Breath is a noun. Breathe is a verb. When you breathe, you inhale and exhale breath. The simplicity of this distinction doesn’t prevent the occasional mix-up—for example:
So imagine my surprise when the view from the east side of the Eaglecrest area on a recent snowshoe walk took my breathe away. [Juneau Empire]
This breathe should of course be changed to breath.
These writers demonstrate correct usage of the words:
Under normal circumstances I wouldn’t waste any more breath on the subject. [Telegraph]
Supporters said the proposed neighborhood would breathe new life into the aging island. [San Francisco Chronicle]
Pause in this position for three to six breaths. [Los Angeles Times]
Auckland holiday makers can breathe a sigh of relief today as one of the key bottlenecks is unlocked. [Stuff.co.nz]
