Anticipation awaits: correcting "with baited breath"

Reviewed and edited by

Lloyd Cooper 03/11/2024, 22:50

English.me team member

What kind of error is it?

With baited breath or with bated breath. What's correct?

Spelling error

Why do people make this mistake?

This error occurs due to confusion between the word "baited" and the correct word "bated." Since "bated" is archaic and rarely used outside this phrase, people often mistakenly use "baited", which is more familiar.

What is correct?

The correct phrase is "with bated breath." The word "bated" means "reduced, lessened, or held back," reflecting the act of holding one's breath in anticipation.

Examples of correct usage

She waited with bated breath for the announcement.
The audience sat in silence, with bated breath, as the results were revealed.
He listened with bated breath to the outcome of the decision.

Anticipation awaits: correcting "with baited breath"

What kind of error is it?

Why do people make this mistake?

What is correct?

Examples of correct usage

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