a startled breath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a startled breath" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a sudden intake of breath due to surprise or shock. Example: "As the unexpected news sank in, she let out a startled breath, her eyes wide with disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

No longer am I taking the shallow, startled breaths you elicited so long ago.

Huffington Post

A startled gelding, upon relaxing, lets out "a long, ruffled breath".

The New Yorker

A startled secretary looks on.

The New Yorker

Kamya gave a startled laugh.

The New Yorker

There was a startled meow.

The New Yorker

A startled heron flapped away.

The Guardian - Travel

Rezak shrieked, a startled high-pitched sound.

The New Yorker

"Mamma mia!" a startled Father Furgoni shouted.

The New York Times

I gave Gates a startled look.

Forbes

They just come, unbidden, wordlessly and shockingly, usually lasting just a second or two, sometimes prompting a reflexive laugh or startled exhalation of breath, my mind suddenly empty of culturally-ingrained concepts that for most of the time keep it tightly constricted.

The Guardian - Opinion

She looked a little startled.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "a startled breath" to vividly depict a character's immediate reaction to a surprising or shocking event, enhancing the emotional impact of the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "a startled breath" to describe prolonged states of anxiety. It's best suited for capturing a fleeting moment of surprise, not ongoing panic or fear.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a startled breath" functions as a noun phrase where "startled" modifies the noun "breath". It describes a specific type of breathing caused by a sudden shock or surprise. This is supported by Ludwig's suggestion that the phrase is usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Missing

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Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, the phrase "a startled breath" effectively captures a sudden intake or exhalation of breath due to surprise or shock. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness, although examples are currently missing. Related phrases include "a gasp of surprise" or "a shocked inhalation". It's most appropriate for descriptive writing where you want to highlight a character's immediate reaction, and avoid using it to describe long-term anxiety. While versatile across contexts, it leans towards narrative or descriptive rather than formal settings.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a gasp of surprise

Focuses on the audibility and suddenness of the breath.

a shocked inhalation

Highlights the involuntary intake of breath due to shock.

a quick intake of breath

Emphasizes the speed and action of breathing in.

a sharp intake of breath

Focuses on the abruptness of the inhalation.

a nervous exhalation

Indicates a release of breath due to anxiety.

a fearful gasp

Directly links the breath to a feeling of fear.

a surprised exhalation

Highlights the outward breath resulting from surprise.

a sudden intake of air

Describes the physical action of breathing in with emphasis on the speed.

a shallow, rapid breath

Emphasizes the shallowness and quickness of the breath.

an involuntary gasp

Stresses the lack of control over the breathing response.

FAQs

How can I effectively use "a startled breath" in a sentence?

Use "a startled breath" to describe a character's immediate, involuntary reaction to a sudden surprise or shock, such as: "As the magician revealed the disappearing act, the audience collectively let out "a startled breath"."

What are some alternatives to "a startled breath"?

You can use alternatives like "a gasp of surprise", "a shocked inhalation", or "a quick intake of breath" depending on the context.

Is "a startled breath" appropriate for formal writing?

While grammatically correct, "a startled breath" is more commonly found in descriptive or narrative writing where emotional reactions are emphasized rather than formal or technical contexts.

What distinguishes "a startled breath" from "a relieved breath"?

"A startled breath" indicates a reaction to sudden surprise or fear, whereas "a relieved breath" signifies a release of tension or anxiety. The context and the emotion being conveyed are key differentiators.