Limit vs. Restrict: 两个容易混淆的英语单词

很多英语学习者觉得"limit"和"restrict"这两个词很相似,容易混淆。其实它们之间还是有细微差别的。简单来说,limit指设置一个界限或范围,restrict则指对某事进行约束或限制,使其不能自由发展。

"Limit"通常指数量、速度、程度等的限制,强调的是一个边界或上限。例如:

*The speed limit is 60 mph. (限速60英里每小时。) *There is a limit to what I can do. (我能做的有限。)

"Restrict"则更强调对自由或行为的限制,通常含有某种程度的控制或禁止的意味。例如:

*His movements were restricted by his injuries. (他的行动因伤势受限。) *The government restricted the sale of alcohol. (政府限制了酒类的销售。)

从上面的例子可以看出,"limit"更侧重于设置一个界限,而"restrict"更侧重于限制行为或自由。当然,在很多情况下,这两个词可以互换使用,但理解它们细微的差别能帮助你更精准地表达意思。

再来看一些例子:

  • We need to limit our spending this month. (这个月我们需要限制我们的开支。) *The new law restricts the use of plastic bags. (新法限制了塑料袋的使用。) *His vision was limited by the fog. (他的视野被大雾所限制。) *Access to the building is restricted to authorized personnel only. (进入该建筑物仅限授权人员。)

Happy learning!

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