Figurative Language What is figurative language and where do we use it? Why do we use it?

Figurative language is used in writing to make it more interesting and fun.  Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.  We use it in writing  Stories  poems

Alliteration  Alliteration occurs when a series of words in a row (or close to a row) have the same first consonant sound.  For example:  “She sells sea-shells down by the sea-shore”  “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”

Simile  A simile compares two things using “like” or “as”.  Example:  Busy as a bee  Shining like a star  Hot as an oven

Metaphors  The metaphor states a comparison like it is a fact.  No use of “like” or “as”  Example:  I was a race horse running at full speed.  I am a star shining brightly.  I was a snail crawling through my day.  My mind is a steel trap.

Personification  Human characteristics are given to an animal or an object.  Example:  My teddy bear gave me a hug and we sang a little song  The bird and cat had a discussion.

Hyperbole  An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true. Tall tales use hyperboles.  Example: I was freezing to death  I have a ton of homework.  I always……  I’ve done this a million times  I’m a thousand times better.

Onomatopoeia  The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object or an action.  “Bang” The fire works exploded/  “Chirp” went the bird.  Crack went the sticks under foot.  Rustle, russet went the leaves.

Oxymoron  A figure of speech that combines two opposite terms.  Icy hot  A fine mess  Awfully pretty  Alone in a crowd

Idioms  An expression that has a meaning different from the meaning of its individual words.  Example:  I spilled the beans  I hit the breaks  Keep it under your hat.  Its chilly in here.

Figurative Language  8 types of figurative language  What is this an example of?  Wonderful Wendy went winding to the wiggling willow willingly.

Your turn  Write an alliteration using the first letter of your name.  Have it be at least 5 words long.  Use the dictionary to help with more describing words.  Spelling counts!