office rule: jeans are not permitted.
9. a) mustn’t → It is illegal to use phones while driving.
10. a) not allowed to → Formal prohibition in schools.
Gap Fill Quiz
Fill in the blanks with the correct modal or expression. Use: mustn’t, can’t, not allowed to, not permitted to, forbidden, prohibited
- You _________ talk during the exam.
- Visitors _________ enter this area without permission.
- Students are not _________ use their phones during class.
- There is a sign outside the cinema saying: “__________ food or drinks.”
- You _________ park your car in front of the fire hydrant.
- Employees are _________ wear jeans to the office.
- The sign says: “__________ smoking inside the building.”
2. mustn’t /can’t → everyday rule: not permitted
3. allowed to → expression of prohibition
4. No → common sign
5. mustn’t /can’t → strong safety rule
6. not permitted to → formal prohibition
7. No → public sign
Writing Exercise: Classroom Rules
Now it’s your turn! Write 7 classroom rules using modals of prohibition (mustn’t, can’t) and prohibition expressions (not allowed, not permitted).
Example:
- Students mustn’t run in the classroom.
- You are not allowed to use your phone during lessons.
Your List (7 rules):
- …
- …
- …
- …
- …
- …
- …
Speaking Extension: Discussing Classroom Rules
After writing your classroom rules, work with a partner or in a small group.
- Share your rules with each other.
- Compare your lists – are they similar or different?
- Discuss which rules are the most important and why.
- Decide together on the top 3 rules every student should follow.
👉 This activity helps you practice expressing prohibition in real conversation while also improving your speaking and critical thinking skills.
Things to Remember
- Mustn’t = very strong prohibition.
- Can’t = everyday way to say something is not possible or not permitted.
- Not allowed to = more formal, often used in official rules.
- No + noun / -ing = common in signs (No smoking, No entry).
- Don’t confuse mustn’t (prohibited) with don’t have to or needn’t (not necessary).
Conclusion
Using modals of prohibition like mustn’t, can’t, and not allowed to helps learners clearly express rules and restrictions in English. By practicing with this “Modals of Prohibition Worksheet“, you can help your students better understand how to use them in everyday life.
