What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gasp
Example
She gasped in horror when she saw the accident. [gasp: verb]
Example
He was gasping for air after running the marathon. [gasping: present participle]
wheeze
Example
He was wheezing heavily due to his asthma. [wheezing: present participle]
Example
The patient had a wheeze in his chest that the doctor needed to investigate. [wheeze: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wheeze is more commonly used than gasp in everyday language, especially in medical contexts. Wheeze is a specific term used to describe a particular type of breathing sound, while gasp is a more general term used to describe a sudden inhalation of air.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gasp and wheeze?
Wheeze is typically associated with a formal and technical tone, especially in medical contexts, while gasp can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
