exhale

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "exhale" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to the act of breathing out or releasing air from the lungs, often in contexts related to relaxation or stress relief. Example: "After a long day at work, I like to sit quietly and exhale deeply to clear my mind."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

60 human-written examples

Spirometry involves blowing into a machine that measures how much air you breathe in, and how much and how quickly you can exhale.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Action on Smoking and Health, for instance, says a third of vapers – so called because they exhale vapour, not smoke – are ex-smokers, while two-thirds use tobacco and e-cigarettes.

The Guardian

But there is evidence that regular exposure to saunas increases the output of the heart, lowers blood pressure, improves tolerance to heat and may also improve breathing by increasing (among other things) the vital capacity – the maximum amount of air a person can exhale.

The Guardian - Lifestyle

Moored barges bob against the dark exhale of factory chimneys.

The Economist

Four-day veterans exhale their modern equivalent of a war-cry, a hail of anti-aircraft bullets blasted into the night sky, and bundle Ahmed Labeidi, a pint-size boy, into the truck.

The Economist

DMFCs are sensitive to temperature; they breathe air for survival; and they exhale carbon dioxide and water vapour.

The Economist

That people exhale carbon dioxide in public places, thus contributing to global warming, is probably inevitable, and America's politicians would be wise to permit it.

The Economist

PLANTS absorb sunlight, produce energy, consume carbon dioxide and exhale oxygen.

The Economist

"Is it not both great vanity and uncleanness that at the table...men should not be ashamed to sit...puffing of the smoke of tobacco one to another making the filthy smoke and stink thereof to exhale athwart the dishes...when very often men that abhor it are at their repast," he wrote four centuries ago.

The Economist

A similar trick is also used by camels to prevent them losing moisture as they exhale.

The Economist

America's tea-partiers are the opposite: they exhale fiscal probity through every pore.

The Economist

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When instructing someone to perform a breathing exercise, use "exhale" to clearly indicate the action of breathing out. For example: "Inhale deeply, then slowly exhale to release tension."

Common error

Avoid accidentally using "exhale" when you mean to say "inhale" (breathe in) or vice versa. Double-check your instructions, especially in health or fitness contexts, to ensure clarity.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "exhale" is as a verb, denoting the action of releasing air from the lungs. It can also function as a noun, though this usage is less common. Ludwig illustrates its use in various contexts related to breathing, emitting, and metaphorical release.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

41%

Encyclopedias

11%

Science

9%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Wiki

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The word "exhale" is a versatile term primarily used as a verb to describe the act of breathing out. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and common usage across diverse contexts, including news, encyclopedias, and science. While its primary function is literal, referring to respiration, it also finds metaphorical application in expressing release or emission. When instructing, clarity is paramount to avoid confusion with "inhale". Alternative expressions include "breathe out" and "expire", each carrying slightly different nuances. Understanding these subtle distinctions enhances precision in both writing and communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

breathe out

Replaces the single word with a two-word phrasal verb, maintaining the core meaning.

expel

Emphasizes the force or effort involved in pushing something out.

expire

Suggests a complete expulsion of air, often with a connotation of finality.

emit

Broader term that can apply to vapors, odors, or other substances, not just air.

give off

Suggests a continuous or gradual emission.

release

Implies a controlled or deliberate expulsion.

vent

Suggests the forceful emission of something, often under pressure.

puff out

Indicates a short, quick burst of air.

blow out

Similar to "puff out", but may also imply extinguishing something.

discharge

Formal term for emitting something, often used in scientific contexts.

FAQs

How to use "exhale" in a sentence?

You can use "exhale" to describe the act of breathing out. For example, "Remember to "breathe out" slowly when you exhale."

What can I say instead of "exhale"?

You can use alternatives like "breathe out", "expire", or "emit" depending on the context.

Which is correct, "exhale" or "inhale"?

"Exhale" refers to breathing out, while "inhale" refers to breathing in. They are opposite actions, so the correct word depends on the intended meaning.

What's the difference between "exhale" and "expire"?

While both relate to breathing out, "exhale" is the common term for the act of breathing out air. "Expire" can also mean to breathe out, but it often carries a connotation of finality or completion. It also has meanings unrelated to breathing, such as something ceasing to be effective after a given period.