chokepoint

USAGE SUMMARY

The word 'chokepoint' is correct and usable in written English.
A chokepoint is a strategic bottleneck where a limited number of people or goods can pass. You can use the word 'chokepoint' to refer to a strategic area or point in a process that is critical to its outcome or success. For example, 'Companies must identify and address chokepoints in their supply chain in order to maximize efficiency.'.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

24 human-written examples

It is vital to the Asian economic miracle centred on China.Hawks in Delhi who are suspicious of Chinese long-term aims say bluntly that India and its friends will acquire some sway over China only once the Andamans are treated as a "chokepoint", a place to disrupt Chinese trade in the event of any future confrontation.

The Economist

Water seeps in from the roof and the sides, and trains still have to move achingly slowly through the chokepoint.

The Economist

And, crucially, the port would be a long way north and west of the potential chokepoint for shipping at the Strait of Malacca.

The Economist

The Victorians even fantasised about a raised railway from Calcutta (now Kolkata), soaring above the jungle.The dream is at last coming true, as the solution to China's "Malacca dilemma"—its strategic worry about dependence on imported energy coming through the chokepoint of the Malacca Straits.

The Economist

The gas deal will ease China's concerns that most of its fuel supplies come through the strategic chokepoint of the Strait of Malacca, and will also enable China to move away from burning so much of the coal that pollutes the air in Chinese cities.The two have also made common cause in geopolitics.

The Economist

This makes it the key chokepoint on Amtrak's Northeast corridor the government-subsidised passenger rail corporation's most important (and most profitable) line.

The Economist

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

7 human-written examples

The open internet in many countries passes through a series of chokepoints at which interception is trivial and may, in fact, be mandated.

The Economist

Longer platforms and better signalling, for example, would allow more trains on existing lines, while stretches of new track could relieve the worst chokepoints.Any sensible solution will have to address the question of road pricing.

The Economist

-- Evacuation routes, including official/unofficial checkpoints, chokepoints, and potential impediments.

The Guardian

Support class is for players who can be bothered to learn the map and identify its chokepoints.

The Guardian - Tech

They control the chokepoints that can halt the flow of imports and exports that American consumers and businesses depend on.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "chokepoint" to highlight strategic vulnerabilities in logistical, military, or digital contexts to emphasize the importance of the location or process.

Common error

Avoid using "chokepoint" as a general term for any obstacle. Ensure it represents a strategic point where blockage significantly impacts a larger system or process.

Linguistic Context

The noun "chokepoint" functions primarily to identify a strategic location or stage where movement or flow is easily constricted or blocked. Ludwig AI validates this through examples showing its application in various contexts, from shipping lanes to legislative processes.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

65%

Formal & Business

20%

Science

15%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The term "chokepoint" effectively describes a strategic location where flow is easily restricted. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is grammatically sound and widely used across various domains, notably in news and media, formal business contexts, and scientific discussions. The best practices encourage specificity when using "chokepoint", while common errors involve misapplying it to non-strategic obstacles. Alternatives like "bottleneck" and "critical juncture" offer similar meanings, adapting to different contexts. Overall, "chokepoint" is a valuable term for highlighting vulnerabilities and points of control in complex systems.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

bottleneck

Replaces "chokepoint" with a more common synonym indicating a point of congestion.

critical juncture

Emphasizes the importance of the point as a decision-making stage.

strategic passage

Highlights the strategic relevance of the area or route.

point of vulnerability

Focuses on the weakness the area represents.

key intersection

Highlights a location where routes or paths converge and potentially cause issues.

sensitive area

Underlines the easily affected or disrupted nature of the location.

potential obstruction

Focuses on the possibility of blockage or hindrance.

restricted access

Highlights limited entry and passage.

hindrance

Conveys the meaning of something that impedes progress or movement.

impediment

Refers to an obstacle that hinders or prevents action.

FAQs

How to use "chokepoint" in a sentence?

You can use "chokepoint" to describe a strategic location where traffic or movement can easily be blocked. For instance, "The Strait of Hormuz is a critical oil "chokepoint" for global energy supplies."

What can I say instead of "chokepoint"?

You can use alternatives like "bottleneck", "constriction", or "critical point" depending on the context.

What's the difference between "chokepoint" and "bottleneck"?

"Chokepoint" typically refers to a strategic location where flow is easily blocked, often with broader implications, whereas "bottleneck" more generally describes any point of congestion or obstruction.

Why is the Strait of Hormuz often referred to as a "chokepoint"?

The Strait of Hormuz is a "chokepoint" because it is a narrow passage through which a significant portion of the world's oil supply passes, making it a strategically vital and vulnerable location.