draws a sharp breath

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "draws a sharp breath" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a moment of surprise, shock, or anxiety when someone inhales quickly and sharply. Example: "As the news sank in, she drew a sharp breath, her eyes widening in disbelief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Olivia, naked in the bedroom doorway, draws a sharp breath when she sees why Scott is frozen.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

I drew a sharp breath.

The New Yorker

Quite a few people in the crowd drew a sharp breath at that.

The New York Times

I draw a sharp breath and she started laughing, moving her hand more quickly now, her hair falling against my face as she moved faster still.

Huffington Post

When the driver turned to ask where we were going, I drew a sharp breath and stared at his proud, finely sculpted nose, his skin the color of bronze silk and his dark, hooded eyes.

Huffington Post

I drew in a sharp breath.

Vice

There was a wolf staring at her. Stella drew in a sharp breath.

Vice

Sparse and chilling, the plasticine-like structures in Mondegreen, a short video, causes a viewer to draw in a sharp breath at the sight of towering and sometimes moving installations.

Vice

Marcel draws a sharp distinction between opinion and belief.

SEP

The inclusion of Europa League champions, Atlético Madrid, on that list must have drawn a sharp intake of breath from club owners all over Europe, particularly those owners in Manchester, Paris and on luxury yachts in Monte Carlo.

The New York Times

BBC Head of Drama John Yorke explained that the idea when presented "drew a sharp intake of breath.

Wikipedia

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's anxiety or anticipation, precede "draws a sharp breath" with details about their posture or surroundings to amplify the tension of the moment.

Common error

Avoid using "draws a sharp breath" solely to describe physical exertion, as it typically conveys surprise, shock, or emotional distress. For exertion, consider phrases like "gasping for air" or "breathing heavily."

Linguistic Context

The phrase "draws a sharp breath" functions primarily as a descriptive element within narratives. Ludwig AI confirms this through its example sentences, where the phrase illustrates a character's immediate, often involuntary, reaction to a startling event or piece of information.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

70%

Wiki

15%

Science

5%

Less common in

Formal & Business

3%

Encyclopedias

3%

Academia

1%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "draws a sharp breath" is a common and grammatically sound phrase used to depict a sudden intake of air, typically triggered by surprise, shock, or anxiety. Ludwig AI’s analysis confirms its primary function as a descriptive element used to convey a character's internal state, with a neutral to informal register suitable for news, media, and creative writing. When using this phrase, it's important to consider the context, ensuring it aligns with the intended meaning of sudden surprise or shock rather than simple physical exertion. Alternatives like "inhales sharply" or "gasps" can be considered for varying degrees of emphasis or formality.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

takes a quick breath

Highlights the speed of the breath; slightly more generic.

inhales sharply

A more clinical and literal description of taking a sharp breath; less evocative than the original.

breathes in sharply

A more direct and less descriptive alternative, focusing on the inhalation.

gasps

Emphasizes a sudden, forceful intake of breath, often due to surprise or shock; more abrupt than the original phrase.

inhales with a start

Highlights the suddenness of the breath, triggered by surprise or alarm.

catches breath

Suggests a struggle or effort to breathe, potentially after exertion or a shock.

draws a ragged breath

Specifies that the breath is uneven or labored, implying distress or pain.

sucks in air

Focuses on the action of drawing air into the lungs; less refined.

takes a shuddering breath

Indicates a breath taken with a shiver, suggesting fear or cold.

gulps air

Implies a desperate need for air, often when panicked or distressed; stronger than the original.

FAQs

How can I use "draws a sharp breath" in a sentence?

You can use "draws a sharp breath" to describe a character's reaction to a sudden shock or surprise. For example, "Upon hearing the news, she "draws a sharp breath", her eyes widening in disbelief".

What's the difference between "draws a sharp breath" and "gasps"?

"Draws a sharp breath" suggests a more controlled, though still surprised, intake of air. "Gasps" implies a more desperate or uncontrolled intake, often due to shock or exertion.

Are there any formal alternatives to "draws a sharp breath"?

In more formal contexts, you could use "inhales sharply" as a more clinical and less emotionally charged alternative to "draws a sharp breath".

Can "draws a sharp breath" be used to describe physical exertion?

While it can be used, it's more commonly associated with surprise, shock, or emotional distress. For physical exertion, phrases like "breathes heavily" or "gasps for air" are more appropriate.