Collocations for breathe - verb
1. air/breath
ADV.
fast, quickly, rapidly | slowly | deeply | shallowly | hard, heavily
They were both breathing hard from the steep climb.
They were both breathing hard from the steep climb.
gently | easily, steadily
She was beginning to breathe more easily.
She was beginning to breathe more easily.
normally, properly
I can''t breathe properly - I''m gasping for air!
I can''t breathe properly - I''m gasping for air!
raggedly
He was breathing raggedly, mouth open.
He was breathing raggedly, mouth open.
in, out
She breathed slowly in and out.
She breathed slowly in and out.
VERB + BREATHE
can/can''t, could/couldn''t, could barely/hardly/scarcely | not dare
He hardly dared breathe in case they heard him.
He hardly dared breathe in case they heard him.
PREP.
through
Always breathe through your nose.
Always breathe through your nose.
2. say quietly
ADV.
huskily, softly
‘I love you, ’ she breathed softly.
‘I love you, ’ she breathed softly.