B2verb1K

Chop

UK /["/tʃɒp/","/tʃɒps/","/tʃɒpt/","/ˈtʃɒpɪŋ/"]/US /["/tʃɑːp/","/tʃɑːps/","/tʃɑːpt/","/ˈtʃɑːpɪŋ/"]/

Definition

to cut something into pieces with a sharp tool such as a knife

In simple words: To cut something into small pieces.

Examples

  • Please chop the vegetables finely for the salad.
  • He decided to chop some wood for the fireplace.
  • The chef will chop the onions before cooking them.
  • The company may need to chop its budget to stay afloat.
  • She felt the need to chop out unnecessary details from her report.
  • If you chop too quickly, you might cut yourself.
  • They were asked to chop the meeting short due to time constraints.
  • He needs to chop off the dead branches from the tree.

Usage notes

Use 'chop' in cooking contexts when discussing cutting food. It’s generally neutral but can seem informal in certain settings. Avoid in very formal writing.

Grammar pattern

chop + object

Memory hint

Think of a chef chopping vegetables quickly and skillfully.

Collocations

  • finely
  • coarsely
  • roughly
  • into
  • chop something to pieces

Synonyms

  • cut

Antonyms

  • combine
  • join
  • merge

Common mistakes

  • Confused with 'chop up' — they are similar but not interchangeable in all contexts.
  • Using 'chop' as a noun without context can be unclear.
  • Saying 'chop it' without specifying what to chop sounds incomplete.