What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
choking
Example
He started choking on a piece of meat and had to be given the Heimlich maneuver. [choking: verb]
Example
The baby was choking on a small toy and needed immediate assistance. [choking: present participle]
gagging
Example
The smell of the garbage made him start gagging uncontrollably. [gagging: verb]
Example
She couldn't handle the taste of the medicine and started gagging. [gagging: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Choking is more commonly used than gagging in everyday language, especially in medical or emergency contexts. Gagging is less common and often used in specific situations or comedic contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between choking and gagging?
Both choking and gagging can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, choking is more commonly associated with medical or emergency situations, which may give it a slightly more formal connotation.
