deep breath

USAGE SUMMARY

'deep breath' is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to emphasis taking a deep breath, either to calm oneself (e.g. "I needed a moment, so I took a deep breath.") or to brace oneself for something (e.g. "I took a deep breath before I opened the door.").

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

39 human-written examples

Deep breath.

The New Yorker

(Takes another deep breath).

The New Yorker

(Takes a deep breath).

The New Yorker

A deep breath.

The Guardian - Sport

Taking a Deep Breath?

The Washington Post

One big, deep breath.

The Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

21 human-written examples

Deep breaths, deep breaths.

The New York Times

Deep breaths, son; deep breaths.

The Guardian - Sport

Deep breaths indeed.

The New York Times

Deep breaths, Jed.

The New York Times - Sports

Deep breaths now.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "deep breath" to signal a character's internal state of anxiety, anticipation, or relief in narrative writing.

Common error

Avoid using "deep breath" repeatedly in close succession; instead, vary descriptions of the character's physical reactions to maintain reader engagement.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "deep breath" functions primarily as a noun phrase, often used as the object of a verb (e.g., "take a deep breath"). According to Ludwig, it is grammatically correct and usable in written English.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

46%

Wiki

14%

Science

10%

Less common in

Formal & Business

6%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "deep breath" is a common and grammatically sound expression used to indicate a pause for composure, reflection, or preparation. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely used in various contexts, particularly in news and media. Its versatility allows it to convey a range of emotions, from anxiety to relief. While it's a useful phrase, it should be used judiciously to avoid repetition and maintain reader engagement. Consider alternatives like "take a moment" or "collect oneself" for variety.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

take a moment

Focuses on the pause, less emphasis on the breathing aspect.

take a breather

More informal and colloquial.

collect oneself

Highlights regaining composure, less literal.

compose oneself

Similar to 'collect oneself', emphasizing mental state.

pause for reflection

More about thinking than calming down physically.

intentional pause

Highlights the deliberateness of the break.

gather your thoughts

Emphasizes mental organization before action.

step back for a moment

Highlights physical or mental distancing.

a moment of respite

Highlights a brief break or pause.

quiet contemplation

Focuses on thoughtful reflection in stillness.

FAQs

How can I use "deep breath" in a sentence?

You can use "deep breath" to describe someone calming down, bracing themselves for something, or reacting to a surprising event. For example, "She took a "deep breath" before the presentation."

What are some alternatives to "deep breath"?

Alternatives include "take a moment", "collect oneself", or "compose oneself", depending on the context.

Is it correct to say "take a deep breath" or "breathe deeply"?

Both are correct, but they have slightly different nuances. "Take a "deep breath"" emphasizes the action of breathing, while "breathe deeply" describes the manner of breathing.

What does it mean when someone says "take a deep breath"?

It typically means to calm down, relax, or prepare for something challenging. It's often a suggestion to manage stress or anxiety.