What are the definitions of “choke down”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To force oneself to eat or swallow something, especially when it is difficult or unpleasant.
Emma managed to choke down a banana.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “choke down”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb choke down is to force oneself to eat or swallow something, especially when it is difficult or unpleasant. It is often used when someone does not like the taste or texture of the food but needs to eat it for some reason.
What are the different verb forms of “choke down”?
| Root Verb | choke down |
| Third Person Singular Present | chokes down |
| Present Participle | choking down |
| Simple Past | choked down |
| Past Participle | choked down |
Example
I had to choke down the bitter medicine.
Example
She chokes down the vegetables she doesn't like.
Example
He is choking down the food to be polite to the host.
Example
Yesterday, they choked down the strange dish at the party.
Example
The unpleasant meal was choked down by everyone at the table.
What kind of phrasal verb is “choke down”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Transitive verb
“choke down” is a transitive phrasal verb because it requires a direct object to complete its meaning. The direct object specifies what is being removed, obtained, or eliminated.
Example
She choked down the bitter medicine.
Example
He choked the food down even though he didn't like it.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“choke down” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
She choked down the bitter medicine.
Example
He choked the food down even though he didn't like it.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “choke down”?
Good things to know
Does “choke down” have an informal or formal tone?
Choke down is generally considered informal and is more commonly used in everyday conversations. In more formal settings, alternative phrases such as 'force oneself to eat' or 'swallow with difficulty' may be more appropriate.
