What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
choking
Example
He was choking on a piece of food and couldn't speak. [choking: verb]
Example
The baby started choking on a small toy and needed immediate help. [choking: present participle]
clogging
Example
The sink was clogged with hair, and the water couldn't drain properly. [clogged: past tense]
Example
Leaves and debris were clogging the gutter, causing water to overflow. [clogging: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Clogging is more commonly used than choking in everyday language. Clogging is versatile and can be applied to various contexts, such as plumbing or drainage issues, while choking is more specific to situations involving the airway and breathing difficulties.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between choking and clogging?
While choking is typically associated with a more serious and urgent tone, clogging can be used in both formal and informal contexts. Clogging is commonly used in technical or practical discussions related to plumbing or drainage systems.