What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
sigh
Example
She let out a deep sigh of relief when she heard the good news. [sigh: noun]
Example
He sighed heavily and looked down at the ground. [sighed: past tense verb]
gasp
Example
She gasped in horror when she saw the spider on the wall. [gasped: past tense verb]
Example
After running up the stairs, he took a deep gasp of air to catch his breath. [gasp: noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Sigh is more commonly used than gasp in everyday language, as it covers a wider range of emotions and situations. Gasp is less common and is usually reserved for more intense or dramatic situations.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between sigh and gasp?
Both sigh and gasp can be used in formal and informal contexts, but sigh is generally more versatile and can be employed in a wider range of situations, from casual conversations to formal speeches.
