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B1 noun #29 most common 14 min read

breaths

Top 29

At the A1 level, you should know that 'breaths' is more than one 'breath'. You use it when you talk about breathing. For example, 'I take two breaths.' It is a noun. You use it with numbers like 'one breath' and 'two breaths'. It is about the air going in and out of your body. You might hear it in a gym or when you are tired. It is a simple word for a basic body function. Just remember: one breath, two breaths. Don't worry about the spelling of the verb yet; just focus on the noun. You can use it to say how you feel, like 'I take deep breaths when I am happy.' It is a very useful word for talking about your body and your health in a simple way.

At the A2 level, you can use 'breaths' to describe physical actions more clearly. You might use adjectives like 'deep' or 'slow'. For example, 'Take three deep breaths.' This is common advice when someone is nervous. You also learn that 'breaths' is the plural of 'breath'. You should start to notice the difference between the noun 'breath' and the verb 'breathe'. A2 learners use 'breaths' to talk about exercise, like 'After running, my breaths were fast.' It's also used in simple health contexts. You might tell a doctor, 'I take short breaths.' This level is about using the word in common, everyday situations to describe how you are breathing and how many times you are doing it.

At the B1 level, you understand that 'breaths' is a countable noun used to describe the rhythm and quality of respiration. You can use it in more complex sentences, such as 'She took several steady breaths to calm herself before the presentation.' You are now expected to distinguish between 'breaths' (the plural noun) and 'breathes' (the verb). You can use 'breaths' in contexts like yoga, meditation, or sports. You might also use it metaphorically, like 'the first breaths of autumn.' B1 learners should be comfortable using 'breaths' with a variety of adjectives (shallow, heavy, ragged) to provide more detail in their descriptions. You understand that counting breaths is a way to measure time or relaxation.

At the B2 level, you use 'breaths' with precision in both literal and figurative contexts. You can describe the physiological state of a person through their breaths, using advanced vocabulary like 'labored,' 'rhythmic,' or 'synchronized.' You understand the use of 'breaths' in medical or technical descriptions, even if you aren't a professional. For example, 'The patient's breaths were monitored for irregularities.' You also recognize the word in literature, where it might be used to create atmosphere or tension. You are aware of the subtle pronunciation differences between the noun 'breaths' and the verb 'breathes' and can use them correctly in writing without confusion. You can also use the word in idiomatic ways, understanding when the plural is more appropriate than the singular.

At the C1 level, you have a nuanced command of 'breaths' and its synonyms. You can choose between 'breaths,' 'respirations,' 'inhalations,' and 'exhalations' based on the required register and tone. You use 'breaths' to convey subtle emotional and physical states in your writing and speaking. For example, you might describe 'the shallow, tentative breaths of someone waiting for bad news.' You understand the historical and etymological roots of the word and how it relates to concepts of life and spirit. Your use of the word is sophisticated, incorporating it into complex grammatical structures and using it to enhance the imagery and rhythm of your prose. You are also sensitive to the use of 'breaths' in different dialects and professional jargons.

At the C2 level, your use of 'breaths' is indistinguishable from that of a highly articulate native speaker. You use the word with complete accuracy in all contexts, from highly technical medical reports to evocative poetic descriptions. You can manipulate the word to create specific rhetorical effects, such as using the rhythm of the word itself to mimic the action of breathing. You are aware of the most obscure idioms and literary references involving 'breaths.' You can discuss the phonetics of the word in detail, including the challenges of the /θs/ cluster. For a C2 learner, 'breaths' is not just a word for respiration; it is a versatile tool for expressing the finest shades of human experience, physical sensation, and atmospheric detail.

Practice it Examples Notes & Tips

breaths in 30 Seconds

Breaths is the plural noun for the act of inhaling and exhaling air. It is used to count or describe multiple respiratory cycles.
It is distinct from the verb 'breathes' and is commonly paired with adjectives like 'deep,' 'shallow,' 'ragged,' or 'steady' to show emotion.
You will hear it in yoga, medical settings, and sports to measure relaxation, health, or physical exertion through the rhythm of the body.
Correct usage involves recognizing it as a countable noun, especially after numbers or determiners like 'several' or 'a few' in a sentence.

The word breaths is the plural form of the noun 'breath'. It refers to the physical act of drawing air into the lungs and subsequently expelling it. While 'breath' often refers to the air itself or the general concept of respiration, 'breaths' specifically counts the individual cycles of inhalation and exhalation. This distinction is crucial in contexts ranging from medical observations to mindfulness practices. When a doctor monitors a patient, they count the number of breaths per minute to determine the respiratory rate. In the realm of sports, an athlete might focus on taking deep, controlled breaths to maintain stamina and oxygenate their blood. The term is also deeply embedded in our emotional vocabulary; we speak of taking 'calming breaths' when we are anxious or 'short, sharp breaths' when we are startled. Understanding the plurality of this word allows for a more precise description of physical and emotional states.

Biological Context: In biological terms, breaths are the measurable units of ventilation. Each breath involves the diaphragm contracting to create a vacuum, pulling oxygen-rich air into the alveoli, and then relaxing to push carbon dioxide out. A healthy adult typically takes between twelve and sixteen breaths per minute at rest.

The yoga instructor told the class to focus on their breaths as they moved through the poses.

Beyond the physical, 'breaths' carries significant weight in literature and figurative language. It can symbolize life itself, as in the phrase 'while there are breaths left in my body,' indicating the duration of one's existence. It is also used to describe the atmosphere or the rhythm of a scene. For instance, a writer might describe the 'ragged breaths' of a character running through a dark forest, which immediately conveys a sense of urgency, fear, and physical exertion. The word helps to ground the reader in the character's physical reality. In mindfulness and meditation, the focus on individual breaths is a primary technique for grounding oneself in the present moment. By counting breaths, practitioners can quiet the mind and reduce the physiological symptoms of stress. This versatility makes 'breaths' a fundamental word for describing the human experience across multiple dimensions.

Linguistic Nuance: The pronunciation of 'breaths' ends with a voiceless 'th' followed by an 's' sound (/brɛθs/), which can be tricky for English learners. It is distinct from the verb 'breathes' (/briːðz/), which uses a voiced 'th' and a 'z' sound.

After the long climb, his breaths came in heavy gasps.

In social settings, we often use the word when discussing health or relaxation. You might hear someone say, 'I need to take a few deep breaths before I go on stage,' acknowledging the power of respiration to regulate the nervous system. In medical environments, nurses and doctors use the word clinically. They might note that a patient's breaths are 'shallow' or 'labored,' providing vital clues about their respiratory health. Even in weather descriptions, 'breaths' can appear metaphorically, such as 'the first breaths of spring,' suggesting a gentle, life-giving movement of air. This word is not just a biological term; it is a bridge between our physical bodies and our emotional states, making it a vital part of everyday communication.

Metaphorical Usage: Metaphorically, 'breaths' can represent moments of pause or the rhythm of life. For example, 'the city took its final breaths of quiet before the morning rush' personifies the environment using the concept of respiration.

She counted ten slow breaths to stop herself from getting angry.

Using the word breaths correctly requires an understanding of its role as a countable noun. Unlike the uncountable concept of 'breath' (as in 'shortness of breath'), 'breaths' refers to specific, individual instances of inhalation and exhalation. This makes it particularly useful when you want to quantify or describe the quality of a series of respiratory actions. For example, you might say, 'The doctor listened to her breaths through the stethoscope,' implying that the doctor was listening to multiple cycles of breathing. When constructing sentences, 'breaths' is frequently modified by adjectives that describe the depth, speed, or sound of the breathing. Common modifiers include 'deep,' 'shallow,' 'ragged,' 'even,' 'heavy,' and 'labored.' These adjectives provide the reader or listener with a vivid picture of the subject's physical or emotional state.

Adjective Pairings: Commonly used with: Deep breaths (for relaxation), shallow breaths (for anxiety), ragged breaths (for exhaustion), and steady breaths (for calm).

His breaths were visible in the cold winter air.

In terms of sentence structure, 'breaths' often functions as the subject or the direct object. As a subject, it might appear in sentences like, 'Her breaths were coming faster as she neared the finish line.' Here, the word 'breaths' is the focus of the action. As a direct object, it often follows verbs like 'take,' 'draw,' 'count,' or 'hold.' For instance, 'He took several deep breaths to steady his nerves.' This is perhaps the most common way the word is used in daily English. It is also important to note the prepositional phrases that often accompany 'breaths.' We often talk about breaths 'of air' or breaths 'between' words. For example, 'She spoke in short bursts, taking quick breaths between every few sentences.' This usage highlights the rhythmic nature of breathing in relation to other activities like speaking or moving.

Verb Associations: Verbs that commonly govern 'breaths' include: Take, draw, release, count, measure, and observe.

The swimmer took two quick breaths before diving back under the water.

Furthermore, 'breaths' is used in more complex grammatical structures, such as participial phrases or as part of a compound subject. Consider the sentence: 'Counting his breaths, the meditator slowly began to relax.' In this case, 'counting his breaths' is a phrase that describes what the meditator is doing. In creative writing, 'breaths' can be used to create a specific mood or atmosphere. A writer might describe 'the synchronized breaths of the sleeping children,' which evokes a sense of peace and domesticity. Alternatively, 'the frantic breaths of the trapped animal' creates a sense of tension and pity. By varying the adjectives and verbs associated with 'breaths,' you can convey a wide range of meanings and emotions, making it a powerful tool for both literal and figurative expression in the English language.

Quantifying Respiration: When we need to be specific about the number of times someone inhales, we use 'breaths'. Example: 'Inhale for four breaths, hold for seven, and exhale for eight.'

She noticed the patient's breaths were becoming more regular as the medication took effect.

The word breaths is ubiquitous in several specific domains of life, each using it with a slightly different emphasis. In the world of health and wellness, you will hear it constantly. Yoga instructors, meditation guides, and fitness coaches use 'breaths' to direct their students' focus. In a yoga class, you might hear, 'Hold this pose for five full breaths.' This uses the breath as a natural timer, grounding the physical exercise in the rhythm of the body. Similarly, in mindfulness apps or guided meditation sessions, the narrator often instructs you to 'observe your breaths without trying to change them.' In these contexts, 'breaths' is a tool for awareness and relaxation, a way to connect the mind with the physical self.

Wellness and Fitness: In these settings, 'breaths' are used as a measure of time and a focus for mental clarity. Phrases like 'take ten deep breaths' are common advice for stress management.

'Take three deep breaths and try to relax your shoulders,' the therapist suggested.

Another major area where you will encounter 'breaths' is in medical and clinical settings. Doctors, nurses, and respiratory therapists use the word to describe a patient's condition. You might hear a nurse report, 'The patient's breaths are shallow and rapid,' which is a clinical observation that could indicate a variety of medical issues. In emergency situations, first responders might check for 'spontaneous breaths' in an unconscious person. Here, the word is used with scientific precision to assess the vital function of the respiratory system. Even in veterinary medicine, a vet might count the 'breaths per minute' of an animal to check its health. In these professional environments, 'breaths' is a critical metric for monitoring life and health.

Medical Settings: Clinicians use 'breaths' to describe the quality and frequency of respiration. Terms like 'agonal breaths' or 'labored breaths' have specific medical meanings.

The paramedic monitored the child's breaths until the ambulance arrived.

Finally, you will hear 'breaths' in everyday conversations, often related to emotional experiences or physical exertion. After a long run, a friend might say, 'I can't catch my breaths,' using the plural to emphasize the repeated effort to get enough air. In moments of high drama or suspense, people might talk about 'holding their breaths' (though the idiom is more commonly 'holding one's breath,' the plural is used when referring to a group of people). In literature and film, the sound of breaths is often used to build tension or intimacy. A microphone might pick up the 'heavy breaths' of a character in a thriller, or the 'soft breaths' of a sleeping baby in a drama. Whether in a clinical, athletic, or emotional context, 'breaths' is a word that captures the fundamental rhythm of being alive.

Daily Life and Media: Used to describe the physical reaction to exercise, cold weather, or intense emotion. It's a common way to describe the 'sound' of someone's presence.

We could see our breaths puffing out like smoke in the freezing air.

The most common mistake people make with the word breaths is confusing it with the verb 'breathes'. This is a classic spelling and grammar error in English. 'Breath' (singular) and 'breaths' (plural) are nouns. They refer to the thing you take in and out. 'Breathe' (base form) and 'breathes' (third-person singular) are verbs. They refer to the action of taking air in and out. For example, 'He takes deep breaths' (noun) is correct, while 'He takes deep breathes' is incorrect. Conversely, 'He breathes deeply' (verb) is correct, while 'He breaths deeply' is incorrect. The presence of the 'e' at the end of the verb changes both the spelling and the pronunciation, with the verb having a long 'e' sound (/briːð/) and the noun having a short 'e' sound (/brɛθ/).

Spelling Confusion: Noun: Breath/Breaths (No 'e' before the 's'). Verb: Breathe/Breathes (Has an 'e' before the 's').

Incorrect: She took three deep breathes to calm down.

Another frequent error involves the pronunciation of the 'th' sound in 'breaths'. In the noun form, the 'th' is voiceless, meaning your vocal cords do not vibrate. It sounds like the 'th' in 'think'. When you add the 's' for the plural, it can be quite difficult to transition from the voiceless 'th' to the 's' sound. Many learners accidentally voice the 'th', making it sound like 'breathes' (the verb). To practice this, focus on keeping the air flowing through your teeth without any vibration in your throat. Another mistake is using the singular 'breath' when the plural 'breaths' is required by the context. If you are counting (one, two, three...), you must use the plural. Saying 'He took three deep breath' is grammatically incorrect because the number three requires a plural noun.

Grammar: Countability: Remember that 'breath' is countable when referring to individual acts of respiration. Use 'breaths' whenever you are referring to more than one.

Correct: After the sprint, his breaths were coming in short gasps.

A more subtle mistake occurs in idiomatic expressions. While 'take a breath' is a common idiom, people sometimes try to pluralize it unnecessarily, like 'take some breaths.' While not strictly 'wrong,' it often sounds less natural than 'take a few deep breaths.' Additionally, in the idiom 'to hold one's breath,' the singular is almost always used even if referring to a group, e.g., 'The crowd held its breath.' However, if you are talking about the physical act of multiple people breathing, 'breaths' is appropriate: 'The doctor monitored the breaths of all the patients in the ward.' Understanding these nuances helps in achieving a more native-like command of the language and avoids common pitfalls that can confuse your audience.

Idiomatic Precision: Be careful with idioms. 'Hold your breath' is standard. 'Hold your breaths' is rare and usually refers to the literal physical act of multiple individuals.

Incorrect: The team held their breaths as the ball neared the goal. (Better: held their breath)

While breaths is the most common and versatile word for individual acts of respiration, there are several synonyms and related terms that can provide more specific meaning depending on the context. In a medical or scientific setting, the word 'respirations' is often used. It is more formal and specifically refers to the physiological process of breathing. For example, a medical report might state, 'The patient's respirations were recorded at 18 per minute.' Another alternative is 'inhalations' and 'exhalations.' These words are more precise because they refer to only one half of the breathing cycle. If you want to focus specifically on the act of breathing in, you would use 'inhalations.' If you are focusing on the act of breathing out, you would use 'exhalations.'

Formal Alternatives: Respirations: Scientific/Medical. Inhalations: The act of breathing in. Exhalations: The act of breathing out.

The athlete's deep inhalations showed how hard he was working.

In more descriptive or literary contexts, you might use words that convey the sound or quality of the breaths. 'Gasps' refers to short, sudden breaths, usually taken in surprise, pain, or exhaustion. 'Pants' describes quick, shallow breaths, often associated with physical exertion or heat. 'Sighs' are long, deep exhalations that often express relief, sadness, or frustration. 'Wheezes' are breaths that make a whistling sound, often indicating a respiratory problem like asthma. Using these more specific words can add a layer of detail and emotion to your writing that the general word 'breaths' might lack. For instance, 'his ragged gasps' tells a much more intense story than 'his heavy breaths.'

Descriptive Synonyms: Gasps: Sudden and sharp. Pants: Rapid and shallow. Sighs: Long and expressive. Wheezes: Noisy and difficult.

The room was silent except for the soft sighs of the wind outside.

There are also metaphorical alternatives. In some contexts, you might use 'puffs' (like 'puffs of air') or 'gusts' (though this is usually for wind). When discussing the essence of life, 'spirit' or 'soul' are sometimes used as poetic alternatives to 'breath,' though they are not direct synonyms. In the context of a pause or a break, you might use 'rest' or 'hiatus,' as in 'taking a breath' between tasks. Understanding these alternatives allows you to tailor your language to the specific situation, whether you are writing a medical report, a poem, or just chatting with a friend. By choosing the right word, you can communicate your meaning with greater clarity and impact.

Comparison Table

Word	Best For
Breaths	General use, counting
Respirations	Medical/Scientific
Gasps	Shock/Suddenness
Sighs	Emotional release

His pants were heavy as he leaned against the wall after the race.

How Formal Is It?

Formal

"The clinician observed the patient's irregular breaths."

Neutral

"She took a few deep breaths before the interview."

Informal

"I'm so out of shape, I can't catch my breaths!"

Child friendly

"Let's take three big dragon breaths together!"

Slang

"He was huffing breaths like he just ran a marathon."

Fun Fact

The transition from 'odor' to 'respiration' happened in the Middle English period. Before that, the word for breathing was 'æthm'.

Pronunciation Guide

UK /brɛθs/

US /brɛθs/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rhymes With

deaths breadths depths (near rhyme) sets (near rhyme) nets (near rhyme) gets (near rhyme) pets (near rhyme) steps (near rhyme)

Common Errors

Pronouncing it like 'breathes' (/briːðz/) with a long 'e' and voiced 'th'.
Omitting the 's' sound at the end.
Making the 'th' sound like a 'd' or 't'.
Confusing the vowel sound with the 'ee' in 'breathe'.
Struggling with the transition from 'th' to 's'.

Difficulty Rating

Reading 2/5

Easy to recognize in text, though sometimes confused with the verb.

Writing 4/5

Commonly misspelled as 'breathes' by learners.

Speaking 5/5

The /θs/ cluster is difficult for many non-native speakers.

Listening 3/5

Can be hard to distinguish from 'breathes' in fast speech.

What to Learn Next

Prerequisites

breath air lungs take count

Learn Next

breathe respiration inhale exhale breathless

Advanced

ventilation diaphragm alveoli apnea dyspnea

Grammar to Know

Pluralization of nouns ending in 'th'

Breath becomes breaths (voiceless th + s).

Subject-Verb Agreement with plural nouns

The breaths are (not is) steady.

Noun vs Verb distinction (Breath vs Breathe)

I take a breath (noun); I breathe (verb).

Adjective placement before nouns

Deep breaths (adjective + noun).

Using 'a few' or 'several' with countable nouns

A few breaths; several breaths.

Examples by Level

I take two breaths.

Je prends deux inspirations.

Plural noun 'breaths' after the number 'two'.

Count your breaths.

Compte tes respirations.

Imperative verb 'count' followed by the plural noun.

His breaths are slow.

Ses respirations sont lentes.

Plural subject 'breaths' with the plural verb 'are'.

Take deep breaths.

Prends de profondes inspirations.

Adjective 'deep' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

One, two, three breaths.

Une, deux, trois respirations.

Counting plural nouns.

My breaths are fast.

Mes respirations sont rapides.

Possessive adjective 'my' with plural noun 'breaths'.

Listen to your breaths.

Écoute tes respirations.

Preposition 'to' followed by the object 'breaths'.

She takes small breaths.

Elle prend de petites inspirations.

Third-person singular verb 'takes' with plural object 'breaths'.

The doctor counted my breaths.

Le médecin a compté mes respirations.

Past tense verb 'counted' with plural noun 'breaths'.

Try taking ten slow breaths.

Essaie de prendre dix respirations lentes.

Gerund 'taking' followed by the plural noun.

After the race, her breaths were heavy.

Après la course, ses respirations étaient lourdes.

Plural subject 'breaths' with the past tense plural verb 'were'.

You can see your breaths in the cold.

On peut voir ses respirations dans le froid.

Modal verb 'can' followed by the plural noun 'breaths'.

Yoga helps you focus on your breaths.

Le yoga aide à se concentrer sur ses respirations.

Preposition 'on' followed by the plural noun.

He took a few quick breaths.

Il a pris quelques respirations rapides.

Determiner 'a few' followed by the plural noun.

Her breaths became more regular.

Ses respirations sont devenues plus régulières.

Plural noun 'breaths' as the subject of the verb 'became'.

Don't take short breaths.

Ne prends pas de respirations courtes.

Negative imperative with the plural noun 'breaths'.

She took several deep breaths to calm her nerves.

Elle a pris plusieurs inspirations profondes pour calmer ses nerfs.

Determiner 'several' with the plural noun 'breaths'.

The swimmer took two quick breaths before diving.

Le nageur a pris deux inspirations rapides avant de plonger.

Specific number 'two' used with the plural noun.

His breaths were ragged after the long climb.

Ses respirations étaient saccadées après la longue ascension.

Adjective 'ragged' describing the plural noun 'breaths'.

The meditation app asks you to count your breaths.

L'application de méditation vous demande de compter vos respirations.

Plural noun 'breaths' as the object of the verb 'count'.

We could hear the baby's soft breaths through the monitor.

On entendait les douces respirations du bébé à travers l'écoute-bébé.

Possessive 'baby's' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

The athlete focused on keeping his breaths steady.

L'athlète s'est concentré sur le maintien de ses respirations régulières.

Plural noun 'breaths' as the object of the gerund 'keeping'.

She noticed her breaths getting shallower as she got anxious.

Elle a remarqué que ses respirations devenaient plus courtes à mesure qu'elle devenait anxieuse.

Plural noun 'breaths' in a participial phrase.

The doctor listened to the patient's breaths.

Le médecin a écouté les respirations du patient.

Plural noun 'breaths' referring to multiple cycles of breathing.

The patient's breaths were shallow and labored, indicating distress.

Les respirations du patient étaient courtes et laborieuses, indiquant une détresse.

Compound adjective 'shallow and labored' modifying 'breaths'.

He took a series of sharp breaths when he heard the news.

Il a pris une série de respirations saccadées quand il a appris la nouvelle.

Collective noun 'series of' followed by the plural noun 'breaths'.

The synchronized breaths of the rowers kept the boat in rhythm.

Les respirations synchronisées des rameurs maintenaient le bateau en rythme.

Adjective 'synchronized' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

She counted her breaths to distract herself from the pain.

Elle comptait ses respirations pour se distraire de la douleur.

Plural noun 'breaths' used as a tool for mental focus.

The cold air made our breaths visible as white clouds.

L'air froid rendait nos respirations visibles sous forme de nuages blancs.

Plural noun 'breaths' as the object of the adjective 'visible'.

His breaths came in short, staccato bursts.

Ses respirations venaient par courtes rafales saccadées.

Metaphorical use of 'bursts' to describe the quality of 'breaths'.

The yoga teacher emphasized the importance of even breaths.

Le professeur de yoga a souligné l'importance de respirations régulières.

Adjective 'even' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

The diver took several deep breaths to maximize his oxygen intake.

Le plongeur a pris plusieurs inspirations profondes pour maximiser son apport en oxygène.

Infinitive phrase 'to maximize' following the plural noun 'breaths'.

The rhythmic breaths of the sleeping giant echoed through the cave.

Les respirations rythmiques du géant endormi résonnaient dans la grotte.

Literary use of 'breaths' to create atmosphere.

She spoke with difficulty, her words punctuated by ragged breaths.

Elle parlait avec difficulté, ses mots étant ponctués par des respirations saccadées.

Passive construction 'punctuated by' followed by the plural noun.

The medical team monitored the frequency and depth of his breaths.

L'équipe médicale surveillait la fréquence et la profondeur de ses respirations.

Formal nouns 'frequency and depth' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

In the silence of the night, their breaths seemed unnaturally loud.

Dans le silence de la nuit, leurs respirations semblaient anormalement fortes.

Adverb 'unnaturally' modifying the adjective 'loud' which describes 'breaths'.

The poem describes the final breaths of a dying empire.

Le poème décrit les derniers soupirs d'un empire mourant.

Metaphorical use of 'breaths' to represent the end of an era.

He practiced controlling his breaths to lower his heart rate.

Il s'est exercé à contrôler ses respirations pour ralentir son rythme cardiaque.

Gerund 'controlling' followed by the plural noun 'breaths'.

The athlete's breaths were the only sound in the empty stadium.

Les respirations de l'athlète étaient le seul son dans le stade vide.

Plural noun 'breaths' as the focus of a descriptive sentence.

She felt the warm breaths of the horse against her neck.

Elle sentait les respirations chaudes du cheval contre son cou.

Plural noun 'breaths' used to describe physical sensation.

The patient exhibited agonal breaths, a sign of impending respiratory failure.

Le patient présentait des respirations agonales, signe d'une insuffisance respiratoire imminente.

Technical medical term 'agonal breaths'.

The novelist used the character's erratic breaths to convey a sense of mounting panic.

Le romancier a utilisé les respirations erratiques du personnage pour transmettre un sentiment de panique croissante.

Abstract noun 'sense of mounting panic' linked to 'erratic breaths'.

Their breaths mingled in the frosty air, a silent testament to their shared journey.

Leurs respirations se mêlaient dans l'air glacial, témoignage silencieux de leur voyage commun.

Poetic use of 'mingled' with the plural noun 'breaths'.

The study analyzed the correlation between shallow breaths and chronic anxiety levels.

L'étude a analysé la corrélation entre les respirations courtes et les niveaux d'anxiété chronique.

Academic use of 'breaths' in a research context.

He counted the breaths of the dying man, each one more precious than the last.

Il comptait les respirations de l'homme mourant, chacune plus précieuse que la précédente.

Plural noun 'breaths' used to emphasize the passage of time.

The singer's controlled breaths allowed her to sustain the long, difficult notes.

Les respirations contrôlées de la chanteuse lui permettaient de tenir les notes longues et difficiles.

Possessive noun 'singer's' modifying the plural noun 'breaths'.

The silence was so profound that even their softest breaths felt intrusive.

Le silence était si profond que même leurs respirations les plus douces semblaient intrusives.

Superlative adjective 'softest' modifying 'breaths'.

The philosopher compared individual breaths to the transient nature of human existence.

Le philosophe a comparé les respirations individuelles à la nature éphémère de l'existence humaine.

Philosophical comparison using the plural noun 'breaths'.

Common Collocations

deep breaths

shallow breaths

short breaths

ragged breaths

steady breaths

labored breaths

count your breaths

visible breaths

heavy breaths

synchronized breaths

Common Phrases

Take a few breaths

Between breaths

Catch one's breaths

Visible breaths

Short of breaths

Deep, cleansing breaths

Rhythmic breaths

Hold your breaths

Inhale for four breaths

First breaths of life

Often Confused With

breaths vs breathes

This is the verb form. 'He breathes' (action) vs 'He takes breaths' (noun).

breaths vs breath's

This is the possessive form of the singular noun. 'The breath's warmth' vs 'The warm breaths'.

breaths vs breadths

This means widths or distances. It sounds similar but has a very different meaning.

Idioms & Expressions

"Hold your breath"

To wait anxiously for something to happen (usually singular, but 'breaths' used for groups).

The crowd held their breaths as the gymnast flipped.

neutral

"Under one's breath"

To speak very quietly so others cannot hear (usually singular).

He muttered something under his breaths.

informal

"A breath of fresh air"

A person or thing that is new and refreshing (singular).

The new teacher is a breath of fresh air.

informal

"Save your breath"

To stop talking because it is useless (singular).

Save your breath; he won't listen.

informal

"In the same breath"

To say two contradictory things almost at the same time (singular).

He praised her and criticized her in the same breath.

neutral

"Take someone's breath away"

To be extremely beautiful or surprising (singular).

The view took my breath away.

neutral

"Bated breath"

With great anticipation (singular).

We waited with bated breath for the results.

formal

"Don't hold your breath"

Don't expect something to happen soon (singular).

He might call, but don't hold your breath.

informal

"Breath of life"

Something essential for existence (singular).

Music is his breath of life.

literary

"Waste your breath"

To talk without achieving anything (singular).

You're wasting your breath trying to convince him.

informal

Easily Confused

breaths vs breathe

Spelling and sound are similar.

Breathe is a verb (the action). Breath is a noun (the thing). Breaths is the plural noun.

You need to breathe (verb) slowly. Take deep breaths (noun).

breaths vs breadth

Sounds almost identical to 'breath'.

Breadth refers to the width of something. Breath refers to air.

The breadth of the room is five meters. I took a deep breath.

breaths vs breast

Similar vowel and starting sound.

Breast refers to the chest area. Breath refers to the air from the lungs.

The bird has a red breast. He took several deep breaths.

breaths vs breeze

Both involve moving air.

A breeze is a light wind outside. A breath is air moving in and out of a person.

A cool breeze blew through the window. Her breaths were soft.

breaths vs death

Rhymes with 'breath'.

Death is the end of life. Breath is a sign of life.

He fought until his last breaths. The news of his death was sad.

Sentence Patterns

I take [number] breaths.

I take two breaths.

Take [adjective] breaths.

Take deep breaths.

She took [determiner] [adjective] breaths to [verb].

She took several deep breaths to relax.

His breaths were [adjective] and [adjective].

His breaths were shallow and rapid.

The [adjective] breaths of the [noun] [verb].

The rhythmic breaths of the sleeper filled the room.

[Participial phrase], he [verb] his breaths.

Struggling to remain calm, he counted his breaths.

Focus on your [adjective] breaths.

Focus on your steady breaths.

The [noun] made our breaths [adjective].

The cold made our breaths visible.

Word Family

Nouns

Verbs

Adjectives

How to Use It

frequency

Common in daily speech, very common in health/wellness contexts.

Common Mistakes

He takes deep breathes. → He takes deep breaths.
'Breathes' is a verb. 'Breaths' is the noun you need here because it follows the adjective 'deep'.
I can see my breath's in the cold. → I can see my breaths in the cold.
Do not use an apostrophe for a simple plural. 'Breaths' is just more than one breath.
She took three deep breath. → She took three deep breaths.
After the number 'three', you must use the plural form 'breaths'.
The patient's breaths was slow. → The patient's breaths were slow.
'Breaths' is plural, so the verb must also be plural ('were' instead of 'was').
His breaths rhymes with 'seethes'. → His breaths rhymes with 'deaths'.
The noun 'breaths' has a short 'e' and voiceless 'th'. The verb 'breathes' rhymes with 'seethes'.

Tips

Noun vs Verb

Always check if you are describing a 'thing' or an 'action'. If it's a thing you can count, use 'breaths'. If it's the action, use 'breathe' or 'breathes'.

The 'THS' Sound

The /θs/ sound at the end of 'breaths' is hard. Practice by saying 'th' and then a quick hiss like a snake 's'. Don't let your throat vibrate.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of writing 'he was tired,' write 'his breaths were heavy and ragged.' This creates a stronger image for the reader.

Use Adjectives

Breaths are rarely just 'breaths'. Use adjectives like 'deep,' 'steady,' 'shaky,' or 'quick' to add more meaning to your sentences.

Counting Breaths

Counting breaths is a great way to practice the word. Try counting 'one breath, two breaths...' up to ten to relax.

No 'E' for Nouns

Remember: Breath (noun) has no 'e' at the end. Breathe (verb) has an 'e'. This applies to the plural too: breaths vs breathes.

Cold Weather

In winter, 'breaths' is a great word to describe the 'steam' coming from people's mouths. It adds a nice seasonal touch to your descriptions.

Respiratory Rate

If you work in health, 'breaths' is what you count to find the respiratory rate. It's one of the most important signs of life.

Group Suspense

When a whole room of people is waiting for something, you can say 'they all held their breaths' to show how nervous they were.

Short Vowel

Listen for the short 'e' sound. If you hear 'eh' like in 'egg', it's the noun 'breaths'. If you hear 'ee' like in 'eat', it's the verb 'breathes'.

Memorize It

Mnemonic

Think of 'Breaths' as 'Death's' opposite. They rhyme, and as long as you have breaths, you avoid death.

Visual Association

Imagine a person in the cold winter air with several little white clouds (breaths) coming out of their mouth.

Word Web

Lungs Air Oxygen Life Yoga Calm Count Rhythm

Challenge

Try to say 'Three thin breaths' five times fast without making the 'th' sound like a 'z'.

Word Origin

The word 'breaths' comes from the Old English 'bræth', which originally meant 'odor', 'scent', or 'exhalation'. It is related to the Old High German 'brādam', meaning 'vapor' or 'breath'.

Original meaning: In its earliest forms, it referred to the smell or vapor emitted by something, rather than the act of respiration itself.

Germanic

Cultural Context

Be mindful when discussing breaths in medical contexts, as respiratory issues can be a sensitive topic for those with chronic illnesses.

In English-speaking countries, counting breaths is a standard part of physical education and basic first aid training.

The song 'Every Breath You Take' by The Police (singular, but related). The phrase 'Wait with bated breath' from Shakespeare's The Merchant of Venice. The 'I can't breathe' social justice movement (verb form, but highlights the importance of the act).

Practice in Real Life

Real-World Contexts

Yoga/Meditation

Focus on your breaths
Take ten deep breaths
Observe your breaths
Match your movement to your breaths

Sports/Exercise

Catch your breaths
Heavy breaths
Short breaths
Control your breaths

Medical

Shallow breaths
Labored breaths
Breaths per minute
Agonal breaths

Weather

Visible breaths
Breaths in the cold
Frosty breaths
Puffs of breaths

Emotion/Stress

Take a few breaths
Calming breaths
Shaky breaths
Hold your breaths

Conversation Starters

"How many deep breaths do you usually take when you feel stressed?"

"Can you see your breaths outside today? It's quite cold!"

"Do you find it helpful to count your breaths during exercise?"

"What kind of breaths do you take when you are trying to fall asleep?"

"Have you ever tried a yoga class where they focus on synchronized breaths?"

Journal Prompts

Describe a time when you had to take several deep breaths to stay calm. What was happening?

Write about the sound of breaths in a very quiet place. What does it make you think of?

How do your breaths change when you are excited versus when you are relaxed?

Imagine you are in a very cold place. Describe the scene using the word 'breaths'.

Reflect on the importance of breaths in your daily life. How often do you notice them?

Frequently Asked Questions

10 questions

It is 'three deep breaths'. Because 'three' is more than one, you must use the plural form of the noun. 'Breath' is the singular, and 'breaths' is the plural.

It is pronounced /brɛθs/. The 'e' is short like in 'met', the 'th' is voiceless like in 'think', and it ends with an 's' sound. It rhymes with 'deaths'.

'Breaths' is a plural noun (e.g., 'I took two breaths'). 'Breathes' is a verb used for the third person singular (e.g., 'He breathes slowly'). They also sound different; 'breathes' has a long 'ee' sound.

No, that is incorrect. You can say 'I am taking breaths' or 'My breaths are deep'. 'Breaths' is a noun, not an adjective or a state of being.

Use 'respirations' in formal medical or scientific contexts. In everyday conversation, yoga, or sports, 'breaths' is much more natural and common.

Yes, it is very common. It is used frequently in health, fitness, meditation, and whenever describing someone's physical state or the weather (visible breaths).

Yes, you can use 'breaths' to describe the breathing of any animal that has lungs. For example, 'The dog's breaths were heavy after the walk'.

Shallow breaths are when someone only breathes a little bit of air into the top of their lungs. It often happens when someone is nervous, scared, or in pain.

While the idiom is usually 'hold your breath' (singular), 'holding your breaths' is used when a group of people all stop breathing at the same time, often in suspense.

You can say, 'Our breaths were visible in the freezing air'. This describes the mist that forms when you breathe out in cold weather.