Despite being very distinct in terms of sound and use, some people often mix up the terms breath, breathe and breadth due to their similarity in spelling.
Let us dissect their differences:
Breath is a noun referring to “the air taken into or expelled from the lungs” or “the act of breathing”.
“Is Evan McMullin That Breath Of Fresh Air Voters Have Been Seeking (Threats Of Violence From The GOP Nominee Withstanding)?”
Huffington Post“Rio holds its breath, then winds roar across Olympic courses”
Washington Times“Jackson Hole: World markets hold their breath ahead of Janet Yellen comments at economic summit”
ABC Online
On the other hand, breathe is used as a verb meaning “to take air into the lungs and then expel it, especially as a regular physiological process”.
“Medical breakthrough means people will be able to breathe underwater WITHOUT oxygen”
Daily Star“Sitting in a traffic jam really IS bad for you: Motorists breathe in 40% more deadly pollutants when sat at red lights”
Daily Mail“Red Sox breathe sigh of relief after news of Andrew Benintendi’s injury status”
CBS Sports
Meanwhile, breadth is a noun denoting “the distance or measurement from side to side of something; width” or “wide range or extent”.
“Locarno First Look Section Reflects Breadth of Polish Filmmaking”
Variety“S&P 500: Market Breadth Suggests First Down And Then Up”
Investing.com“Radius Gallery’s juried exhibition underscores breadth of art in Montana, beyond”
Missoulian
As you can see from the above examples, breadth can be used not only to measure physical and geographical features but it is also often used to refer to figurative things such as art and filmmaking.
With these things in mind, you can now distinguish when and how to properly use breath, breathe and breadth. You can now breathe a breath of relief knowing you have three terms less to worry about in the breadth of complexities in the English grammar.
