exhalation of relief

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhalation of relief" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the act of breathing out as a response to feeling relieved or relaxed after a stressful situation. Example: "After hearing the good news, she let out an exhalation of relief, feeling the weight lift off her shoulders."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

2 human-written examples

Before the cheering and clapping and ululating that greeted the court's decision, there had been an audible, collective exhalation of relief from the hundreds of people watching.

The Guardian

In that moment, a palpable exhalation of relief swept through the government.

Vice

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

58 human-written examples

That occasion should have called for a small celebration, or at the very least an exhalation of great relief for reaching a milestone right on schedule, were it not for what happened to the Shein family on Thanksgiving weekend in 2008.

The New York Times

For Wisconsinites, this silence may be an exhalation, the breath of relief that for us, the race is basically over.

The New York Times

The little puff of relief that Victoria gives after addressing the Privy Council on the morning of her accession is, despite her duties, the exhalation of a free spirit, and one prays that films more liberating than this, and more likely to feed Blunt's appetites, will come her way.

The New Yorker

Big sigh of relief".

The New York Times - Sports

A tone of relief.

The New Yorker

Shopkeepers breathed sighs of relief.

The New York Times

A sigh of relief.

Forbes

Sigh of relief.

Science Magazine

Sighs of relief all around.

TechCrunch

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "exhalation of relief" to add a touch of formality or literary flair when describing someone's reaction to good news or the end of a stressful situation. It's particularly effective in narrative writing to convey a character's internal state.

Common error

Avoid using "exhalation of relief" in casual conversation or informal writing. Simpler alternatives like "sigh of relief" are often more appropriate and natural in those settings.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "exhalation of relief" functions primarily as a noun phrase. It describes the act of breathing out in a way that expresses relief, often after a period of stress or anxiety. The noun "exhalation" is modified by the prepositional phrase "of relief", specifying the type of exhalation. Ludwig shows that this phrase is used to depict the emotional state through a physical action.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Less common in

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "exhalation of relief" describes the act of breathing out as an expression of feeling relieved, often after a stressful situation has passed. Ludwig's analysis reveals that this phrase, while grammatically correct, is less common than alternatives like "sigh of relief". It tends to appear in neutral contexts such as news and media. The phrase can add a touch of formality and is most effective in narrative writing to illustrate a character's emotional state. While "exhalation of relief" is perfectly usable, it is important to consider the register of your writing and choose the most appropriate phrase for the context.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Sigh of relief

Uses a more common and direct expression, focusing on the audible sign of relief.

Breath of relief

Similar to "sigh of relief", but emphasizes the act of breathing as the source of relief.

Sense of relief

Focuses on the feeling rather than the physical action of exhaling.

Feeling of ease

Highlights the resulting state of comfort and reduced tension.

Wave of relief

Implies a sudden and overwhelming feeling of relief.

Exhaling worry

Emphasizes the act of releasing anxiety through breath.

Letting out a sigh of contentment

More verbose, focusing on satisfaction accompanying the relief.

A weight off one's shoulders

Idiomatic expression indicating the removal of a burden.

The tension dissipated

Focuses on the disappearance of tension as a result of relief.

Release of anxiety

Highlights the letting go of anxious feelings.

FAQs

How can I use "exhalation of relief" in a sentence?

You can use "exhalation of relief" to describe the act of breathing out in a relieved way after a stressful situation. For example: "After the trial ended, the defendant gave an "exhalation of relief".

What is a good alternative to "exhalation of relief"?

A good alternative is "sigh of relief", which is a more common and easily understood expression for the same sentiment.

When is it appropriate to use "exhalation of relief"?

The phrase "exhalation of relief" is best used in formal writing or when you want to create a vivid image. In casual conversation, "sigh of relief" is more appropriate.

Is "exhalation of relief" more formal than "sigh of relief"?

Yes, "exhalation of relief" is generally considered more formal and literary than "sigh of relief". It's a less common phrase, adding a touch of elegance or drama to your writing.