Forbid - GMAT Pill vs. MGMAT

Question

Hello,

quick question on the idioms "forbid to" and "forbid from doing something".

GMAT Pill says that both idioms are CORRECT, saying that forbit to is a bid stronger. MGMAT argues that forbid from is unidiomatic. What are your opinions?

Regards,
Th

ttnguyen104 · Answer

I believe idioms are being phased out or has completely phased out of the gmat so I wouldn't waste my time on it.

saikarthikreddy · Answer

someone please explain the correct idiom usage.

GMATPill · Answer

This is simply a variation of the "to do X" vs "doing X" that we covered in depth with various OG and GMATPrep examples here:
gmat-pill-presents-vs-which-to-choose-a-secret-idiomatic-152791.html#p1224932

Try not to think of it strictly as RIGHT VS WRONG.

The way we like to think of it here at GMAT Pill is what is PREFERRED by the GMAT folks.

1) FORBID X TO DO Y
2) FORBID X FROM DOING

IF you were to choose between these 2 options on the GMAT, then option #1 would be correct. This is the PREFERRED option on the GMAT.

However, note that we choose #1 not because #2 is grammatically wrong, but rather because #1 is considered to be the simpler, more concise version. Therefore #1 is correct because it is the PREFERRED version.

Again, this does NOT mean that #2 is WRONG.

MGMAT guides say "wrong" - but that's only wrong in the context of a situation in which you are choosing between the two options.

However, if you simply see "FORBID X FROM DOING" in a sentence - and you are NOT choosing between this and the other option---then "FORBID X FROM DOING" is not technically wrong. In fact, it's fine---just not the optimal preferred version on the GMAT.

So try not to think of things as right and wrong. Context is important. On the test, you want to choose #1. But if your boss writes you an email mentioning #2---don't be so confident about challenging him/her because technically #2 can work, too---as long as #1 is not an option.

Again, for more examples, please reference the article here: gmat-pill-presents-vs-which-to-choose-a-secret-idiomatic-152791.html#p1224932

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Forbid - GMAT Pill vs. MGMAT

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