What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
breathe
Example
Take a deep breath and relax. [breathe: verb]
Example
She struggled to catch her breath after running. [breath: noun]
exhale
Example
Remember to exhale slowly and evenly during yoga practice. [exhale: verb]
Example
He let out a sigh of relief, exhaling all his stress. [exhaling: gerund or present participle]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Breathe is more commonly used than exhale in everyday language. Breathe is a versatile word that covers a wide range of contexts, while exhale is more specific and often used in certain situations such as yoga or meditation.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between breathe and exhale?
Both breathe and exhale can be used in both formal and informal contexts. However, breathe is more commonly used in everyday conversations, making it slightly more informal compared to exhale which is often used in specific contexts like medical or relaxation practices.
