Hold breath vs Hold the breath

Both 'hold breath' and 'hold the breath' are correct, but they are used in different contexts. 'Hold breath' is used when referring to the action of not breathing for a period of time, while 'hold the breath' is used when referring to a specific breath that is being held.

Last updated: March 26, 2024 • 481 views

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to the action of not breathing for a period of time.

"Hold breath"

This phrase is used when someone is intentionally not breathing for a period of time, such as when diving underwater or trying to stay quiet.

Examples:

She had to hold her breath for a long time during the swimming competition.
I can't hold my breath for more than a minute.
He had to hold his breath to avoid making any noise.
The diver had to hold his breath before diving into the water.
I always have to hold my breath when I walk past that smelly area.

Show examples from the web [+]

Sweep the city for any of his followers that yet hold breath.
I overwhelm as I approach you Make your lungs hold breath inside!
I've learned from having children that when your kid throws a tantrum and holds his breath, you hold your breath too.
Life does not hold its breath for one man's grief.
Don't hold your breath on finding that second box.
Hold his breath underwater for 15 minutes.
I have to hold my breath to do it.
Let's not hold our breath.
Let's not hold our breath.
Don't hold your breath, hotshot.
Don't hold your breath, hotshot.
Watch your dissection and don't hold your breath.
You hold your breath when you stitch.
But I could hold my breath.
Wouldn't hold your breath, though.
I'll hold my breath on that.
Remember to breathe now, don't hold your breath.
Starling City holds its breath as the hostage crisis unfolds.
Starling City holds its breath as the hostage crisis unfolds.
- Just don't hold your breath.

Alternatives:

stop breathing
refrain from breathing
suspend respiration

This phrase is correct and commonly used in English when referring to a specific breath that is being held.

"Hold the breath"

This phrase is used when referring to a particular breath that someone is holding, often in the context of relaxation techniques or meditation.

Examples:

In yoga, you are taught to hold the breath for a few seconds before releasing it slowly.
She closed her eyes and held the breath to calm her nerves.
The therapist instructed him to hold the breath and then exhale slowly.
As part of the meditation practice, they would hold the breath to focus their minds.
To reduce anxiety, try holding the breath for a moment and then breathing out gently.

Show examples from the web [+]

Hold the breath bag upright and stick the bar-code label marked "00-minute-value" on the breath bag.
But only you can a-hold the breath a long time to swim down and release a-the valve and-a if you get a the benz-a, then you a fail and we all a-die!
Hold hard the breath, and bend up every spirit to his full height.
So I urge the Council, the Commission and our own representatives, in Shakespeare's words: 'Stiffen your sinews..., Hold hard the breath and bend up every spirit to his full height' in defence of our common interest.
Starling City holds its breath as the hostage crisis unfolds.
Starling City holds its breath as the hostage crisis unfolds.
Just hold your breath until the process is over or your lungs will collapse.
I wouldn't hold my breath about the prospect of keeping your job.
What? Hold your breath in the breakout.
I can't hold my breath the whole way through town.
You hold your breath under the water
To actually try to hold my breath past the point that doctors would consider you brain dead.
I wouldn't hold your breath on the shutting up.
I wouldn't hold your breath on the shutting up.
So who can hold-a their breath the longest?
People still alive but been deprived of breath, children being told to hold their breath while the travelling show passes by.
'The nation holds its breath. Stuart Pearce. 'Yes!
If you hold your breath through the wedding, you'll make it.
I think he thought the longer you could hold your breath, the more of a man you were.
'As the 4pm deadline draws nearer, the world holds its breath...' Would they use a female pig?

Alternatives:

hold one's breath
retain the breath
keep the breath

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Hold breath vs Hold the breath

"Hold breath"

"Hold the breath"

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