This is one of the most common signs – it is typically understood in most cultures. Which BEST explains why it is so effective?

Question

A red circle with a line through it.

A.
It is red so it easily captures people’s attention.

B.
It can be easily adapted for many purposes.

C.
It indicates that something is banned or forbidden.

D.
It works well as long as everyone speaks the same language.

Answer 1

The best explanation for why a red circle with a line through it is so effective is:

C. It indicates that something is banned or forbidden.

This symbol is widely recognized as a prohibition sign, making it clear across different cultures that something is not allowed. While A also has some merit regarding attention-grabbing, C more specifically explains its effectiveness in the context of communication and understanding.