a heavy exhalation

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a heavy exhalation" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a deep or forceful breath out, often indicating relief, exhaustion, or a significant emotional release. Example: "After the long run, he let out a heavy exhalation, feeling the tension leave his body."

✓ Grammatically correct

Princeton University

The New York Times

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Independent

The New Yorker

WikiHow

BMC Pulmonary Medicine

HuffPost

Vice

Britannica

Cough

The Guardian

Los Angeles Times

BMJ Open

Annals of Intensive Care

Clinical interventions in aging

Epigenetics and Chromatin

Plosone

Huffington Post

The New York Times - Arts

The New York Times - Books

The New York Times - Sports

The New York Times - Travel

Stanford University

The New York Times - Real Estate

The New Yorker - Books

The New Yorker - Culture

The New Yorker - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

Each heavy exhalation came out as white cloud before disappearing into the air.

Princeton University

"There is a great exhalation of breath going on around the world," she said.

The New York Times

We'd talk more or less exclusively in heavy exhalations and fall asleep at weird hours.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

A heavy sigh.

Independent

A heavy feeling".

The New Yorker

A heavy wet snow.

The New Yorker

A Heavy Lifter to lift heavy things.

WikiHow

Obtain a heavy chair.

WikiHow

Find a heavy book.

WikiHow

A heavy duty apron.

WikiHow

B: A heavy.

WikiHow

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Combine "a heavy exhalation" with descriptive details about the character's posture or facial expression to enhance the emotional impact.

Common error

Avoid using "a heavy exhalation" too frequently, as it can become repetitive and lose its impact. Opt for varied descriptions of breathing to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

A heavy exhalation functions primarily as a noun phrase, often serving as the subject or object of a sentence. It describes a specific type of breathing action, emphasizing the force or weight behind the breath. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

30%

Wiki

25%

Science

15%

Less common in

Formal & Business

10%

Encyclopedias

10%

Academia

10%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a heavy exhalation" is a grammatically sound and relatively common phrase used to describe a forceful or significant breath, often expressing relief, exhaustion, or emotional release. As confirmed by Ludwig AI, it's suitable for various writing contexts, though mindful use is recommended to avoid repetition. Alternatives like ""a deep sigh"" or ""a forceful exhale"" can provide variety while maintaining the intended meaning.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a deep sigh

Focuses on the audible aspect of the breath, implying relief, exhaustion, or disappointment.

a forceful exhale

Highlights the strength and intensity of the breath being released.

a laboured breath

Emphasizes the difficulty or strain associated with breathing.

a sigh of relief

Specifically indicates that the exhalation is due to a release of stress or worry.

a gust of air

Captures the sensation of a sudden, strong release of breath.

a long exhalation

Highlights the duration of the breath being released.

a audible exhalation

Focuses on the noticeable sound of the breath being released.

a visible breath

Highlights breath that can be seen like in cold weather.

a puff of air

Emphasizes a small, quick release of breath.

a whoosh of breath

Implies a rushing, forceful release of breath.

FAQs

How can I use "a heavy exhalation" in a sentence?

You can use "a heavy exhalation" to describe a forceful breath often expressing relief or exhaustion. For example: "After finishing the marathon, she let out "a heavy exhalation", collapsing onto the grass."

What's the difference between "a heavy exhalation" and "a deep breath"?

"A heavy exhalation" focuses on the act of breathing out with force, suggesting relief or exhaustion, while "a deep breath" can refer to both inhaling and exhaling deeply, often used for calming oneself.

What can I say instead of "a heavy exhalation"?

You can use alternatives like "a deep sigh", "a forceful exhale", or a laboured breath depending on the specific context and emotion you want to convey.

Is it ever incorrect to use the phrase "a heavy exhalation"?

The phrase "a heavy exhalation" is grammatically correct and generally acceptable. However, ensure it fits the tone and context of your writing. Overusing it might reduce its impact, so consider varying your descriptions of breathing.