started to breathe

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "started to breathe" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe the moment when someone or something begins the act of breathing, often in a narrative or descriptive context. Example: "After a long period of stillness, the baby finally started to breathe, filling the room with a sense of relief."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Huffington Post

The New York Times

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

27 human-written examples

I started to breathe.

The New York Times

The concert started to breathe.

The New York Times

He started to breathe a bit heavily.

The Guardian

"I started to breathe well again," he said.

The New Yorker

After the first week, I started to breathe out.

The Guardian

And I started to breathe through that open window.

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

33 human-written examples

The city is starting to breathe again.

The Economist

He was likely starting to breathe easier".

The New York Times - Books

Suddenly the renters are starting to breathe again".

The New York Times

I sit up in bed and start to breathe heavily.

The New York Times - Books

"The city of New Orleans will start to breathe again.

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "started to breathe" to describe the literal beginning of respiration after a period of absence, such as after a choking incident or resuscitation. For example: "After the Heimlich maneuver, the victim finally "started to breathe" again."

Common error

Avoid using "started to breathe" when the context is metaphorical and refers to something other than respiration. For instance, instead of "The project "started to breathe" life into the community", consider alternatives like "revitalized" or "energized".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "started to breathe" primarily functions as a verb phrase indicating the commencement of the act of breathing. It is used to describe the beginning of respiration, as illustrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

42%

Huffington Post

19%

Science

16%

Less common in

The New York Times

13%

Wikipedia

3%

The Washington Post

4%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "started to breathe" is a versatile verb phrase primarily used to describe the literal beginning of respiration. As Ludwig AI confirms, it's grammatically correct and commonly used. While generally neutral in register, its specific application can range from medical contexts to metaphorical expressions of revival. When using the phrase, consider whether a literal or figurative meaning is intended, and choose more precise language if the context is metaphorical. Common sources include news outlets and personal narratives, reflecting its broad applicability.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

began to breathe

Simple synonym indicating the commencement of breathing.

commenced breathing

More formal synonym indicating the start of breathing.

started to respire

Similar to "began respiring", using the verb "start" instead of "begin".

resumed breathing

Implies breathing had stopped and is now restarting.

began to draw breath

A more descriptive and slightly archaic way of saying began to breathe.

began respiring

Technical term for beginning the process of respiration.

started inhaling

Focuses on the intake of breath, the initial part of breathing.

began to exhale

Focuses on the act of breathing out after an inhalation.

found their breath

Implies regaining breath after exertion or shock.

recovered their breath

Implies a return to normal breathing after a period of breathlessness.

FAQs

What does it mean when something "starts to breathe"?

When something "starts to breathe", it literally means it begins the act of respiration. Figuratively, it can mean something is regaining life, energy, or activity.

What can I say instead of "started to breathe" in a literal sense?

In a literal context, you could use phrases like "began to breathe", "commenced breathing", or "resumed breathing".

How can I use "started to breathe" in a sentence?

You can use "started to breathe" to describe a moment when someone or something begins to respire. Example: "The patient finally "started to breathe" after the paramedics administered oxygen."

Is it appropriate to use "started to breathe" in formal writing?

Yes, "started to breathe" is appropriate in formal writing, especially when describing a medical or life-saving situation. However, in metaphorical contexts, consider if a more precise verb might be suitable, such as "began to revive" or "started to recover".