Breath deeply or breathe deeply?
Take a deep breath or take a deep breathe?
Breath or Breathe?
It is a difference of one letter that makes a difference.
If you’re confusing on this, see the explanation below.
Breath is a noun that refers to the air, the one which is inhaled or exhaled air during breathing. Examples:
You can see your breath when it is cold outside.
A breath of fresh air.
Breathe is a verb. It is the process of inhaling (breathe in) and exhaling (breathe out). Examples:
When you breathe in, your body takes in oxygen from the air.
I am so scared that I can hardly breathe.
How to Pronounce?
Breath The “ea” is pronounced like in red, head
/’breθ/ Ended with unvoiced “th”
Breathe The “ea” is pronounced like in breeze, real
/’bri:ð/ Ended with holding out the vowel a little bit more
Useful Trick
Next time when you are debating whether breath or breathe, remember this useful trick:
There is an “e” in the word “verb”. With an additional “e” at the end of “breathe”, it is a verb.
On the contrary, there is no extra “e” in both “noun” and “breath”. Therefore, breath is a noun.
“Your breath is the air that you breathe”
“On a cold day, you can see your breath when you breathe”
How is it? Answer the questions at the top of this post!
Answer:
Breathe deeply.
Take a deep breath.
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