expectorating

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "expectorating" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of expelling phlegm or mucus from the throat or lungs, often associated with coughing. Example: "The doctor advised him to avoid expectorating in public places to prevent the spread of germs."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

10 human-written examples

For Nowitzki, the occasion was complicated by a 101-degree fever and a sinus infection that had him expectorating through every nonbasketball moment.

The New York Times - Sports

They are the bane of women in high heels; a place for flicking cigarette butts, for expectorating chewing gum or for dropping valuables; a source of warmth to ward off a stiff winter's wind; and a frightening opening to detour around.

The New York Times

I'm only not expectorating today because we're in this nice hotel.

The Guardian - Film

However, the guide advises: "To really experience a country, you have to be cold, uncomfortable and woken at dawn by the sound of a local artisan clearing his throat and expectorating".

The Guardian - Travel

Expectorating on an enemy's final resting place is exactly the kind of exiguous act of vengeance that a contemporary injured party might just be able to manage.

The Guardian - Film

There are few things as cathartic as expectorating a bit of hate.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

22 human-written examples

Rudi Völler standing in thoughtful meditation with his hands on his hips in the immediate aftermath of one of the most unjust dismissals in World Cup history, while over his right shoulder, his Dutch rival Frank Rijkaard looks to be inspecting the massive grolly he had just violently expectorated and left dangling from the back of the German striker's bubble perm like a Christmas tree bauble.

The Guardian - Sport

Finally the liquor is taken into the mouth with a sucking noise, swirled around the tongue, brought into contact with the palate, cheek, and gums, and then drawn to the back of the mouth and up to the olfactory nerve in the nose before being expectorated.

Encyclopedia Britannica

While the ballads are sung, and sometimes sung quite well, many of the up-tempo songs are expectorated: Jackson likes to show his muscle by gritting his teeth and spitting out angry half words.

The New Yorker

When I say "prepared," what I really mean is chewed: loudly and smackingly, right out in the open, and expectorated into an orange plastic barrel, the kind football players dump over the coach's head at the end of the game.

The New York Times - Magazine

The product – use of which has been known to increase the risk of developing mouth and throat cancers – is expectorated in red bursts across Indian streets and sidewalks.

The Guardian - Film

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "expectorating" when you specifically want to convey the act of ejecting mucus or phlegm from the throat or lungs. It is more formal than "spitting" or "coughing up".

Common error

Avoid using "expectorating" in casual conversation. Opt for simpler terms like "spitting" or "coughing up" in informal settings.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "expectorating" is as a verb, specifically the present participle or gerund form of "expectorate". As Ludwig AI correctly identifies, it describes the action of expelling substances from the respiratory system. Examples show it used in descriptive contexts.

Expression frequency: Uncommon

Frequent in

News & Media

60%

Encyclopedias

20%

Formal & Business

10%

Less common in

Science

5%

Academia

3%

Wiki

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "expectorating" is a grammatically correct verb form describing the act of expelling mucus or phlegm. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's generally used in neutral to formal contexts, appearing frequently in news and media. While grammatically sound, simpler terms like "coughing up" or "spitting out" are often preferred in casual settings. When clarity or a slightly more technical tone is desired, "expectorating" provides a precise and suitable alternative. It's important to consider the audience and context when choosing between "expectorating" and its more common synonyms.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

expectorating sputum

Refers to the expulsion of matter coughed up from the lower airways (bronchi or lungs)

coughing up

Focuses on the expulsion of phlegm from the lungs through coughing.

bringing up phlegm

Specifically describes the act of moving phlegm from the lungs or throat to the mouth.

coughing something out

Focuses on the action of coughing as the means of expulsion

spitting out

Emphasizes the act of ejecting saliva or other substances from the mouth.

discharging mucus

Describes the release of a slimy substance

hawking up

Describes the forceful bringing up of phlegm from the throat.

clearing one's throat

Implies a milder form of expelling mucus or irritants from the throat.

ejecting saliva

Specifically refers to the expulsion of saliva.

disgorging

A more dramatic term suggesting a forceful expulsion.

FAQs

How to use "expectorating" in a sentence?

You can use "expectorating" to describe the act of expelling phlegm or mucus from the throat or lungs. For example, "The illness caused him to keep "coughing up" and expectorating." You can replace "expectorating" with the more common phrase "coughing up".

What's a more formal way to say "spitting"?

"Expectorating" is a more formal and clinical term for "spitting out". It is often used in medical or scientific contexts.

Is "expectorating" the same as "vomiting"?

No, "expectorating" refers to ejecting substances from the throat or lungs, while "vomiting" involves ejecting contents from the stomach.

When is it appropriate to use the word "expectorating"?

Use "expectorating" in formal writing, medical contexts, or when you need a precise term for expelling mucus or phlegm. In casual conversation, simpler terms like "coughing up" or "spitting out" are usually preferred.