Breath vs. Breathe: Differences between Breathe and Breath

Last updated on July 11, 2024 by Liam Daniel

In this reference, we will explore the difference between breath and breathe and provide examples of how to use each word correctly. By the end of this reference, readers will have a clear understanding of the distinction between these two commonly confused words.

Breath vs. Breathe: What’s the Difference?

Breath vs. Breathe
Breath vs. Breathe – Created by 7ESL

Definitions

‘Breath’ as a Noun

“Breath” is a noun representing the air inhaled and exhaled during breathing. In sentences, it can serve as the subject or object, conveying the concept of respiration or a single cycle of breathing. For example:

  • He took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
  • Her breath was visible in the cold air.

‘Breathe’ as a Verb

“Breathe” functions as a verb and refers to the action of taking air into the lungs and then expelling it. It illustrates the physical process performed by living organisms to sustain life and can be used in various tenses. Here are examples:

  • They need fresh air to breathe properly.
  • She breathes deeply to relax her nerves.

 Correct Usage Breathe vs. Breath

If you’re doing yoga, you know that there are poses that you need to hold for a certain number of breaths. Or, if you’re telling someone to rest for a second, you can tell them to take a breath. In both of these sentences, you need a noun, so you should choose a shorter word.

Someone who has asthma struggles to breathe properly. In order to have the best results when doing sports, you need to let your athletic clothes breathe. These are examples of when you need a verb, so you should extend the noun by adding an e in the end.

Tricks to Learn the Difference

When distinguishing between breath and breathe, one can employ simple tips to ensure correct usage in writing and speech.

Pronunciation:

  • Breath: Ends in a short “e” sound, pronounced like “Beth”.
  • Breathe: Contains a longer “ee” sound, akin to “seethe”.

Part of Speech:

  • Breath: A noun representing the air inhaled or exhaled.
  • Breathe: A verb meaning to draw air into and expel it from the lungs.

Spelling Cue: Use the presence of the additional “e” at the end of breathe to recall that it is an action verb, extending the word just as one extends the act of breathing.

Mnemonic Device: Remember the phrase, “When you take a breath, it’s short-lived, just like the shorter word.” Conversely, “When you breathe in and out, it’s a longer process, hence the longer word with an ‘e’ at the end.”

Breath vs. Breathe Examples

Examples of “Breathe” 

  1. It’s important to breathe deeply to calm your nerves.
  2. She had to breathe through her mouth because her nose was blocked.
  3. The doctor told him to relax and breathe slowly during the examination.
  4. We can’t breathe underwater without the help of scuba gear.
  5. The meditation instructor taught the class how to breathe properly.

Examples of “Breath“

  1. He took a deep breath before diving into the pool.
  2. You could see her breath in the cold winter air.
  3. The scent of flowers was a breath of fresh air.
  4. Hold your breath while I take a quick photo.
  5. After the sprint, he was out of breath and needed to rest.

Breath vs. Breathe Exercises

Determine if the usage of “breath” or “breathe” is correct.

  1. Remember to breathe deeply before you start singing. (True/False)
  2. She took a deep breath before diving into the pool. (True/False)
  3. If you don’t breath, you’ll pass out. (True/False)
  4. You can see your breath in the cold winter air. (True/False)
  5. He has asthma and sometimes struggles to breathe. (True/False)
  6. The doctor said to take a breath in and hold it. (True/False)
  7. I can’t breath when I think about how excited I am. (True/False)
  8. The fresh mountain air is a nice change of breath. (True/False)
  9. When you get anxious, just focus on your breathe. (True/False)
  10. The scent of flowers made her breath in deeply. (True/False)

Answers

  1. True
  2. True
  3. False (Correct usage: “breathe”)
  4. True
  5. True
  6. True
  7. False (Correct usage: “breathe”)
  8. False (Correct usage: “breath”)
  9. False (Correct usage: “breath”)
  10. False (Correct usage: “breathe”)
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