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Anticipation awaits: correcting "with baited breath"
Lloyd Cooper 03/11/2024, 22:50English.me team member
What kind of error is it?
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.
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