Breathe and Breath
written by Lilian Ndongmo. ESL Teacher
Breathe and breath are two of the most confusing words for English speakers (even native speakers) and learners. Confusing because of their difference in spelling and pronunciation. The importance of these words is such that if we stop the action required of them, we will die.
Meaning: They basically mean the same thing.
Breathe means to take air into and out of the lungs.
Breath is the action of taking air into and out of the lungs.
Usage
Breathe is a verb. Click to hear the pronunciation. Breathe
Breath is a noun. Click to hear the pronunciation. Breath
Sentences with breathe
- The doctor told the child to breathe in and out.
- She was breathing heavily after running for two hours.
- The students calmed himself down by breathing deeply.
Sentences with breath
- The radiologist told the man to hold his breath for 30 seconds.
- The talk show host stopped talking to regain her breath.
- If you eat a lot of garlic, you may have bad breath.
Tips to help you remember
– Breathe (with e) is always the verb
– Breath (without e) is always the noun