What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
exhalation
Example
The doctor asked the patient to take a deep exhalation. [exhalation: noun]
Example
The balloon's exhalation was audible as it slowly deflated. [exhalation: noun]
Example
The flowers' sweet exhalation filled the room. [exhalation: noun]
expiration
Example
The medication's expiration date had passed, so it was no longer safe to use. [expiration: noun]
Example
The lease agreement was set to expire at the end of the month. [expire: verb]
Example
The athlete's breath quickened with each expiration. [expiration: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Expiration is more commonly used than exhalation in everyday language. Expiration is versatile and covers a wide range of contexts, while exhalation is less common and mainly used in medical or breathing-related contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between exhalation and expiration?
Both exhalation and expiration are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts.
