gasp

USAGE SUMMARY

The word "gasp" is correct and usable in written English.
You can use it to express surprise or disbelief. Example: His parents gasped in shock when they heard the news.

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

48 human-written examples

Lately, the notion of choice has even extended beyond bodily integrity to (gasp!) the decisions women make about their professional lives.

The Guardian - Opinion

The Arthur Miller classic is on at the Young Vic, so there's still time to gasp at an unexpected and really rather beautiful climactic bloodbath, a consequence of misguided passion in the lowliest of Brooklyn households.

The Guardian

In qualifying, her belief-defying uneven bars routine made seasoned professionals gasp – and everyone knew that if she could just repeat it in the final, she would fulfil her dream.

The Guardian - Sport

And he then reached into his pocket and pulled out a... pen! Gasp! Barack Obama holds up a pen in the East Room of the White House today.

The Guardian

In it, host Sarah Murdoch (wife of Rupert's oldest son, Lachlan) announces to the two remaining contestants that: "It's you, Kelsey!" Kelsey duly embarks on an emotional speech of gratitude and appreciation; the loser, Amanda, smiles, claps and graciously thanks the programme-makers for the opportunity and then, off screen, you can hear Murdoch give a tiny gasp.

The Guardian - TV & Radio

Unfriended comes on like the last gasp of the found-footage boomlet of the last few years, as the genre finally exhausts itself just in time for the 20th-anniversary re-release of The Blair Witch Project, which was ultimately to blame for the whole sorry phenomenon in the first place.

The Guardian - Film

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

12 human-written examples

The Brazilians, and Neymar in particular, stood up to the physical onslaught, but still needed a crucial deflection to survive a last-gasp header from the new Manchester United signing Radamel Falcao.

The Guardian - Sport

In the Scottish Premier League, a last-gasp equaliser from Ian Vigurs earned Ross County a deserved 2-2 draw in an action-packed Scottish match against Hearts at the Global Energy Stadium.

The Guardian - Sport

Otamendi then made two huge interventions, the first a last-gasp challenge which denied Bale what appeared a certain goal before the hour and the second a towering header to send Dani Parejo's corner into the net in the 66th minute.

The Guardian - Sport

Though initially playing at a Boundary Park with an even smaller capacity than Bournemouth's home, Oldham thrived for a few seasons in the Premier League – many will remember how they came within a last-gasp Mark Hughes semi-final volley of sabotaging Manchester United's first league and cup double in 1994 – mainly through Royle's adroit management and eye for a player.

The Guardian - Sport

2) Warwickshire's last-gasp victory in the 1989 NatWest Trophy Final 3) Cricket matches and the memory: are you sure what you saw? 4) County cricket: the week's final over 5) The future of cricket coaching: jargon and pop science?

The Guardian - Sport

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gasp" to vividly describe a character's reaction to surprise, shock, or exertion. It adds immediacy to the narrative.

Common error

Avoid using "gasp" to describe normal or subtle breathing. "Gasp" implies a sudden, often dramatic, intake of breath. Use "breathe" or "inhale" for regular breathing.

Linguistic Context

The word "gasp" functions primarily as a verb describing a sudden, sharp intake of breath, often due to surprise, shock, or physical exertion. It can also function as a noun, referring to the act of gasping itself. Ludwig AI confirms its usability in written English.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

80%

Science

10%

Formal & Business

5%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

2%

Wiki

1%

Reference

2%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gasp" is a versatile word, functioning as both a verb and a noun, primarily used to depict sudden and sharp intakes of breath often due to strong emotional or physical reactions. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness and usability. It's frequently found in news and media, demonstrating its broad applicability. When using "gasp", ensure it accurately portrays the intensity of the breathing and consider alternatives like "inhale sharply" or "catch one's breath" for different nuances. Avoid using it for normal or subtle breathing. The analyzed sources are authoritative, and the usage is consistent with standard English, making "gasp" a reliable choice for effective communication.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

inhale sharply

Focuses on the action of breathing in suddenly, emphasizing the quickness and force.

catch one's breath

Highlights the recovery of normal breathing after exertion or surprise.

pant

Implies short, quick breaths, often due to physical exertion or excitement.

wheeze

Suggests difficult breathing, often accompanied by a whistling sound.

choke

Indicates a severe obstruction of breathing, implying distress.

draw a breath

Emphasizes the simple action of taking in air, often in a moment of relief or contemplation.

puff

Implies a series of short, forceful breaths, often due to exertion or smoking.

heave

Suggests a deep, labored breath, often with emotional or physical strain.

be breathless

Describes a state of being out of breath, often due to excitement or exertion.

exclaim

Captures a sharp or sudden utterance, similar to a gasp in its abruptness.

FAQs

How can I use "gasp" in a sentence?

You can use "gasp" to describe a sudden intake of breath due to surprise, shock, or exertion. For example, "She gasped when she saw the surprise party" or "He gasped for air after the sprint."

What can I say instead of "gasp" to express surprise?

You can use alternatives like "inhale sharply", or "catch one's breath" to convey a similar meaning.

Is it correct to say someone "gasped out" a sentence?

Yes, "gasped out" is a valid phrase. It describes someone speaking in a breathless, strained manner, as if they are struggling to get the words out while gasping for air.

What's the difference between "gasp" and "pant"?

"Gasp" typically implies a sudden, often involuntary intake of breath due to surprise or shock, while "pant" suggests short, quick breaths due to physical exertion or distress. Therefore, "pant" is a better fit when describing heavy breathing after exercise.