gulping air

USAGE SUMMARY

"gulping air" is correct and can be used in written English.
For example, if you wanted to explain that you were so startled that you couldn't speak, you could say: "I was so shocked, I could only stand there, gulping air."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

12 human-written examples

Respiration (that is, ventilation) in fishes uses water pressure, with the fish rising to the surface and gulping air.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Defense mechanisms include the ability to inflate the body quickly by gulping air, and (rarely) spurting blood from the eyes.

Encyclopedia Britannica

He is dizzy, gulping air into his lungs, fearing that he will faint before he can open the door.

The New Yorker

Others survive in stagnant, almost or completely deoxygenated waters, either by taking in water at the surface film, or by breaking surface and gulping air, although no accessory respiratory structures are developed.

Encyclopedia Britannica

In addition, General Lyon said his inquiry had discovered that F-22 pilots were gulping air in physically demanding situations, like practice dogfights, at higher rates than the plane's oxygen system could produce.

The New York Times

The turtle had been all night in the net, gulping air when it could, and was too tired now to fight when they stopped; it lay still with its eyes shut while Fawad got his knife and began cutting around its legs where the net was squeezing the flesh.

The New Yorker

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

48 human-written examples

Turtles poked their necks above the surface to gulp air before retreating to the seabed.

Independent

"Hey … are you all right?" I try not to gulp air.

The New Yorker

With the roof stowed, the superchargers-in-stereo whistled and gulped air behind my baking head.

The New York Times

Conversely, the other aquarium types did not avoid juveniles to remain near water surface and to gulp air in excess for swim bladder inflation.

Aquaculture

The electric eel is a sluggish creature that prefers slow-moving fresh water, where it surfaces every few minutes to gulp air.

Britannica

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "gulping air" to vividly describe a character or animal taking large, quick breaths, often when exhausted, frightened, or in distress. It adds a sense of urgency or desperation to the scene.

Common error

Avoid using "gulping air" when you mean to describe a sigh. Sighing implies a slow, audible exhalation, often expressing relief, exhaustion, or disappointment, whereas "gulping air" describes a rapid intake.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "gulping air" functions as a descriptive verb phrase, typically modifying a noun or pronoun to illustrate a specific breathing action. Ludwig AI validates its grammatical correctness. Examples show its use in describing both humans and animals.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

40%

Encyclopedias

20%

Wiki

15%

Less common in

Science

15%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "gulping air" is a grammatically correct and relatively common phrase used to describe the act of taking rapid, large breaths, often due to distress or exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its acceptability. It's usage spans various contexts, from describing human actions in news articles and narratives to explaining animal behavior in encyclopedias. While the phrase is generally neutral in tone, it effectively conveys a sense of urgency or difficulty in breathing. Alternatives like "gasping for breath" or "inhaling deeply" can be used depending on the specific nuance you want to convey. This phrase helps to create a vivid and immediate image in the reader's mind.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

sucking in air

Similar to gulping, but can imply a more desperate or urgent need for air.

gasping for breath

Focuses more on the struggle to breathe, often implying distress or exertion.

inhaling deeply

Describes a forceful intake of air, often for relief or to regain composure.

drawing in air

Suggests a more deliberate and controlled intake of air.

taking a deep breath

Implies a conscious effort to breathe deeply, often to prepare for something.

panting heavily

Describes rapid, shallow breathing, often associated with physical exertion.

breathing rapidly

Describes a general increase in breathing rate, without specifying the effort involved.

wheezing

Indicates difficulty in breathing, often accompanied by a whistling sound.

hyperventilating

Describes rapid and excessive breathing, often due to anxiety or panic.

swallowing air

Highlights the unintentional ingestion of air, often leading to discomfort.

FAQs

How can I use "gulping air" in a sentence?

You can use "gulping air" to describe someone or something taking quick, large breaths, often due to exertion or distress. For example, "After running the marathon, she was "gulping air"."

What's the difference between "gulping air" and "gasping for breath"?

"Gulping air" describes the act of taking large gulps of air, while "gasping for breath" /s/gasping+for+breath implies a more desperate struggle to breathe, often when someone is out of breath or suffocating.

What are some situations where someone might be "gulping air"?

People might be "gulping air" after strenuous exercise, after being submerged in water and resurfacing, or when experiencing anxiety or a panic attack. Fish and other aquatic animals may also be observed "gulping air" at the surface when oxygen levels are low.

What can I say instead of "gulping air"?

Depending on the context, you could use alternatives like /s/gasping+for+breath "gasping for breath", "inhaling deeply", or "sucking in air".