choking smell

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase 'choking smell' is grammatically correct and can be used in written English.
You could use this phrase to describe a strong, overwhelming odor, such as smoke or a chemical smell. For example, "The fire created a choking smell that filled the entire room."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

On Monday, people in Harbin were covering their heads and mouths with scarves and masks to ward off the choking smell in the air.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The Parks and Recreation Department will develop the property, currently under the jurisdiction of the Department of Transportation, creating an urban refuge from the choking smells and noises that emanate from nearby industrial buildings.

The New York Times

The place is choked with the smell of chemicals and dry heat.

The New York Times

Refugees from Daraya who reached Lebanon on Monday spoke of bodies lying on residential streets and town squares, and a city choked by the smell of death.

The New York Times

In the book's most moving section, Berlin brilliantly evokes the horrors of the Middle Passage: the shackles, the branding irons, the decks choked with the smell of urine, feces and fear.

The New York Times - Books

Sayuri Ogawa told how she hid from flying rocks, and was almost choked by the smell of sulphur.

BBC

The noise inside a Bradley is like an amplified meat grinder, and the smell is of choking dust and diesel, gunpowder and sweat.

The New York Times

After hours of nauseous gagging, the thick smell was still choking me.

Vice

I had to time to sniff her dirty, little girl, puppy-dog smell, fall apart in tears, choking back sobs and pull myself together before she let go, hopping off the stool with a kiss and a smile.

Huffington Post

His feet were bare and sprouted with more hair, and he smelled like a zoo animal, of something sour and choking.

The New Yorker

Of course, when I say "breathing," it also necessarily involves choking on an inordinate amount of exhaust fumes, unregulated gas emissions, chronic pollution, and the smell of raw sewage at least in Havana City.

Vice

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "choking smell", ensure the context clearly indicates the source and nature of the odor. For example, specify whether it's due to smoke, chemicals, or decay.

Common error

While "choking smell" is appropriate for literal descriptions of overpowering odors, avoid using it in figurative contexts where the intensity isn't directly related to a physical smell. Choose more appropriate adjectives for abstract concepts.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choking smell" functions primarily as a descriptive noun phrase. Ludwig AI explains that it combines an adjective ("choking") modifying a noun ("smell") to vividly depict an odor so intense it's physically difficult to tolerate.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

17%

Wiki

17%

Less common in

Science

16%

Formal & Business

0%

Academic

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "choking smell" is a grammatically correct and relatively uncommon phrase used to describe an extremely intense and unpleasant odor. As Ludwig AI confirms, the phrase is most suitable for describing literal, overpowering scents. It's frequently found in news and media, aiming to evoke a strong sensory experience in the reader. While versatile, avoiding overuse in figurative contexts ensures clarity and precision. Alternatives like "suffocating odor" or "acrid stench" can provide similar nuances, depending on the specific character of the smell. Remember to always provide relevant context when you use the phrase.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffocating odor

Replaces "choking" with "suffocating", emphasizing the sensation of being unable to breathe due to the smell.

acrid stench

Replaces "smell" with "stench" and "choking" with "acrid", highlighting the harsh and irritating nature of the odor.

overwhelming odor

Emphasizes the intensity and all-encompassing nature of the smell.

overpowering scent

Uses "overpowering" to describe the intensity of the smell, suggesting it's difficult to ignore or withstand.

intense reek

Uses "reek" instead of "smell" to imply a foul and offensive odor, and "intense" to describe its strength.

pungent aroma

Substitutes "smell" with "aroma" and "choking" with "pungent", indicating a strong and sharp scent.

nauseating fume

Replaces "smell" with "fume", suggesting a vaporous or gaseous odor that causes nausea.

offensive smell

Highlights the unpleasant nature of the smell.

unbearable fragrance

Highlights an overpowering or unpleasant smell

strong odor

A more general way to describe a smell that is very noticeable.

FAQs

How can I use "choking smell" in a sentence?

You can use "choking smell" to describe a strong, overwhelming odor that makes it difficult to breathe. For example, "The fire produced a "choking smell" that permeated the entire building".

What's the difference between "choking smell" and "pungent aroma"?

"Choking smell" suggests an odor so intense it makes breathing difficult, while "pungent aroma" simply indicates a strong and sharp scent. The intensity and unpleasantness differ.

What can I say instead of "choking smell" to describe a bad odor?

Alternatives include "suffocating odor", "acrid stench", or "overpowering scent", depending on the specific nuance you want to convey.

Is "choking smell" a formal or informal expression?

"Choking smell" is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal contexts, although it's more commonly found in descriptive writing and news reports than in highly formal academic papers.