Hippos spend most of their time in the water.

Meaning: Hippos are semi-aquatic animals, meaning they spend a majority of their time in the water.

Choice of Words: Spend means to use time or money on something. Most means the largest amount or number of something.

Alternative Expressions

Hippos are mostly found in the water.

Meaning: This means that hippos like to stay in water more than on land. It's like saying, Hippos are animals that you can usually find in the water.

Choice of Words: Hippos are large, semi-aquatic mammals that live in Africa. Are is a verb that indicates the state of being. Mostly means for the most part or in general. Found means to come across or discover something. Water is a clear, colorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain. When you put them together, "Hippos are mostly found in the water" means that you can usually find hippos in water.

Hippos live in the water for a long time.

Meaning: This means that hippos like to stay in water more than on land. It's like saying, Hippos are animals that like to stay in the water for a long time.

Choice of Words: Hippos are large, semi-aquatic mammals that live in Africa. Live means to exist or have life. Water is a clear, colorless liquid that forms the seas, lakes, rivers, and rain. Long means lasting for a considerable time. Time refers to the continuous passage of existence. When you put them together, "Hippos live in the water for a long time" means that hippos like to stay in water for a long time.

Related Expressions