Giraffes have long tongues to reach leaves.

Meaning: Giraffes have long tongues that they use to reach leaves on trees.

Choice of Words: Giraffes are tall, long-necked African mammals with spotted coats. Have is a verb that means to possess or own something. Long is an adjective that means having a great length. Tongues are the muscular organs in the mouths of animals that are used for tasting, swallowing, and speaking. Reach is a verb that means to extend one's hand or body in order to touch or grasp something. Leaves are the flat, green parts of a plant that grow from its stem.

Alternative Expressions

Giraffes' tongues are long so they can reach leaves.

Meaning: This sentence means the same thing as the first sentence, but it emphasizes that the giraffes' tongues are long so that they can reach leaves. This is an important adaptation for giraffes, because it allows them to eat leaves that are high up in trees.

Choice of Words: Giraffes' is the possessive form of giraffes, which means that it belongs to giraffes. Tongues are the flexible, muscular organs in mouths that help us taste, swallow, and talk. Are is a verb that means to exist or to be. Long is an adjective that means having a great length. So is a conjunction that means for this reason or because of this. They is a pronoun that refers to giraffes. Can is a modal verb that expresses ability or permission. Reach means to stretch out and touch something. Leaves are the green, flat parts of plants.

The long tongues of giraffes help them reach leaves.

Meaning: This sentence means the same thing as the first two sentences, but it emphasizes that the giraffes' long tongues help them to reach leaves. This is an important adaptation for giraffes, because it allows them to eat leaves that are high up in trees.

Choice of Words: The is a definite article that refers to a specific noun. Long is an adjective that means having a great length. Tongues are the flexible, muscular organs in mouths that help us taste, swallow, and talk. Of is a preposition that means belonging to or associated with. Giraffes are a type of animal that have long necks and legs. Help is a verb that means to make something easier or possible. Them is a pronoun that refers to giraffes. Reach means to stretch out and touch something. Leaves are the green, flat parts of plants.

Related Expressions