choking voice

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "choking voice" is correct and can be used in written English.
It describes a voice that is constricted and strained, often due to strong emotions or difficulty breathing. Example: She tried to speak, but her choking voice betrayed her overwhelming sadness.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Formal & Business

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

4 human-written examples

She cries out occasionally, most unnervingly in a guttural, choking voice.

The New York Times - Arts

My trainer, who went with me on my first sales call, would get his foot in the door by begging for water in a choking voice.

The New York Times

To my even greater surprise, the officer, with a choking voice, thanked me for telling him my story, and said that doing so was itself an example of listening to my heart.

Huffington Post

As I write this, the airwaves are abuzz with the trembling and choking voice of a Libyan woman, who is putting her life at stake for the sake of freedom and dignity.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

54 human-written examples

"I am so glad to win this award that I now want to 'edit' out in real life all those choking voices of young girls across the country," he said.

Unicef

'This one's alive,' I shout repeatedly in a choked voice.

Independent

And now he related, in his increasingly choked voice, the rest of the story.

The New Yorker

In a choked voice, Anton was saying, "You want me here!

The New Yorker

Finally, she managed to say in a choked voice, "We'll be there for you".

The New York Times

Ibrahim Bhai Ismail Bhai Ganchi told in a choked voice about the murder of his father, uncle, brother, sister and cousin.

The New York Times

Mr. Lentz himself spoke in a choked voice when he discussed losing his brother in a car accident more than 20 years ago.

The New York Times

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "choking voice" to vividly portray a character's emotional distress or physical discomfort. The phrase effectively conveys a sense of struggle and suppressed expression.

Common error

Avoid using "choking voice" excessively, especially in scenes that already convey strong emotions through other means. Overusing the phrase can make the writing seem melodramatic and less impactful.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "choking voice" functions primarily as a descriptive element, adding detail to the way someone speaks. It paints a picture of a voice that is strained, often due to emotion or physical distress, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Formal & Business

15%

Science

15%

Less common in

Science

0%

News & Media

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "choking voice" is a grammatically correct and descriptive phrase used to portray a speaker's voice as strained due to strong emotions or physical distress. Ludwig confirms its validity, although its frequency is relatively rare. It appears most often in news and media contexts, serving to add depth and emotional weight to narratives. When using this phrase, consider the context and avoid overuse to maintain its impact. Alternatives such as "strained voice" or "tremulous voice" may offer subtle variations in meaning. Remember to use "choking voice" purposefully to enhance your writing and convey a strong sense of the speaker's state.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

suffocated voice

Emphasizes the feeling of being unable to breathe properly while speaking.

strained voice

Emphasizes the tension and effort in the voice.

hoarse voice

Focuses on the rough or raspy quality of the voice.

tremulous voice

Highlights the trembling or unsteady nature of the voice.

suppressed voice

Suggests that the speaker is actively trying to restrain their voice, often due to emotion or fear.

faltering voice

Suggests a voice that is losing strength or confidence.

wavering voice

Indicates a voice that fluctuates in pitch or volume.

emotional voice

Highlights the strong emotion affecting the voice.

husky voice

Focuses on the deep and breathy quality of the voice.

throaty voice

Indicates a voice that seems to originate from deep within the throat.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "choking voice" in a sentence?

Use "choking voice" to describe a character's speech when they are overcome with strong emotion, such as grief, fear, or anger, or when they are experiencing difficulty breathing. For example: "With a "strained voice", she pleaded for help."

What are some alternatives to "choking voice"?

Depending on the context, you can use alternatives like "tremulous voice", "hoarse voice", or "faltering voice". Each alternative offers a slightly different nuance in describing the voice.

When is it appropriate to use "choking voice" in writing?

It's appropriate to use "choking voice" when you want to emphasize the speaker's emotional or physical distress. The phrase can add depth and realism to your writing, making the character's experience more palpable for the reader.

Is "choking voice" a formal or informal expression?

"Choking voice" is a relatively neutral expression suitable for both formal and informal writing. However, consider the overall tone of your piece and whether a more descriptive or nuanced phrase might be more effective.