What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
gasping
Example
She was gasping for air after running the marathon. [gasping: present participle]
Example
The audience was gasping in shock at the magician's trick. [gasping: verb]
wheezing
Example
He was wheezing heavily due to his asthma. [wheezing: present participle]
Example
The doctor listened to her chest and heard wheezing sounds. [wheezing: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Wheezing is more commonly used than gasping in medical contexts and discussions of respiratory health. Gasping is less common and often used in more specific contexts, such as describing a reaction to a shocking event.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between gasping and wheezing?
Both gasping and wheezing are neutral in terms of formality and can be used in both formal and informal contexts, depending on the situation.
