Figurative Language

What is figurative language? Figurative language is a tool that an author uses to help the reader see what is happening in a story or poem. We use figurative language all the time when we speak to our friends, tell stories or even engage in conversation with strangers. Whenever you describe something by comparing it to something else, you are using figurative language.

Types of Figurative Language Similes Metaphors Hyperbole Personification Alliteration Onomatopoeia Idioms Allusion

Similes Similes uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object with another to suggest they are alike or similar. Examples: He was busy as a bee. Charlie slept like a rock last night.

Metaphors A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things that are completely unrelated and may use the word, “is.” Example: It is raining cats and dogs. You are what you eat. The cat’s tongue is sandpaper.

Hyperbole (Sarcasm) Hyperbole is a figure of speech in which exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. Class is taking forever to end. These books weigh a ton. I would give anything for some soup right now!

Personification Before nightfall, the hungry cave devoured Max. Writers do different things to make their stories interesting. Sometimes, a writer makes an object act like a person. This is called personification. Before nightfall, the hungry cave devoured Max. The warm fireplace was calling my name.

Alliteration The repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Alliteration includes tongue twisters. She sells seashells by the seashore. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

Onomatopoeia The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object or an action Snap, crackle, pop! Moo Splash Quack

Imagery is what an author uses to paint a picture for the reader to imagine. The words the author uses create images that help the reader get a better idea of what the author is trying to say. Read the following sentence, and think about the pictures it creates in your mind. The steaming train rattled and hummed past the house, causing the windows to tremble and the doors to slam shut. Sounds better than: The train was big and loud. Imagery

Idioms An idiom is an example of a type of figurative language that authors use to make their writing more exciting. The intended meaning of an idiom is not the same as the literal meaning of the words. You have to memorize the meanings of idioms or figure out their meanings by using context clues. He was feeling under the weather today at school. Someone got up on the wrong side of the bed this morning.

Literal Language Literal language uses words exactly according to their proper meanings and definitions. It is different from figurative language, which is filled with comparisons and unrealistic statements. Examples of literal language Your eyes are blue. Mercury is the closest planet to the sun. The speed limit here is 70 mph.

Allusion An indirect or passing reference to another person or work in literature. It does not describe in detail the person or thing to which it refers. It is just a passing comment and the writer expects the reader to possess enough knowledge to spot the allusion and grasp its importance in a text.