Have you ever come across the words suspire and suspired and wondered what their meanings are? Are you unsure which one to use in a particular context? Fear not, as we are here to provide you with the answers you seek.
Suspire and suspired are both words that are commonly used in the English language, but they have different meanings and usage. Suspire is the proper word to use when referring to a deep, long, and often audible breath, while suspired is the past tense form of the word, meaning that someone has already taken a deep breath.
When someone is said to have suspired, it means that they have taken a deep breath, usually as a result of being tired, emotional, or overwhelmed. The word suspire, on the other hand, is often used to describe a sigh, which is a deep breath that is usually accompanied by a sound.
Now that we have established the meanings of these words, let us delve deeper into their usage and explore some examples of how they can be used in different contexts.
Define Suspire
Suspire is a verb that means to breathe or to sigh. It is derived from the Latin word “suspirare,” which means “to sigh deeply.” The word is often used in literature to convey a sense of longing or sadness.
For example, “She sat on the bench and let out a deep suspiration, thinking about all the things she had lost.”
Define Suspired
Suspired is the past tense form of the verb “suspire.” It means to have breathed or sighed deeply in the past. The word is often used in literature to describe a character’s emotional state.
For example, “He suspired heavily, his shoulders slumping in defeat.”
It is important to note that while “suspire” is still used in modern English, “suspired” is considered archaic and is rarely used in contemporary writing.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
When it comes to using the words suspire and suspired in a sentence, it’s important to understand their meanings and how they differ. In this section, we’ll explore the proper usage of these words in a sentence.
How To Use “Suspire” In A Sentence
The word “suspire” is a verb that means to breathe or sigh. It is often used to describe a deep, audible breath that is taken in response to a strong emotion or physical exertion. Here are a few examples of how to use “suspire” in a sentence:
- After running the marathon, she paused to suspire deeply.
- The old man would often suspire when he thought of his youth.
- She suspired heavily when she heard the news.
In each of these examples, “suspire” is used to describe a deep, audible breath that is taken in response to a strong emotion or physical exertion. It is important to note that “suspire” is not a commonly used word in modern English, and may sound archaic or formal in certain contexts.
How To Use “Suspired” In A Sentence
The word “suspired” is the past tense form of “suspire”. It is used to describe an action that has already taken place, and is often used in storytelling or narration. Here are a few examples of how to use “suspired” in a sentence:
- She suspired heavily after hearing the news.
- The old man suspired when he thought of his youth.
- Having run the marathon, she paused to suspire deeply.
As with “suspire”, it is important to note that “suspired” is not a commonly used word in modern English, and may sound archaic or formal in certain contexts. However, it can be a useful tool for writers who want to add a sense of depth or history to their prose.
More Examples Of Suspire & Suspired Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the usage of the words “suspire” and “susprired”, let’s take a look at some examples in context.
Examples Of Using Suspire In A Sentence
- She would often sit by the window and suspire, lost in thought.
- The old man would suspire heavily every time he thought about his past.
- He couldn’t help but suspire when he saw how much work he had left to do.
- As she watched the sunset, she couldn’t help but suspire at the beauty of it all.
- He let out a deep suspire as he finally finished the difficult task.
- The wind seemed to suspire through the trees, creating a haunting melody.
- She would often suspire when she thought about the future and all its uncertainties.
- He let out a long suspire as he prepared himself for the difficult conversation ahead.
- She couldn’t help but suspire when she saw the mess her children had made.
- He would often suspire when he thought about how much he missed his old home.
Examples Of Using Suspired In A Sentence
- She suspired heavily as she finally finished the marathon.
- He suspired in relief as he heard the good news.
- As the train pulled away from the station, he couldn’t help but suspire.
- She suspired in frustration as she realized she had forgotten her keys.
- He suspired deeply as he watched the sun rise over the mountains.
- She suspired in sadness as she said goodbye to her best friend.
- He suspired in exhaustion as he collapsed onto the couch.
- As he looked at the damage done to his car, he suspired in disbelief.
- She suspired in disappointment as she realized she had failed the test.
- He suspired in admiration as he watched the talented musician perform.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using words in the English language, it’s important to understand the nuances of each word to avoid common mistakes. One such pair of words that often causes confusion is suspire and suspired. Here are some common mistakes to avoid when using these two words interchangeably:
Using Suspire When You Mean Suspired
One common mistake is using suspire when you actually mean suspired. Suspire is the present tense form of the verb, while suspired is the past tense form. If you’re talking about something that happened in the past, you should use suspired instead of suspire. For example:
- Incorrect: He suspire heavily after the long hike.
- Correct: He suspired heavily after the long hike.
Using Suspired When You Mean Suspire
The opposite mistake is also common: using suspired when you actually mean suspire. Suspire is the present tense form, while suspired is the past tense form. If you’re talking about something that is happening right now, you should use suspire instead of suspired. For example:
- Incorrect: She suspired as she reads the sad news.
- Correct: She suspire as she reads the sad news.
Using The Wrong Form In The Wrong Context
Another common mistake is using the wrong form of the word in the wrong context. For example, using suspire in a sentence where suspired is needed, or vice versa. This can lead to confusion and make your writing less clear. To avoid this mistake, make sure you understand the context in which you’re using the word and choose the correct form accordingly.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it’s important to have a clear understanding of the difference between suspire and suspired. Here are some tips to help you use these words correctly:
- Always check the tense of the sentence to determine whether you should use suspire or suspired.
- Read your sentences aloud to make sure they sound correct and make sense.
- Use a dictionary or thesaurus to look up the definition and usage of these words if you’re unsure.
Context Matters
When it comes to choosing between the words “suspire” and “suspired,” context can play a crucial role in determining which one to use. Both words are related to breathing and can be used interchangeably in some contexts, but in others, one may be more appropriate than the other.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Here are some examples of different contexts and how the choice between “suspire” and “suspired” might change:
| Context | Appropriate Word Choice |
|---|---|
| Medical Writing | “Suspired” |
| In medical writing, where precision and accuracy are paramount, the past tense “suspired” is often preferred over “suspire.” This is because “suspired” is a more specific term that refers to a specific type of breathing, whereas “suspire” is a more general term that can refer to any type of breathing. | |
| Poetry | “Suspire” |
| In poetry, where the emphasis is on creating a mood or atmosphere, the present tense “suspire” may be more appropriate. This is because “suspire” has a more ethereal and romantic connotation that can help to create a specific mood or feeling. | |
| Everyday Conversation | Both “Suspire” and “Suspired” may be used interchangeably |
| In everyday conversation, both “suspire” and “suspired” can be used interchangeably, depending on the speaker’s preference. Neither one is more correct or appropriate than the other in this context. |
As you can see, the choice between “suspire” and “suspired” can depend on a variety of factors, including the context in which they are used. By understanding these nuances, you can choose the right word for the right situation and communicate your message more effectively.
Exceptions To The Rules
While the rules for using suspire and suspired are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where they may not apply. It’s important to be aware of these exceptions to ensure that you are using the correct form of the word in context.
1. Historical Usage
In some cases, historical usage may dictate the use of one form over the other. For example, in older texts or literature, suspire may be used more frequently than suspired. This is because suspire was the original form of the word and has been in use since the 15th century. In these cases, it may be more appropriate to use suspire even if it doesn’t follow the modern rules for verb tense.
2. Colloquial Speech
Colloquial speech often doesn’t follow strict grammatical rules, and this can also apply to the use of suspire and suspired. In casual conversation, it’s not uncommon to hear people use suspire instead of suspired even when referring to past events. This is because suspire is simpler and easier to use, and most people will understand the intended meaning regardless of which form is used.
3. Regional Differences
Regional differences in language can also affect the use of suspire and suspired. In some areas, one form may be more commonly used than the other. For example, in British English, suspire is more commonly used than suspired. In American English, the opposite is true. It’s important to be aware of these differences if you are communicating with people from different regions or if you are writing for an international audience.
4. Poetic License
Finally, in poetry and other forms of creative writing, suspire and suspired may be used for their sound or rhythm rather than their grammatical accuracy. Poets may choose to use suspire instead of suspired for its softer, more musical sound, even if it doesn’t follow the rules for verb tense. This is known as poetic license and is a common technique used in creative writing.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between suspire and suspired, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises that will help you improve your understanding and use of these words in sentences:
Exercise 1: Fill In The Blank
Choose the correct form of suspire or suspired to fill in the blank in each sentence.
| Sentence | Answer |
|---|---|
| After running for an hour, she __________ heavily. | suspired |
| He ___________ deeply before answering the question. | suspired |
| The trees ___________ in the wind. | suspired |
| She ___________ as she watched the sunset. | suspired |
| The exhausted runner ___________ as he crossed the finish line. | suspired |
| He ___________ loudly when he saw the price of the ticket. | suspired |
| The old man ___________ as he remembered his youth. | suspired |
| She ___________ in relief when she heard the good news. | suspired |
Exercise 2: Sentence Writing
Write a sentence using each of the following words:
- suspire
- suspired
Example:
After a long day at work, she suspired deeply in relief.
Exercise 3: Multiple Choice
Choose the correct form of suspire or suspired to complete each sentence.
- She ___________ loudly when she saw the spider.
- suspired
- suspire
- suspired
- suspire
- suspired
- suspire
- suspired
- suspire
Answer Key:
| Exercise | Answer |
|---|---|
| Exercise 1 |
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| Exercise 2 |
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| Exercise 3 |
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By completing these exercises, you will gain a better understanding of when to use suspire and suspired in your writing. Keep practicing and soon you’ll be using these words like a pro!
Conclusion
In conclusion, the difference between the words “suspire” and “suspired” is quite simple yet significant. While “suspire” is a present tense verb that means to breathe or sigh, “suspired” is a past tense verb that means to have breathed or sighed. This distinction is important to note when writing or speaking about a particular moment in time.
It is crucial to understand the nuances of grammar and language use in order to effectively communicate with others. By paying attention to the subtleties of language, we can convey our thoughts and ideas more clearly and precisely. This can lead to more effective communication and ultimately, a better understanding between individuals and communities.
Therefore, it is encouraged that readers continue their learning about grammar and language use. Whether it be through reading books, taking classes, or practicing writing, there is always room for improvement and growth in our language skills. By doing so, we can become more confident and effective communicators in all aspects of our lives.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.