Word choice

Question

What is the common substitute for the verb "confine", please?

Wilpeter · Accepted Answer

In what sense of the word 'confine' are you seeking a substitute?  Can you provide the sentence in which you wish to include it.  What is it that is to be confined?

Anonymous · Answer

I mean like in the following informal context, in the sense of restriction:

e.g.,

"People are confined to this room only when smoking".
"Non-swimmers are confined to the beach, not swimming to the middle".
"It's good to confine your spending to the amount in your wallet".

Is "non-swimmer" is a native choice to refer to a person who cannot swim?

Wilpeter · Answer

The verb, “confine” is used in many cases, both for humans and animals. Sometimes the sense is of almost imprisonment, but in others it is just inconvenience (such as when you have a contagious disease). The noun, “confine” can mean a prison—it’s often a matter of how much effort is being made by the authorities to confine those within it.
In the examples you gave, the word “restrict” is similar in strength. The content of signs in places where only minimal supervision is provided has changed over the years. We have found that people tend to challenge authority either by disobeying or by writing to the authorities. The emphasis seems to have changed to addressing the risk instead of the offender, with “Smoking in this room only” or “Danger: Strong currents make swimming hazardous”.

But, to get to your question, “confine yourself” is a suitable use; thus, “Confine yourself to this room when smoking.” “Non-swimmers should confine themselves to the beach. Strong currents make the deeper water hazardous.” The third example is fine as is, in my experience (although “restrict” is also suitable). The expression, “non-swimmer” can be used also for a person who chooses not to swim, whether by choice, fitness, handicap, or being unprepared; but I agree that it fits one who has not learned to swim.
Sometimes, the word “limited” can be substituted for “confined”. The dictionaries provide many alternatives, but very few can be used in as many senses as “confined”.

Anonymous · Answer

Thank you wilpeter. That's one of the word I've found as I'm learning English. Unfortunately, the dictionary list it as a formal word and not suitable in everyday casual English. Do you agree? <img class='emoticon' style='Width:19px;Height:19px;' data-delaysrc='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' src='https://uat-englishforward-forums-backend.s3.us-west-2.amazonaws.com/Emoticons/1.gif' alt='Emotion: smile'/>

Wilpeter · Answer

Anonymousthe dictionary list it as a formal word and not suitable in everyday casual English. Do you agree?

To many here, everyday English is both casual and formal. To aim too low with your English would be to slow down your progress. I don't think I would find fault with "confine", "restrict", or "limit" in either formal or casual English.

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