Skills Coach
Identify Figurative Language
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Figurative language is language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the
words. Writers use figurative language to develop descriptions and to explain unfamiliar or
difficult ideas. Figurative language may appear in both literary and nonfiction texts.
In literary texts, figurative language may contribute to mood, or the feeling or atmosphere
created by the writer. In nonfiction texts, figurative language may help establish the writer’s
tone, or attitude toward a subject.
Figurative Language
Analysis
Fiction: The two old friends faced each
other, arms crossed, their stares as icy as
the glasses of water that stood between
them on the table.
By comparing their stares to icy glasses of
water, the writer develops the description
of two angry friends, creating a tense,
hostile mood.
Nonfiction: As news of the plague spread,
people fled the towns. Like deer sprinting
away from the sound of gunshots, they
ran from their homes and took shelter in
barns across the countryside.
By comparing the behavior of people to
that of panicking deer, the writer
illustrates and emphasizes a complex idea,
creating a terrified and disturbed tone.
Here are a few common types of figurative language.
Type
Simile
Metaphor
Definition
Examples and Explanation
Similes compare two unlike
things using the words like or as.
Having a cat is like having a best friend.
Metaphors compare two
different things by saying that
one thing is another, without
using like or as.
The internet, for people who have never
used it, is just a confusing maze of
twists and turns leading nowhere.
The comparison emphasizes the idea
that a cat can provide companionship
and love.
The comparison emphasizes the sense
of frustration and confusion people
may feel when first using the internet.
Personification Personification is a type of
figurative language in which an
object, an animal, or an idea is
given human qualities.
A dictionary quite happily assists
anyone who needs to know a word’s
meaning.
Idiom
Sometimes it’s difficult for two people
to see eye to eye.
Idioms are common expressions
that have a meaning that is very
different from its individual
parts.
A dictionary doesn’t have human
emotions, and it doesn’t want to help
anyone. However, the use of
personification creates a friendly and
positive tone.
The expression see eye to eye has a
different meaning if you take it literally,
yet English speakers may hear it so
often that they no longer even notice it.
A few common idioms in English
include
 see eye to eye (agree)
 let the cat out of the bag (reveal
a secret)
 a piece of cake (easily done)
Type
Hyperbole
Definition
Hyperbole is the use of
exaggeration for effect.
Examples and Explanation
A bad comedy tries to create humor by
having a character make millions and
millions of mistakes as the plot
develops.
The exaggeration emphasizes the idea
that comedies may rely on a character’s
foolish behavior far too often.
PRACTICE AND APPLY
As you read any type of text—a poem, a short story, an article, or an argument, for example—
look for and consider the meanings and effects of the figurative language it includes.
To practice, analyze both a literary text and a nonfiction text. For each text, begin by identifying
its title and genre, or type. Then note examples of figurative language that you discover, and
explain the meaning of each example.
Literary Text
Title: Enter title.
Genre: Enter genre.
Example
Meaning
Simile
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Metaphor
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Personification
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Idiom
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Hyperbole
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Choose one example of figurative language you found and discuss how it helps convey the
literary text’s mood.
Nonfiction Text
Title: Enter title.
Genre: Enter genre.
Example
Meaning
Simile
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Metaphor
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Personification
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Idiom
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Hyperbole
Enter an example.
Explain meaning.
Choose one example of figurative language you found and discuss how it helps convey the
nonfiction text’s mood.