I say we cap them both vs Restrict

When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.

I say we cap them both

Informal Beyond 10,000 (less common)

Restrict

Top 2,000 (common) B2 verb

Most formal: Restrict Most common: Restrict

	I say we cap them both	Restrict
Pronunciation	🇬🇧 //aɪ seɪ wiː kæp ðɛm boʊθ// 🇺🇸 //aɪ seɪ wi kæp ðɛm boʊθ//	🇬🇧 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/ 🇺🇸 /["/rɪˈstrɪkt/","/rɪˈstrɪkts/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪd/","/rɪˈstrɪktɪŋ/"]/
Meaning	I suggest we stop both of them.	to limit or control something
Example	I say we cap them both before it gets out of hand.	The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city.
Register	Informal	Neutral
How common	Beyond 10,000 (less common)	Top 2,000 (common)
CEFR level	-	B2
Part of speech		verb
Collocations	say we, cap them, cap it, stop them, halt this	greatly, seriously, severely, attempt to, seek to, try to, to, an attempt to restrict something, measures to restrict something, greatly, seriously, severely, attempt to, seek to, try to, to, an attempt to restrict something, measures to restrict something
Antonyms	support, promote	allow, permit, liberate
Common mistakes	Confusing 'cap' with 'capable'., 'Them' often misused with singular subjects.	Confused with 'restrictive' which describes something that limits., Using 'restrict' without an object, which is incorrect., Mixing up with 'refuse', which has a different meaning.
Usage notes	Used in informal discussions, often implies a decision or idea. Not suited for formal writing or speaking.	Typically used in formal and neutral contexts, 'restrict' can refer to limitations on rights, access, or actions. It may not be appropriate in casual conversation.

See it in real clips

Breaking Bad › S1 E1

I say we cap them both.

I say we cap them both

Restricted.

Restrict

Frequently asked questions: I say we cap them both vs Restrict

What's the difference between I say we cap them both and Restrict?

I say we cap them both: I suggest we stop both of them. Restrict: to limit or control something

Which is more formal: I say we cap them both and Restrict?

Restrict is the most formal of these.

Which is more common: I say we cap them both and Restrict?

Restrict is the most common in everyday English.

Can you show an example of each?

I say we cap them both: I say we cap them both before it gets out of hand. Restrict: The new law will restrict the use of plastic bags in the city.

Can I use I say we cap them both and Restrict interchangeably?

Not always. I say we cap them both and Restrict are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.