choked sob

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "choked sob" is correct and is often used in written English.
It is used to describe the sound made by someone who is crying hard, and is having difficulty breathing while doing so. For example: "The little girl let out a choked sob as she ran to her mother for comfort."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

With BBC's The Voice thrashing Britain's Got Talent in the Saturday ratings, you'd be forgiven for falling for the line: "It's all about the voice, man!" (Accompanied by choked sob, gaze into heavens, clutch of heart).

The Guardian - Opinion

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The survivors grieve in discreetly choked sobs, comforted by the certainty that their departed loved ones are reclining with the angels.

The New York Times

To the sound of choked sobbing from his family, his two killers were convicted of a murder that, in the words of the Prime Minister, united the country in condemnation.

Independent

Ray was in such a hurry to get away that he started the car without raising the window, so he could hear Maura still calling out abuse, as he drove off, her shouts mingling with Shelby's choked sobs.

The New Yorker

She never emotionally manipulated her mission with dramatic pauses or choked sobs or mawkish memories - she just got on with it.

Huffington Post

I did not look back to see from whom the many choking sobs emanated after the exhalation.

The New Yorker

He left this year and broke into choking sobs recently when he recalled a "sick environment" in which "a bunch of addictive, high-strung personalities were living in a very dysfunctional office".

The New York Times - Arts

But did or does anyone hear my choking sobs of entrapment?

Vice

She had an unfortunate exit interview that included choking sobs peppered with hiccups and bouts of ugly crying that I choose to forget.

Huffington Post

I thank my lucky stars every day that those adrenaline kicks and choking sobs were not due to matters of life and death.

Huffington Post

There's still this gaping hole in my chest which opens up until choking sobs spill out of it and tears pour down my face.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "choked sob" to vividly depict a moment of intense emotion, particularly when someone is trying to suppress their crying.

Common error

Avoid using "choked sob" in casual or lighthearted writing. This phrase carries a strong emotional weight and is best reserved for scenarios where genuine distress or suppressed grief is present.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choked sob" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. The adjective "choked" modifies the noun "sob", indicating a specific type of crying characterized by difficulty in breathing and emotional suppression. Ludwig's examples show this usage across various media.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "choked sob" is a powerful descriptor used to depict suppressed emotion and difficulty in breathing while crying. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it is grammatically correct and often employed in written English, particularly in news and media contexts. While alternatives like "stifled sob" or "suppressed sob" offer similar connotations, "choked sob" is most effective when conveying intense emotional distress. When using this phrase, writers should ensure the context aligns with its weighty implications, avoiding its application in casual or inappropriate scenarios. Ludwig's examples and analysis highlight the phrase's role in vividly portraying emotional struggles.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

stifled sob

Replaces "choked" with "stifled", emphasizing the suppression of the sob.

suppressed sob

Uses "suppressed" instead of "choked", focusing on the act of holding back the sob.

restrained sob

Employs "restrained" to highlight the controlled nature of the sob.

smothered sob

Substitutes "choked" with "smothered", suggesting a more intense suppression.

stifled cry

Replaces "sob" with "cry", broadening the expression of emotion while keeping the suppression.

muted sob

Uses "muted" to describe the quietness of the sob.

half-suppressed sob

Adds "half-suppressed" to indicate an incompletely suppressed sob.

forced sob

Employs "forced" to suggest that the sob is insincere or unnatural.

gasping sob

Focuses on the gasping quality of the sob, highlighting the difficulty in breathing.

breathless sob

Describes the sob as causing breathlessness.

FAQs

What does "choked sob" mean?

A "choked sob" refers to a suppressed cry, often indicative of intense emotion where the person is trying to hold back tears. It suggests a difficulty in breathing due to the emotional distress.

How can I use "choked sob" in a sentence?

You can use "choked sob" to describe a character's emotional state, for example: "She tried to speak, but only a "choked sob" escaped her lips."

What are some alternatives to "choked sob"?

Alternatives include "stifled sob", "suppressed sob", or "restrained sob", which all convey a similar sense of suppressed crying and emotion.

Is "choked sob" formal or informal?

"Choked sob" is generally considered a neutral term, suitable for both formal and informal contexts depending on the overall tone and subject matter. It's commonly found in literature, news reporting, and personal narratives.