Lesson 4. Explicando una ley en tu país.

• are prohibited

• against the law

• is banned

• are not allowed

Illegal actions

Use these expressions to talk about something that's illegal.

• Driving while under the influence of alcohol is against the law.

• Smoking in public buildings and workplaces is illegal.

More phrases for illegal actions

When you're speaking or writing more formally, you can use expressions that consist of is + past participle.

• Driving to the city center is banned, except for buses and taxis.

• In my country, anyone under the age of 21 is prohibited from drinking alcoholic beverages.

• Alcoholic beverages are forbidden in some parts of the United States.

• You are not allowed to throw trash on the street in my city.

Informal opinions

When you are writing informally, you can use the same expressions as in speech.

• I think that the law is ridiculous.

• If you ask me, the law is way too strict.

Formal opinions

Here are some phrases for expressing your opinion in a more formal context:

• Personally, I think that it's a good law.

• From my point of view, smoking should be banned.

• To my mind, there should be strict laws regarding alcohol.

• To my way of thinking, the government has passed enough laws.