shallow breathing

USAGE SUMMARY

"shallow breathing" is a correct and commonly used phrase in written English.
It describes a type of breathing that is not deep or full, typically due to physical or emotional discomfort. Example: The doctor observed that the patient's shallow breathing was a sign of anxiety.

✓ Grammatically correct

Wiki

Science

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Shallow breathing means that person is lightly sleeping but you should still be careful!

WikiHow

Patients were instructed to sustain their breath-hold if possible or to continue shallow breathing.

European Heart Journal Cardiovascular Imaging

However, patient six had extremely shallow breathing so that the rest study appears to be acquired with a complete breath hold (i.e. it contains no visible motion), and the stress study only exhibits shallow breathing.

GigaScience

Listening to its shallow breathing".

The Guardian - Books

Matthieu sat on the ground and held her legs, feeling her shallow breathing.

The New Yorker

rapid shallow breathing index.

Annals of Intensive Care

Attenuation correction MR data was acquired during shallow breathing.

EJNMMI Physics

Also, the rapid shallow breathing index (RSBI) was calculated.

Critical Ultrasound Journal

Whole-body CT scan was performed under shallow breathing status.

EJNMMI Research

Shallow breathing may be beneficial in perfusion imaging of the pancreas.

Insights into Imaging

Shallow breathing during perfusion CT scanning reduces the overall demand for motion correction.

Insights into Imaging

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When describing a character's emotional state, use "shallow breathing" to subtly indicate anxiety or distress. For example: 'Her "shallow breathing" betrayed the fear she tried to conceal.'

Common error

Avoid using "shallow breathing" interchangeably with hyperventilation. "Shallow breathing" refers to the depth of each breath, while hyperventilation refers to the rate of breathing. One can breathe shallowly without hyperventilating, and vice versa.

Linguistic Context

Adjectival description: "Shallow breathing" functions as an adjectival phrase, modifying a noun (usually related to respiration) to describe the quality or depth of breathing. As Ludwig AI confirms, this phrase is correct and commonly used.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

Science

43%

News & Media

25%

Wiki

16%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "shallow breathing" is a commonly used and grammatically sound phrase that describes breathing characterized by minimal depth. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely accepted in both medical and general contexts. Its primary function is descriptive, often used to indicate physical or emotional distress. While versatile, it's important to distinguish it from related terms like hyperventilation. This phrase appears frequently in scientific literature, news reports, and general health resources, making it essential to understand its proper usage. When writing, use "shallow breathing" to effectively convey anxiety, pain, or respiratory difficulties.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

rapid shallow breathing

Adds the element of speed, indicating both the depth and rate of breathing are affected.

superficial breathing

Indicates a surface-level breath that doesn't fully utilize lung capacity.

shortness of breath

Focuses on the subjective experience of difficulty in breathing adequately.

labored breathing

Suggests the effort required to breathe is increased.

dyspnea

A medical term for labored breathing or difficulty breathing.

compromised respiration

Indicates that the breathing process is impaired or less effective than normal.

reduced tidal volume

Highlights the decrease in the amount of air moved into or out of the lungs with each breath.

thoracic breathing

Emphasizes the reliance on chest muscles rather than the diaphragm for breathing.

inefficient respiration

Focuses on the ineffectiveness of the breathing process to oxygenate the body.

restricted breathing

Highlights the limited capacity to inhale deeply.

FAQs

What does "shallow breathing" indicate?

Shallow breathing can indicate a variety of conditions, from anxiety and stress to underlying respiratory issues. It refers to breathing with minimal chest expansion, leading to reduced oxygen intake. If concerned, consult a healthcare professional.

What are some synonyms for "shallow breathing"?

Synonyms for "shallow breathing" include "superficial breathing", "restricted breathing", or "thoracic breathing", each emphasizing a different aspect of the breathing pattern.

How can I improve "shallow breathing"?

Practicing deep breathing exercises, such as diaphragmatic breathing, can help improve "shallow breathing". Consciously expanding the abdomen while inhaling can promote fuller breaths and increase oxygen intake.

Is "shallow breathing" always a sign of a medical problem?

While "shallow breathing" can be a symptom of a medical issue like asthma or pneumonia, it can also result from temporary conditions such as anxiety or poor posture. If it persists or is accompanied by other symptoms, medical evaluation is recommended.