Breath vs Breathe: Noun vs Verb

One Letter Makes All the Difference

Quick Answer

Breath = noun (the air you inhale/exhale). Breathe = verb (the action).

Memory trick: BreathE has an E—E is for the action you do.

When to Use "Breath" (Noun)

Breath is a noun—the thing you take or have.

  • Take a deep breath. → the thing ✓
  • I'm out of breath. → the thing ✓
  • Hold your breath. → the thing ✓
  • A breath of fresh air. → the thing ✓
  • Save your breath. → the thing ✓

When to Use "Breathe" (Verb)

Breathe is a verb—the action of inhaling and exhaling.

  • Just breathe. → action ✓
  • I can't breathe! → action ✓
  • Breathe slowly. → action ✓
  • She breathed a sigh of relief. → action (past) ✓
  • Don't forget to breathe. → action ✓

Comparison Chart

Word Definition Trick to Remember Example
Breath Noun: the air Short word = quick breath "Take a breath."
Breathe Verb: the action E at end = action you do "Breathe deeply."

Common Mistakes & How to Avoid Them

❌ Incorrect:

"Take a deep breathe."

✓ Correct:

"Take a deep breath."

Why? You're taking a thing (noun)—use "breath."
❌ Incorrect:

"I can't breath."

✓ Correct:

"I can't breathe."

Why? You're doing an action (verb)—use "breathe."
❌ Incorrect:

"I'm out of breathe."

✓ Correct:

"I'm out of breath."

Why? "Out of [thing]"—use "breath" (noun).
❌ Incorrect:

"She breath a sigh of relief."

✓ Correct:

"She breathed a sigh of relief."

Why? She performed an action—use "breathed" (verb).
❌ Incorrect:

"Hold your breathe."

✓ Correct:

"Hold your breath."

Why? You're holding a thing—use "breath" (noun).

Quick Tips

💡 E = Action

BreathE has an E at the end—E is for what you do.

✅ Pronunciation

Breath rhymes with "death." Breathe rhymes with "seethe."

Frequently Asked Questions

How are they pronounced?

Breath = /brɛθ/ (rhymes with "death"). Breathe = /briːð/ (rhymes with "seethe"). The E changes the vowel sound.

What about "breathy"?

"Breathy" is an adjective meaning "with audible breathing." It comes from "breath" (noun), not "breathe."

Is "a breath of fresh air" correct?

Yes! "Breath" is the noun here. "A breath of fresh air" = something refreshing or new.

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