Fish breathe water.

Meaning: This means that fish take in oxygen from the water and expel carbon dioxide. It's like saying, Fish get the oxygen they need from the water they live in.

Choice of Words: Fish is a common noun that refers to aquatic animals with gills and fins. Breathe is a verb that means to take in oxygen and expel carbon dioxide. Water is a noun that refers to a transparent and nearly colorless chemical substance that is the basis of the Earth's hydrosphere.

Alternative Expressions

Fishes need water to breathe.

Meaning: Fish depend on water for their survival. They use water to breathe and to keep their bodies functioning properly.

Choice of Words: Fishes are animals that live in water. Need means to require something in order to survive. Water is the clear liquid that fills lakes, oceans, and rivers. Breathe means to take in air or water to stay alive. When you put them together, "Fishes need water to breathe" means that fish can't live without water.

The fish's gills help it breathe underwater.

Meaning: Fish have gills that allow them to extract oxygen from water. This is how they are able to breathe and survive underwater.

Choice of Words: Fish are animals that live in water. Gills are special organs that fish have that allow them to breathe underwater. Help means to make something easier or possible. Breathe means to take in air or water to stay alive. Underwater means below the surface of the water. When you put them together, "The fish's gills help it breathe underwater" means that fish use their gills to get oxygen from the water.

Related Expressions