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B1 verb #31 mais comum 11 min de leitura

gasps

Top 31

Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas gasps em 30 segundos

Explicação gasps in your Level:

At the A1 level, 'gasps' is a word you might not use often, but it is easy to understand. It means to take a quick breath because you are surprised or because you need air. Imagine you see a big, scary dog. You might make a quick 'huff' sound with your mouth. That is a gasp. You can say, 'He gasps when he sees the dog.' It is a simple action. You can also use it when you are very tired from running. 'The boy gasps for air.' It is like a very fast 'in-breath.' Think of it as a sound your body makes when something sudden happens. It is a useful word for telling simple stories about being surprised or tired. You don't need to use it in complicated ways. Just remember that it is a quick action that happens with your breath. It shows how someone feels without using many words.

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For A2 learners, 'gasps' is a useful verb to describe reactions. It is more specific than just saying 'he is surprised.' It tells us *how* he shows he is surprised. When you use 'gasps,' you are describing a physical movement of the lungs and mouth. You will often see it in stories. For example, 'She gasps when she sees the beautiful present.' It is also common to use it with 'for air.' If you swim under water for a long time and then come up, you gasp for air. This shows you are very tired or need oxygen. Remember to add an 's' if you are talking about one person (he, she, or it). 'He gasps.' If you are talking about more than one person, you say 'They gasp.' It is a great word to make your English sound more natural when describing people's feelings and actions in simple situations.

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At the B1 level, you should understand that 'gasps' is a versatile word used for both physical and emotional contexts. It is a 'third-person singular' verb, meaning it's used with subjects like 'he,' 'she,' or 'the crowd.' You can use it to add drama to your writing. Instead of saying 'He was shocked,' you can say 'He gasps in shock.' This makes the scene more vivid for the reader. You should also be familiar with common phrases like 'gasps for breath' or 'gasps in horror.' It is often used in the present tense to describe a scene in a book or a movie. You might also hear it in news reports describing a crowd's reaction. It's a step up from basic verbs because it conveys a specific type of breathing that implies a strong internal state. Understanding the difference between a gasp (sudden inhale) and a sigh (long exhale) is important at this level to ensure your descriptions are accurate.

At the B2 level, you can use 'gasps' to convey nuance in character behavior and atmospheric descriptions. It often appears in literature to signal a turning point or a moment of high tension. You should be comfortable using it with various adverbs to modify the intensity, such as 'audibly gasps,' 'sharply gasps,' or 'faintly gasps.' You might also encounter it in more technical or journalistic contexts, where a 'collective gasp' describes a shared reaction from a large group of people. At this level, you should also recognize the noun form (e.g., 'A gasp escaped her lips') and how it functions differently from the verb. You should be able to distinguish 'gasps' from similar verbs like 'pants,' 'wheezes,' or 'gulps' based on the context of the situation. For example, using 'gasps' for a sudden shock versus 'pants' for prolonged physical exertion. It is a key word for achieving a more descriptive and sophisticated style in both speaking and writing.

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For C1 learners, 'gasps' is a tool for precise and evocative expression. You should understand its metaphorical potential and its use in creating specific narrative effects. For instance, 'the engine gasps for fuel' uses the verb metaphorically to describe a machine's failure. You should also be aware of its use in medical or clinical descriptions, such as 'agonal gasps,' and understand the gravity of such terms. In literary analysis, you might discuss how a character's gasps reflect their loss of control or their vulnerability. You should be able to use the word in complex sentence structures, integrating it with other descriptive elements to build a complete picture of a scene. Furthermore, you should be sensitive to the register—while 'gasps' is common in fiction, it might be replaced by 'sharp inhalation' in a formal report. Mastery at this level involves knowing not just what the word means, but exactly when it is the most effective choice among a range of synonyms.

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At the C2 level, your understanding of 'gasps' should be comprehensive, encompassing its phonetic impact, its historical usage, and its subtle psychological implications. You can use it to explore the boundaries between involuntary physiological responses and conscious emotional expression. In high-level creative writing, you might use 'gasps' to punctuate rhythm or to create a specific auditory landscape. You should be able to critique its use in various media, noting how a well-placed gasp can be more communicative than a page of dialogue. You are expected to handle the word with complete grammatical and contextual accuracy, even in the most abstract or metaphorical applications. Whether you are discussing the 'last gasps' of a dying empire or the 'stifled gasps' of a hidden witness, you use the word to add layers of meaning and sensory detail to your discourse. At this level, the word is not just a vocabulary item but a nuanced instrument for sophisticated communication.

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Pratique Exemplos Notas e dicas

gasps em 30 segundos

A verb describing a sudden, sharp intake of breath.
Commonly triggered by surprise, shock, pain, or physical exertion.
Often used with prepositions like 'for air' or 'in horror'.
Conveys immediate emotional or physical intensity in a single word.

The word gasps is a dynamic verb that captures a physical and emotional reaction. At its core, it describes the sudden, sharp intake of breath that occurs when someone is startled, in pain, or struggling for air. Imagine the moment a cold wave hits your chest or the split second after a jump-scare in a horror movie; that sharp 'huff' of air is exactly what it means when someone gasps. It is a word that bridges the gap between a purely biological function and a deep psychological response. In literature and daily conversation, we use it to convey intensity without needing a long list of adjectives. When you say 'she gasps,' you are telling the listener that something significant has just happened—something that literally took her breath away.

Physical Trigger: The most literal use involves physical exertion or a lack of oxygen. An athlete finishing a marathon often gasps for air as their lungs scream for more oxygen than a normal breath can provide. It is a desperate, rhythmic sound of survival.

The swimmer surfaces and gasps for air after being underwater for nearly two minutes.

Emotional Trigger: Emotionally, gasping is the hallmark of shock or awe. When a magician performs an impossible trick, the audience gasps in unison. It represents the brain processing information faster than the body can react, leading to an involuntary inhalation.

She gasps in horror as she realizes she left her passport on the kitchen counter.

Beyond just the physical act, 'gasps' can also describe the sound itself. It is a sharp, often audible sound that can fill a quiet room. In a theater, a collective gasp from the audience is a powerful indicator of a successful plot twist. It is also used metaphorically in some contexts, though primarily it remains rooted in the physical sensation of breathing. Whether it is the result of a sudden dip in a cold pool or the shock of hearing bad news, the word 'gasps' perfectly encapsulates that moment of suspended animation where the body takes over the mind's control of breathing.

Every time the protagonist narrowly escapes death, the audience gasps with relief.

Contextual Nuance: It is important to distinguish 'gasps' from 'sighs.' A sigh is a long, slow exhale usually indicating boredom or sadness, whereas a gasp is a quick, sharp inhale indicating high energy or urgency.

He gasps for breath after running up the five flights of stairs.

The crowd gasps when the acrobat slips, but she quickly regains her balance.

Using gasps correctly requires understanding its grammatical role as a third-person singular verb. It typically follows a subject like 'he,' 'she,' 'it,' or a singular noun. The most common prepositional phrase used with 'gasps' is 'for air' or 'for breath,' which specifies the physical need. Alternatively, it is often followed by 'in' to describe the emotion, such as 'gasps in surprise' or 'gasps in pain.' This structure allows the writer to provide immediate context for the action.

Subject-Verb Agreement: Remember that 'gasps' is the present tense form for singular subjects. 'The boy gasps,' but 'The boys gasp.' It is a common mistake to forget the 's' when writing about a single person in the present tense.

The hiker gasps as the thin mountain air makes breathing difficult.

Descriptive Adverbs: You can enhance the verb with adverbs to give more detail. Words like 'audibly,' 'sharply,' 'desperately,' or 'faintly' work perfectly. For example, 'She audibly gasps' tells the reader that the sound was loud enough for others to hear.

He gasps sharply when the cold water touches his skin.

When writing dialogue, 'gasps' can be used as a speech tag, although it is technically an action. For instance, '"Oh no!" she gasps.' This implies that the words were spoken while the person was simultaneously taking that sharp breath, often making the speech sound broken or strained. This is a very effective way to convey high-stakes emotion in storytelling. It paints a vivid picture of a character who is so overwhelmed that their physical breathing is interrupted by their speech.

"I can't believe it," he gasps, clutching the winning lottery ticket.

Causal Structures: Often, 'gasps' is linked to a cause using 'at' or 'when.' 'She gasps at the sight of the wreckage' or 'He gasps when he sees the price tag.' This helps establish the relationship between the stimulus and the reaction.

The patient gasps for air as the asthma attack begins.

Everyone gasps as the lights suddenly go out in the middle of the speech.

While 'gasps' is a staple of written fiction, you will also encounter it in various real-world scenarios. In news reporting, journalists might describe a crowd's reaction to a political bombshell or a tragic accident by saying, 'The room gasps as the verdict is read.' In sports commentary, you'll hear it when a player makes a near-impossible move or suffers a visible injury. It is a word that describes a universal human experience, making it recognizable across different social and professional contexts.

In Medical Contexts: Doctors and nurses use 'gasps' to describe specific breathing patterns. 'Agonal gasps' is a medical term for the labored, gasping breaths seen in patients during cardiac arrest. In this context, it is a clinical observation of a life-threatening state.

The paramedic notes that the victim gasps irregularly, indicating a need for immediate oxygen.

In Entertainment: Film critics often use the word to describe the impact of a movie. 'The final scene is so shocking that the entire theater gasps.' It serves as a metric for the emotional power of a piece of art.

The commentator gasps as the underdog scores the winning goal in the final seconds.

You'll also hear 'gasps' in the context of nature and travel. A tour guide might say, 'Almost every visitor gasps when they first see the Grand Canyon.' This highlights the word's connection to awe and the sublime. It suggests that the beauty of the natural world is so profound that it physically alters our breathing. Similarly, in a more mundane setting, you might hear a parent say, 'My child gasps every time they see a dog,' indicating a repetitive, excited reaction. It is a versatile word that scales from life-and-death medical situations to the simple joy of a toddler.

The audience gasps as the fireworks display reaches its grand finale.

In Literature: Authors use 'gasps' to create suspense. It is a 'show-don't-tell' verb that immediately communicates a character's internal state without the need for internal monologue.

She gasps when she opens the old trunk and finds it filled with gold.

The actor gasps for air after the intense fight scene on stage.

One of the most frequent errors learners make with gasps is confusing it with other breath-related verbs like 'sighs,' 'pants,' or 'gulps.' While they all involve breathing, the mechanics and meanings are distinct. A gasp is a sharp *inhale* of surprise or air-hunger. A sigh is a long *exhale* of relief or boredom. Using 'gasps' when you mean 'sighs' can completely change the emotional tone of your sentence, turning a moment of relaxation into one of sudden shock.

Gasp vs. Pant: 'Panting' is a series of short, quick breaths, like a dog after a run. 'Gasping' is usually a single, more intense intake of breath. You gasp when you first see the finish line; you pant as you run toward it.

Incorrect: He gasps with boredom during the long lecture. (Correct: He sighs with boredom.)

Subject-Verb Confusion: Another common mistake is using the plural form 'gasp' with a singular subject. 'She gasp' is grammatically incorrect in standard English; it must be 'She gasps.' Conversely, 'They gasps' is also incorrect; it should be 'They gasp.'

Incorrect: The audience gasp at the magic trick. (Correct: The audience gasps... or The people gasp...)

Learners also sometimes struggle with the prepositional usage. While 'gasps for air' is standard, 'gasps of air' is usually used when 'gasps' is a noun (e.g., 'He took several gasps of air'). As a verb, we almost always use 'for.' Misusing these prepositions can make your English sound slightly 'off' to native speakers. Additionally, be careful not to confuse 'gasps' with 'grasps.' To 'grasp' is to hold something tightly with your hands. Gasping involves your lungs, while grasping involves your fingers!

Incorrect: He gasps the handle of the door. (Correct: He grasps the handle...)

Tense Consistency: When telling a story in the past tense, the word becomes 'gasped.' Many learners accidentally mix 'gasps' (present) with past tense verbs in the same paragraph, which disrupts the flow of the narrative.

She gasps every time she sees a spider, even though she knows they are harmless.

The child gasps in delight as the puppy licks his face.

To enrich your vocabulary, it is helpful to look at words that are similar to gasps but offer different shades of meaning. While 'gasps' is excellent for sudden shock, other words might be more appropriate depending on the intensity or the cause of the breath. Understanding these nuances will make your writing more precise and engaging. For instance, if someone is breathing heavily because they are tired, 'pants' is a better choice. If they are struggling to breathe due to a blocked airway, 'chokes' or 'stifles' might be more accurate.

Gasps vs. Gulps: 'Gulps' usually refers to swallowing air or liquid quickly. While you can 'gulp for air,' it implies a more desperate, swallowing motion than a 'gasp,' which is a sharp inhalation. Use 'gulps' when someone is trying to swallow their fear or a large amount of water.

He gasps at the cold, while he gulps down the hot coffee to warm up.

Gasps vs. Wheezes: 'Wheezes' describes a whistling or rattling sound in the chest, often associated with illness like asthma or a cold. Unlike a gasp, which is a sudden event, wheezing is usually a continuous, labored way of breathing.

The old man gasps when he sees the ghost, then wheezes as he tries to run away.

Other alternatives include 'huffs,' 'puffs,' and 'snorts.' 'Huffing and puffing' is a common idiom for someone who is out of breath from physical activity. A 'snort' is a sudden intake of air through the nose, often expressing derision or laughter. If you want to describe a very quiet, almost silent gasp, you might use 'sharp intake of breath.' If the gasp is very loud and dramatic, 'exclaims' or 'shrieks' might be used if the person also makes a vocal sound. Choosing the right word depends entirely on the 'volume' and 'reason' behind the breath.

She gasps in amazement, but her brother just snorts in disbelief.

Formal Alternatives: In more formal or medical writing, you might see 'aspirates' (though this has a specific medical meaning of inhaling a foreign object) or 'inhales sharply.' However, 'gasps' remains the most evocative and common term for general use.

The detective gasps as he finds the missing clue hidden in the book.

The audience gasps when the hero falls, but cheers when he rises again.

How Formal Is It?

Curiosidade

Despite its simple sound, 'gasps' is one of the few words in English that ends with the 'sps' consonant cluster, which can be a bit of a tongue-twister for many learners! It is also an onomatopoeic word, meaning the sound of the word itself mimics the sound of a sharp intake of air.

Guia de pronúncia

UK /ɡɑːsps/

US /ɡæsps/

The stress is on the single syllable of the word.

Rima com

clasps asps rasps hasps grasps wasps (near rhyme) masks (near rhyme) tasks (near rhyme)

Erros comuns

Pronouncing it like 'gasps' but forgetting the 'p' sound.
Using a long 'a' in American English.
Merging the 's' and 'p' into a single sound.
Confusing the vowel with 'gosps'.
Making the 'sps' sound too long.

Nível de dificuldade

Leitura 2/5

Easy to recognize in context as a reaction.

Escrita 3/5

Requires correct subject-verb agreement and preposition use.

Expressão oral 4/5

The 'sps' ending can be difficult to pronounce clearly.

Audição 2/5

The sound is distinctive and usually clear.

O que aprender depois

Pré-requisitos

breath surprise air shock sudden

Aprenda a seguir

shudder tremble exclaim recoil marvel

Avançado

aspiration respiration hyperventilation spasmodic involuntary

Gramática essencial

Third-person singular 's'

He gasps (not 'He gasp').

Prepositional phrases with 'in'

Gasps in surprise, gasps in pain.

Prepositional phrases with 'for'

Gasps for air, gasps for breath.

Using 'as' for simultaneous actions

She gasps as the cold water hits her.

Onomatopoeic verbs in narrative

The word 'gasps' sounds like the action it describes.

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Exemplos por nível

He gasps when he sees the big cake.

He takes a quick breath.

Present tense with 'he'.

She gasps because the water is very cold.

She is surprised by the cold.

Third-person singular 's'.

The cat gasps when it sees a dog.

The cat is scared.

Subject is 'the cat'.

He gasps for air after running.

He needs to breathe.

Use 'for air'.

The baby gasps at the bright light.

The baby is surprised.

Simple present tense.

She gasps when the door opens suddenly.

She is startled.

Conjunction 'when'.

He gasps in the cold wind.

The wind makes him breathe fast.

Preposition 'in'.

The boy gasps at the magic trick.

He is amazed.

Preposition 'at'.

The swimmer gasps for air as she reaches the surface.

She needs oxygen.

As-clause for timing.

He gasps in surprise when his friends yell 'Happy Birthday!'

He is very shocked.

Phrase 'in surprise'.

She gasps as she realizes she lost her keys.

She is worried.

Realization context.

The audience gasps when the actor falls on stage.

The people are shocked.

Collective noun 'audience'.

He gasps for breath after climbing the stairs.

He is tired.

Phrase 'for breath'.

The child gasps at the sight of the huge elephant.

The child is in awe.

Phrase 'at the sight of'.

She gasps when the movie gets scary.

She is frightened.

Adjective 'scary'.

He gasps because the soup is very spicy.

The heat surprised him.

Causal 'because'.

The hiker gasps as the altitude makes the air thin.

Breathing is difficult.

Context of altitude.

She gasps in horror as the vase shatters on the floor.

She is very upset.

Strong emotion 'in horror'.

He gasps for air, his lungs burning from the sprint.

Desperate for oxygen.

Participle phrase 'his lungs burning'.

The crowd gasps audibly when the underdog takes the lead.

The sound is loud.

Adverb 'audibly'.

She gasps as the cold ocean water hits her chest.

Physical shock.

Simultaneous action 'as'.

He gasps when he reads the unexpected news in the letter.

Shock from information.

Adjective 'unexpected'.

The patient gasps for breath during the medical examination.

Difficulty breathing.

Medical context.

She gasps in amazement at the beautiful sunset over the mountains.

Awe and wonder.

Phrase 'in amazement'.

The witness gasps as the prosecutor reveals the incriminating photo.

Shock in a formal setting.

Legal context.

He gasps for air, struggling to regain his composure after the shock.

Trying to calm down.

Infinitive 'to regain'.

She gasps sharply, her hand flying to her mouth in an instinctive gesture.

Quick, sharp reaction.

Adverb 'sharply'.

The entire room gasps as the celebrity makes an unannounced appearance.

Collective shock.

Subject 'entire room'.

He gasps in pain as the trainer stretches his injured leg.

Physical suffering.

Context of injury.

She gasps at the sheer audacity of his request.

Shocked by someone's boldness.

Abstract noun 'audacity'.

The climber gasps for breath, the summit finally within reach.

Exertion near the goal.

Absolute construction.

He gasps when he sees the total amount on the repair bill.

Financial shock.

Everyday shock.

The protagonist gasps as the narrative reaches its chilling climax.

Literary reaction.

Literary context.

She gasps for air, the smoke from the fire making every breath a battle.

Desperate struggle.

Metaphorical 'battle'.

He gasps in disbelief, unable to reconcile the facts with his memory.

Cognitive dissonance.

Complex emotional state.

The audience gasps in unison, a collective intake of breath that fills the hall.

Synchronized reaction.

Phrase 'in unison'.

She gasps as the realization of her error finally dawns on her.

Internal epiphany.

Metaphor 'dawns on her'.

He gasps for breath, his heart hammering against his ribs like a trapped bird.

Intense physical sensation.

Simile usage.

The victim gasps out a name before losing consciousness.

Speaking with difficulty.

Phrasal verb 'gasps out'.

She gasps at the breathtaking vista that unfolds before her.

Awe at nature.

Wordplay with 'breathtaking'.

The diplomat gasps as the true implications of the treaty become apparent.

Nuanced political shock.

High-level context.

She gasps for air, the oppressive heat of the desert sapping her strength.

Environmental struggle.

Participle 'sapping'.

He gasps in a futile attempt to articulate his overwhelming grief.

Emotional struggle.

Adjective 'futile'.

The engine gasps and sputters before finally dying in the middle of the highway.

Personification of a machine.

Metaphorical use.

She gasps as the icy water of the mountain stream shocks her system.

Physiological impact.

Scientific nuance 'shocks her system'.

He gasps at the sheer complexity of the mathematical proof.

Intellectual awe.

Abstract subject.

The crowd gasps, a sound like a sudden wind through dry leaves.

Poetic description.

Simile for the sound.

She gasps out her final instructions, her voice a mere whisper.

Dying words.

Adverbial 'mere'.

Colocações comuns

gasps for air

gasps in horror

gasps audibly

gasps sharply

gasps for breath

gasps in surprise

gasps with relief

gasps in amazement

gasps in pain

collective gasps

Frases Comuns

between gasps

— Doing something while struggling to breathe.

He spoke between gasps of air.

audible gasps

— Sounds of breathing that everyone can hear.

There were audible gasps in the room.

stifled gasps

— Trying to hide the sound of a gasp.

She heard stifled gasps from behind the curtain.

last gasps

— The final moments of something.

The company is in its last gasps.

sharp gasps

— Very quick and intense intakes of breath.

The cold air caused sharp gasps.

faint gasps

— Very quiet sounds of breathing.

I could hear faint gasps from the patient.

sudden gasps

— Unexpected intakes of breath.

Sudden gasps filled the theater.

involuntary gasps

— Breathing that you cannot control.

The shock caused involuntary gasps.

rhythmic gasps

— Breathing that happens in a pattern.

The runner's rhythmic gasps were steady.

desperate gasps

— Breathing that shows great need or fear.

His desperate gasps echoed in the hallway.

Frequentemente confundido com

gasps vs grasps

To grasp is to hold something; to gasp is to breathe.

gasps vs sighs

A sigh is a long exhale; a gasp is a quick inhale.

gasps vs pants

Panting is continuous quick breathing; gasping is usually one sharp breath.

Expressões idiomáticas

"the last gasp"

— The very end of something, or the final effort.

He scored the goal in the last gasp of the game.

informal

"gasp for air"

— To be in desperate need of oxygen or a break.

After the meeting, I was gasping for air.

metaphorical

"at the last gasp"

— At the final possible moment.

They finished the project at the last gasp.

neutral

"gasping for a drink"

— To be extremely thirsty.

I'm gasping for a drink after that hike.

informal (UK)

"gasp in awe"

— To be completely amazed by something.

They gasped in awe at the view.

neutral

"take one's breath away"

— To cause someone to gasp because of beauty or shock.

The view took her breath away.

idiomatic

"breathless with surprise"

— So surprised that one gasps or cannot breathe.

He was breathless with surprise.

literary

"catch one's breath"

— To stop gasping and breathe normally again.

Give me a minute to catch my breath.

neutral

"fight for breath"

— To struggle to breathe, often involving gasping.

The patient was fighting for breath.

neutral

"draw breath"

— To take a breath, sometimes used for a gasp.

He didn't even stop to draw breath.

neutral

Fácil de confundir

gasps vs Grasps

Similar spelling and sound.

Grasping involves the hands and holding; gasping involves the lungs and breathing.

He grasps the rope while he gasps for air.

gasps vs Gulps

Both involve taking something in quickly.

Gulping is usually swallowing (liquid or air); gasping is inhaling.

She gulps her water and then gasps in surprise.

gasps vs Gapes

Both involve opening the mouth wide.

Gaping is just having the mouth open; gasping includes the sound and action of breathing.

He gapes at the view and then gasps when he sees the height.

gasps vs Sighs

Both are breath-related reactions.

Sighing is exhaling (out); gasping is inhaling (in).

She sighs with relief but gasps when she sees the bill.

gasps vs Wheezes

Both are sounds made while breathing.

Wheezing is a continuous, often sick sound; gasping is a sudden reaction.

The sick man wheezes constantly and gasps when he tries to talk.

Padrões de frases

He gasps at the [noun].

He gasps at the dog.

She gasps when she sees [noun/phrase].

She gasps when she sees the mess.

The [subject] gasps in [emotion].

The girl gasps in horror.

[Subject] gasps for [noun].

He gasps for air.

[Subject] gasps [adverb] as [clause].

She gasps sharply as the door slams.

A collective gasp [verb] from the [group].

A collective gasp rose from the crowd.

[Subject] gasps out [speech].

He gasps out the secret.

The [metaphorical subject] gasps for [noun].

The dying fire gasps for oxygen.

Família de palavras

Substantivos

gasp

gasps

Verbos

gasp

gasps

gasped

gasping

Adjetivos

gasping

breathless

Relacionado

breath

breathing

inhale

exhale

respiration

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Como usar

frequency

Common in fiction and storytelling; moderate in daily speech.

Erros comuns

He gasp for air. → He gasps for air.
Missing the third-person singular 's'.
She gasps with boredom. → She sighs with boredom.
Gasping is for shock/effort; sighing is for boredom.
They gasps in horror. → They gasp in horror.
Added an 's' to a plural subject.
He gasps the handle. → He grasps the handle.
Confusing 'gasp' (breath) with 'grasp' (hold).
She gasps of air. → She gasps for air.
Using the wrong preposition for the verb form.

Dicas

Subject-Verb Agreement

Always remember the 's' for singular subjects like 'he', 'she', or 'it'. 'The crowd gasps' is correct because 'crowd' is a singular group.

Use with Adverbs

To make your writing better, use adverbs like 'sharply', 'audibly', or 'faintly' with 'gasps'.

The 'sps' Sound

Practice words like 'clasps' and 'grasps' to get better at the 'sps' ending of 'gasps'.

Show, Don't Tell

Instead of saying 'He was surprised,' use 'He gasps' to show the reader the reaction.

Physical vs Emotional

Decide if the gasp is because of a lack of air (physical) or a shock (emotional) to choose the right preposition.

Avoid Overuse

Don't make your characters gasp at everything, or it will lose its dramatic effect.

Dialogue Tags

You can use 'gasps' after a quote to show how the person said it: '"Look out!" he gasps.'

Audio Cues

In movies, a gasp is a huge clue that something important just happened. Listen for it!

Literature Clues

When you see 'gasps' in a book, pay attention to the next sentence; it usually explains the shock.

Expressive Speech

Use 'gasps' when telling a story to your friends to make it more exciting.

Memorize

Mnemônico

Think of the 'G' for 'Great shock' and the 'ASP' for the snake. If you see a 'Great ASP' (snake), you will GASP!

Associação visual

Imagine a person standing in front of a giant, beautiful waterfall. Their mouth is open in an 'O' shape, and they are taking a quick breath. That 'O' is the gasp.

Word Web

surprise shock breath air lungs sound fear awe

Desafio

Try to use 'gasps' in three different sentences today: one about being tired, one about being surprised, and one about a cold sensation.

Origem da palavra

The word 'gasps' comes from the Middle English 'gaspen,' which likely originated from the Old Norse 'geispa,' meaning 'to yawn.' This connection to yawning shows how the word has always been linked to an involuntary opening of the mouth for air. Over time, the meaning shifted from a slow yawn to a sudden, sharp intake of breath.

Significado original: To yawn or gape.

Germanic (Old Norse origin).

Contexto cultural

Be aware that in medical contexts, gasping is a serious symptom of distress and should be treated with urgency.

In the UK and US, gasping is often seen as a very dramatic reaction. Over-gasping can be seen as 'acting' or being 'extra.'

The 'Gasp' in the movie 'Psycho' during the shower scene. The collective gasp in 'Star Wars' when Vader reveals his identity. Victorian novels where characters frequently 'gasp' and 'faint'.

Pratique na vida real

Contextos reais

Sports and Exercise

gasps for air
at the last gasp
gasping for breath
audible gasps from the crowd

Horror and Suspense

gasps in horror
stifled gasps
gasps at the shadow
sharp intake of breath

Surprise and Joy

gasps in amazement
gasps with delight
gasps at the ring
collective gasps of wonder

Medical Situations

agonal gasps
gasps for oxygen
shallow gasps
labored gasps

Nature and Travel

gasps at the view
gasps at the cold
breathtaking gasps
gasps of awe

Iniciadores de conversa

"What is something that always makes you gasp in surprise?"

"Have you ever been so tired that you were gasping for air?"

"When was the last time a movie made the whole audience gasp?"

"Do you gasp when you jump into cold water?"

"What kind of news would make you gasp in disbelief?"

Temas para diário

Describe a time you gasped in horror. What happened next?

Write about a beautiful place that would make anyone gasp in amazement.

Imagine you are an athlete in the last gasp of a race. How do you feel?

Write a story that begins with the sentence: 'She gasps as she opens the old letter.'

How does your body react when you are shocked? Do you gasp or stay silent?

Perguntas frequentes

10 perguntas

It can be both! As a verb, it describes the action (e.g., 'He gasps'). As a noun, it describes the sound or the breath itself (e.g., 'There were many gasps').

Yes! You can gasp in amazement or delight, not just in horror or pain.

The past tense is 'gasped'. For example: 'She gasped when she heard the news yesterday.'

It is a quick sequence of 's', then 'p', then 's'. It sounds like 's-p-s'.

It is neutral. You can use it in stories, news reports, and casual conversation.

In British English, it is an informal way to say you are very thirsty or really want a specific drink.

Yes, animals can gasp if they are shocked, in pain, or struggling to breathe.

It is when a whole group of people gasps at the same time, usually in a theater or at an event.

No. 'Breaths' are normal, but 'gasps' are sudden and sharp.

It is more common to say 'He gasps *for* air' or 'He takes a gasp *of* air'.

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