Figurative Language
Figurative language or speech
contains images.

The writer or speaker describes
something through the use of
unusual comparisons for effect,
interest, and to make things
clearer. The result is the
creation of interesting images.
Simile



A simile is a figure of speech that
compares unlike things as a
description.
Similes do not state that something
is another thing.
Instead, they compare using the
word "like" or "as."
Examples of Similes
The dog was as big as a horse.
 Her coat looked like a trampled,
wet paper bag.
 He was as tired as if he'd been
digging ditches all day.

Metaphor



A metaphor is a figure of speech that
compares unlike things by saying that
one thing is the other.
Often metaphors are simple
comparisons.
But, they can be extended, so different
aspects of the things compared are
treated separately.
Examples of Metaphors
He was a fierce bull ready to
attack.
 She is a flower among
women.

Personification


Personification is a figure of speech
in which human qualities are
attributed to an animal, object, or
idea.
Think: personification = give
“people qualities” to non-persons
Examples of Personification
The video camera watched the
whole scene.
 During the blizzard, the car
engine coughed and sputtered,
but would not start.

Hyperbole
A hyperbole is an exaggeration
or overstatement for effect.
 Think: hyper = over

Examples of a Hyperbole

The man was as wide as a
mountain and twice as tall.
(Note that this sentence is also a simile.)



I almost died laughing listening to
that comedian.
This book weighs a ton.
I am absolutely starving!
Alliteration

Alliteration is repeating the beginning
sound of words in a sentence. Usually
at least three words must begin with
the same sound (Examples: tongue
twisters).
Examples of Alliteration




Lisa loves lemon lollipops.
She sells seashells by the seashore.
The bee buzzed by Bobby.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled
peppers.
Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is the use of a word to
represent a sound
Examples of Onomatopoeia



“BOOM!” went the firecracker.
The big machine bonked, and klonked,
and berked, and jerked.
“Waaaah,” cried Sally’s new baby sister.