Breath vs Breathe

Quick Tip: Remember: Breath is a noun (take a breath). Breathe is a verb (breathe deeply).

Breath

noun

the air taken into or expelled from the lungs

Examples:
  • Take a deep breath before you dive.
  • I could see my breath in the cold air.
  • She held her breath underwater.

Breathe

verb

to take air into the lungs and then expel it

Examples:
  • It's hard to breathe in this smoke.
  • Please breathe slowly and deeply.
  • The patient can breathe normally now.