What are the definitions of “choke out”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1Clog or overwhelm.
Water hyacinth is CHOKING OUT the native vegetation in our rivers.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “choke out”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb choke out is to clog or overwhelm something, usually by preventing air or space from flowing freely. This can refer to plants, objects, or even ideas being blocked or stifled.
What are the different verb forms of “choke out”?
| Root Verb | choke out |
| Third Person Singular Present | chokes out |
| Present Participle | choking out |
| Simple Past | choked out |
| Past Participle | choked out |
Example
The weeds are choking out the flowers in the garden.
Example
The invasive plant chokes out the native species.
Example
The overgrown bushes are choking out the sunlight.
Example
The thick smoke choked out the air in the room.
Example
The small business was choked out by the large corporation.
What kind of phrasal verb is “choke out”?
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 out” 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
The vines choked out the smaller plants.
Example
The pollution choked out the air quality.
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 out” 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
The vines choked out the smaller plants.
Example
The pollution choked out the air quality.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “choke out”?
Good things to know
Does “choke out” have an informal or formal tone?
Choke out is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is appropriate for everyday conversations, as well as more formal writing or presentations, depending on the specific context.
