Differences between chicken out and choke out
Chicken out means to decide not to do something because of fear or lack of courage, whereas choke out means to struggle to speak or make a sound because of strong emotions or physical restrictions.
Meanings and Definitions: chicken out vs choke out
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
Chicken out
- 1Be too afraid to do something.
I CHICKENED OUT of the bungee jumping when I saw how high it was.
Choke out
- 1Clog or overwhelm.
Water hyacinth is CHOKING OUT the native vegetation in our rivers.
Usage Examples: chicken out, choke out in Sentences
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
chicken out
Example
I don't want to chicken out of the speech competition.
Example
She always chickens out when it's time to speak in public.
choke out
Example
The weeds are choking out the flowers in the garden.
Example
The invasive plant chokes out the native species.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Chicken out
lose one's nerve
To become too scared or nervous to do something that was planned or expected.
Example
She lost her nerve before the bungee jump and decided not to go through with it.
wimp out
To avoid doing something because of fear or lack of courage.
Example
He wimped out of the haunted house tour and waited outside while his friends went in.
Similar Expressions(Synonyms) of Choke out
To speak with difficulty, pausing or repeating words due to nervousness or emotion.
Example
She was so nervous during the presentation that she started to stammer and lose her train of thought.
choke up
To become emotional and unable to speak or continue talking.
Example
She choked up when she talked about her late grandfather and couldn't finish her story.
Explore more Phrasal Verbs
Here are some phrasal verbs with the same verbs or particles
Phrasal Verbs with “choke”
- choke off
- choke back
- choke down
- choke up
Phrasal Verbs with “out”
Differences in chicken out vs choke out: Usage, Formality, and Tone
Frequency in Daily Use: chicken out or choke out?
In daily conversation, people use chicken out more often than choke out. This is because chicken out is used in a wider range of situations, such as backing out of a dare or not taking a risk. Choke out is less common and usually used in specific situations, such as when someone is crying or struggling to speak due to a physical condition.
Informal vs Formal: Contextual Use of chicken out and choke out
Chicken out and choke out are both informal phrases that are suitable for casual conversations. However, choke out may be more appropriate in more serious or emotional contexts, such as discussing personal struggles or experiences.
Tone and Implication: The Nuances of chicken out and choke out
The tone of chicken out and choke out can differ based on context. Chicken out often carries a negative or disappointed tone when someone decides not to do something, while choke out typically has a sympathetic or concerned tone, especially when someone is struggling to speak or express themselves.
