What is Figurative Language?
A type of descriptive language
where the meaning of the phrase
is not to be taken literally or
word for word. The phrase has a
deeper or more abstract meaning.
An example of literal language
is “The skier skied quickly down
the hill.”
An example of figurative
language is “The skier flew
down the hill, cutting the snow
like a razor.”
Which of these sentences
involves figurative language?
• The river cut through the blanket of
snow.
• I watched the river.
• Life is a river with many twists and
bends before it finally runs free.
Types of Figurative
Language
A simile is a type of figurative language
that involves a comparison between two
objects using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
Which of the examples below involves the
use of a simile?
• The sleeping child looked like an angel from
above.
• The child slept peacefully.
• The baby’s cries pierced the air like a
siren.
• The fog crept upon the countryside as
quietly as a cat.
A metaphor is a type of figurative language
that involves a comparison between two
objects that is suggested, not specifically
stated.
Which of the examples below involves the use
of a metaphor?
• Life can be full of obstacles we have to
overcome.
• Life is a river with many twists and bends
before it runs free.
Be careful not to confuse similes and metaphors.
A simile is a type of figurative language that
involves a comparison between two objects using
the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.
A metaphor is a type of figurative language that
involves a comparison between two objects that is
suggested, not specifically stated.
‘Susan’s personality is like a ray of sunshine’
is an example of a ________. Simile
‘Susan is a real ray of sunshine in my life’ is
Metaphor
an example of a ________.
A personification is a type of figurative language
where an inanimate object is given living qualities
or an animal is given human-like qualities.
Which of the examples below involves the use of
a personification?
• In Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Charlotte
greets Wilbur with the word, “Salutations”.
• During the flood, the river gobbled up the
houses along its bank.
• The child cried crocodile tears.
Go to a Power Point
Presentation
on Similes and Metaphors