What is chop? Pronunciation and usage in English

chop means . Learn how to pronounce and use chop through vivid examples and easy-to-understand exercises.

Definition & pronunciation of chop

chopverb

/tʃɒp/
Definition & pronunciation of chop

The word "chop" is pronounced like this:

ˈtʃɒp

Here's a breakdown:

  • ˈtʃ - This is the tricky part! It sounds like the "ch" in "church" or "chair." It's a single, short sound.
  • ɒ - This is the "o" sound as in "hot" or "lot."
  • p - The final "p" is pronounced clearly.

Listen to an example:

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Usage and examples with the word chop in English

Let's break down how to use the word "chop" in English. It's a surprisingly versatile word with several different meanings and uses. Here's a breakdown, categorized for clarity:

1. As a Verb (Action - Cutting with Force)

  • Most Common Meaning: This is the most frequent way you'll hear "chop." It means to cut something quickly and forcefully with a sharp tool, usually a knife or axe.
    • Example: “He chopped the vegetables for the soup.”
    • Example: “The lumberjack chopped down the trees.”
    • Example: “She carefully chopped the onion.”
    • Synonyms: Slice, dice, mince, cleave (more formal)

2. As a Verb (To Reduce, Often Sounds/Noise)

  • Chopping Sounds: "Chop" can describe the sound of something being cut, especially with a dull blade.
    • Example: “The butcher’s cleaver made a loud chop as he worked.”
    • Example: “I heard a chop as the branch broke off the tree.”

3. As a Verb (To Discard or Eliminate - Informal)

  • Cutting Something Out: This is a more informal usage – it means to get rid of something, often quickly and decisively.
    • Example: “The company decided to chop several positions to save money.” (Meaning they eliminated those positions.)
    • Example: “He just chopped off all his hair!” (Meaning he cut it all off.)

4. As a Noun (The Action of Cutting)

  • The Act of Chopping: "Chop" can be used as a noun to refer to the process of cutting.
    • Example: “The sound of the chop echoed through the forest.”
    • Example: “He’s a skilled chopper.” (Meaning he's good at cutting.)

5. Figurative Uses (Less Common)

  • To Break or Disrupt: Occasionally, “chop” can be used metaphorically to describe a sudden, jarring disruption or change. This is less common now.
    • Example: “The new policy chopped up our established workflow.” (Meaning it disrupted it.)

Here's a table summarizing the different uses:

Part of Speech Meaning Example
Verb Cut forcefully He chopped the carrots.
Verb Make a chopping sound I heard the chop of the axe.
Verb Eliminate/Discard (informal) They chopped the project budget.
Noun The act of cutting The sound of the chop was loud.
Figurative Disrupt/Break The change chopped up our routine.

Tips for Using "Chop" Correctly:

  • Context is Key: The meaning of "chop" is heavily influenced by the context. Pay attention to the surrounding words and the situation.
  • Level of Formality: "Chop" is generally considered informal. “Slice” or “dice” is often more appropriate for formal writing or situations.
  • Sound vs. Action: Be mindful of whether you're referring to the sound of cutting or the action of cutting itself.

Could you give me a sentence where you'd like to use the word "chop," and I can help you choose the most appropriate meaning and phrasing? Or, do you have a specific question about how to use "chop" in a particular situation?

Synonyms for the word chop

Idioms of the word chop

chop and change
(British English, informal)to keep changing your mind or what you are doing

    Practice with vocabulary chop

    Exercise 1: Fill in the blanks

    1. The chef used a sharp knife to _____ the vegetables into small pieces.
    2. She decided to _____ her hair short for the summer.
    3. They used a saw to _____ down the old tree in the backyard.
    4. He accidentally _____ his finger while cutting the paper.

    Exercise 2: Choose the correct answer

    1. Which word means to cut something into pieces with a quick, heavy motion?
      a) Slice
      b) Chop
      c) Peel
      d) Grate

    2. What can you do to reduce the size of a log?
      a) Burn
      b) Chop
      c) Paint
      d) Move

    3. Which of the following actions involves using a knife?
      a) Chop
      b) Measure
      c) Stir
      d) Bake

    4. Which word is NOT related to cutting?
      a) Slice
      b) Carve
      c) Mix
      d) Chop

    5. What might you do to prepare ingredients for a stir-fry?
      a) Boil
      b) Grind
      c) Chop
      d) Roast

    Exercise 3: Rewrite the sentences

    1. Original: She cut the wood into smaller pieces for the fireplace.
    2. Original: The butcher divided the meat into portions.
    3. Original: He trimmed the branches to make the tree look neat.

    Answer

    Exercise 1:

    1. chop
    2. chop
    3. cut
    4. cut

    Exercise 2:

    1. b) Chop
    2. b) Chop
    3. a) Chop
    4. c) Mix
    5. c) Chop

    Exercise 3:

    1. She chopped the wood into smaller pieces for the fireplace.
    2. The butcher chopped the meat into portions.
    3. He pruned the branches to make the tree look neat.

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