What are the definitions of “breathe in”?
Learn how to use these expressions through these examples
- 1To inhale air into the lungs.
It hurts when I breathe in.
- 2To inhale air or a substance into the lungs.
They needed medical treatment after breathing in toxic fumes.
What’s the most common meaning of the phrasal verb “breathe in”?
The most common meaning of the phrasal verb breathe in is to inhale air into the lungs. It is the process of taking air into your body through your nose or mouth. For example, when you take a deep breath, you are breathing in air.
What are the different verb forms of “breathe in”?
| Root Verb | breathe in |
| Third Person Singular Present | breathes in |
| Present Participle | breathing in |
| Simple Past | breathed in |
| Past Participle | breathed in |
Example
Remember to breathe in deeply before starting your yoga practice.
Example
She breathes in the fresh air while walking in the park.
Example
He is breathing in the scent of the flowers.
Example
Yesterday, they breathed in the cool mountain air.
Example
The fresh air was breathed in by everyone at the picnic.
What kind of phrasal verb is “breathe in”?
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a transitive and intransitive verb? - A transitive verb always has an object after it. (Example: Sam bought a car.) - An intransitive verb never has an object.(Example: She laughed loudly.)
Intransitive verb
“breathe in” is an intransitive phrasal verb because it doesn't require an object to complete its meaning. It forms a complete sentence without an object.
Example
It hurts when I breathe in.
Example
She breathes in deeply before starting her meditation.
Notes from a Native English Speaker
What is a separable and inseparable phrasal verb? - A “separable phrasal verb” can be separated with an object between the verb and particle. - An “inseparable phrasal verb” cannot be separated by an object.
Inseparable
“breathe in” is an inseparable phrasal verb. This means that you can’t place an object between the verb and the particle, otherwise, it changes the meaning of the phrasal verb.
Example
It hurts when I breathe in.
Example
She breathes in deeply before starting her meditation.
What are common phrases and expressions that include the phrasal verb “breathe in”?
Good things to know
Does “breathe in” have an informal or formal tone?
Breathe in is a neutral phrasal verb that can be used in both informal and formal contexts. It is commonly used in everyday conversations, as well as in more formal settings, such as medical or scientific discussions.
