What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
choking
Example
She started choking on a piece of meat and had to cough it out. [choking: verb]
Example
The child was choking on a small toy and needed immediate help. [choking: present participle]
suffocating
Example
The smoke was suffocating, making it hard to see and breathe. [suffocating: adjective]
Example
She felt like she was suffocating under the weight of her responsibilities. [suffocating: present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Choking is more commonly used than suffocating in everyday language, especially when referring to a physical blockage in the throat. Suffocating is less common and has broader applications, including both physical and metaphorical contexts.
Whatโs the difference in the tone of formality between choking and suffocating?
Both choking and suffocating can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, choking is more commonly used in everyday conversations, while suffocating may be more frequently employed in written or more expressive contexts.
