practically breathless

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "practically breathless" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a state of excitement, anticipation, or overwhelming emotion that leaves someone feeling short of breath or unable to speak. Example: "After hearing the news of her promotion, she was practically breathless with joy."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

5 human-written examples

"We can serve a party of 150 here in less than 20 minutes," he said, practically breathless.

The New York Times

The assistant to my new book-to-film agent, Brian Lipson, was practically breathless on the phone with excitement.

Huffington Post

"They were practically breathless".

The New Yorker

"When he was able to speak, it was practically breathless," Kiriakou recalled.

The New Yorker

As raucous applause gave way to an orderly single-file line, a practically breathless Rickey Sanchez seemed to speak for many of his peers.

Huffington Post

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

52 human-written examples

The tempo is breathless.

The New Yorker

He was breathless.

The New Yorker

He seemed breathless.

The New York Times

We ran in, breathless.

The New York Times - Travel

Whew, this is breathless.

The Guardian - Sport

I froze, breathless.

The New York Times - Health

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "practically breathless" to describe a state of intense excitement or physical exertion, ensuring the context clearly indicates the reason for this condition. For instance, "She was practically breathless with anticipation before the concert."

Common error

Avoid using "practically breathless" for mild shortness of breath. It implies a significant level of breathlessness, close to being completely out of breath. Use milder terms like "slightly winded" for less intense situations.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "practically breathless" functions as an adjectival phrase modifying a noun (usually a person). It describes the state of being close to breathless, often due to excitement, exertion, or emotional intensity. Ludwig AI confirms its grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

100%

Less common in

Science

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "practically breathless" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe a state of being close to breathless, typically due to intense emotion or physical exertion. Ludwig AI confirms its validity and the examples show its use in news and media contexts. While not frequently used (rated as "rare"), it effectively conveys a heightened state. When writing, ensure that the context justifies the intensity implied by the phrase. Consider alternatives like "almost out of breath" or "nearly breathless" for slight variations in tone.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

almost out of breath

Replaces "practically" with "almost", maintaining the sense of being close to breathless.

nearly breathless

Uses "nearly" instead of "practically", offering a slightly more formal alternative.

virtually breathless

Substitutes "practically" with "virtually", suggesting a condition that is so close to breathless it's as good as breathless.

close to breathless

Emphasizes proximity to the state of breathlessness.

on the verge of breathlessness

Highlights the imminence of becoming breathless.

approaching breathlessness

Focuses on the progression towards a state of breathlessness.

bordering on breathless

Suggests that the state is nearly reached.

practically gasping

Shifts from "breathless" to "gasping" to emphasize the struggle for air.

almost panting

Uses "panting" instead of "breathless", focusing on the rapid breathing.

slightly winded

Indicates a milder form of breathlessness.

FAQs

How can I use "practically breathless" in a sentence?

You can use "practically breathless" to describe someone who is almost out of breath due to excitement, exertion, or strong emotion. For example, "He was "practically breathless" after running up the stairs".

What does "practically breathless" mean?

"Practically breathless" means nearly or almost out of breath. It suggests a state that is very close to being completely breathless.

What are some alternatives to saying "practically breathless"?

Alternatives include "almost out of breath", "nearly breathless", or "virtually breathless". The best choice depends on the specific context.

Is it correct to say "practically breathless"?

Yes, it is correct to say "practically breathless". It is a common and understandable way to describe someone who is very close to being out of breath.