Roots breathe air, like lungs breathe oxygen.

Meaning: Roots are like lungs for plants because they take in air and release carbon dioxide.

Choice of Words: Roots are the underground part of plants that help absorb water and nutrients from the soil. Breathe means to take in air and let out carbon dioxide. Air is the mixture of gases that surrounds the Earth. Lungs are the organs in the chest that help people and animals breathe. Oxygen is a gas that is necessary for life.

Alternative Expressions

Roots drink air, like we drink water.

Meaning: This sentence is not a good comparison because roots don't actually drink air. They absorb air through their roots.

Choice of Words: Drink means to take in a liquid. Air is a gas, not a liquid. Water is a liquid. When you put them together, "Roots drink air, like we drink water" is not a good comparison because roots don't actually drink air. They absorb air through their roots.

Roots eat air, like we eat food.

Meaning: This sentence is not a good comparison because roots don't actually eat air. They absorb air through their roots.

Choice of Words: Eat means to take in food. Air is not food. Food is something that we eat to give our bodies energy. When you put them together, "Roots eat air, like we eat food" is not a good comparison because roots don't actually eat air. They absorb air through their roots.

Related Expressions