.1. Simile A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like," "as" or "than." Often used to highlight a characteristic of one of the items, similes rely on the audience's ability to create connections and make inferences about the two objects, people, actions or concepts being discussed. Examples of similes include: My mother is as busy as a bee. They fought like cats and dogs. My dog has a bark as loud as thunder. Her love for her children is as constant as the passing of time. 2. Metaphor A metaphor is a direct comparison without using the comparative words "like" or "as." Metaphors equate the two things being compared to elicit a stronger connection and deepen the meaning of the comparison. If a metaphor continues for several lines or an entire piece of writing, it's called an extended metaphor. Here are some examples of metaphors: She is my moon, guiding me through the dark. The tall trees served as curtains during our picnic. Your son was a shining star in my classroom. The hero possesses a heart of gold. 3. Personi cation Personi cation is attributing human characteristics to nonhuman things. This can help make objects, places or animals more relatable. Consider these examples: The chair squealed in pain as the hammer smashed into it. The computer argued with me and refused to cooperate. When lightning struck the tree, its limbs groaned and complained. As we hiked upward, the peak of the mountain smiled at us. Related: Best Practices To Boost Your Creative Thinking Skills 4. Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is the use of descriptive words that sound or mimic the noise they're describing. This type of gurative language can help your readers to imagine noises while they read. Here are some examples of how to use onomatopoeia in your writing: The re crackled and roared as it grew. She whacked her alarm clock to silence its buzzing. My heart thumped in my ears. The doorbell ding-donged to announce her arrival. 5. Hyperbole A hyperbole is an over-exaggeration used to emphasise an emotion or description. Sometimes hyperbole also implements the use of simile and comparative words. Consider these examples: I'm so hungry I'd eat dirt right now. She had told him a million times to calm down. My brother is taller than a skyscraper. The concert was so loud that the drums echoed in outer space. 6. Idiom An idiom is a commonly used expression that's acquired a meaning di erent from its literal meaning. Idiomatic phrases vary by culture and language. They're often di cult for language learners to grasp because their true meaning is so di erent from the words being used. Examples of idioms include: He's the apple of her eye. The delicious meal was the silver lining to her day. Now that he's replied, the ball's in your court. Minutes before the show, she told me to break a leg. 7. Alliteration Alliteration means the repetition of consonant sounds at the start of multiple words or phrases. Consonants are letters that aren't vowels, such as B, R, K and P. Consider these examples to use alliteration in your writing: She sells seashells by the seashore. I pick and prod at my pockets. Bouncy babies bring him joy. The cobblestones clatter with the chatter of their boots. 8. Allusion Allusions make references to well-known people, places, things or events. Many writers use allusions to refer to other books, plays, poems or pieces of writing. To understand an allusion, readers or audience members typically must have the background or cultural knowledge of the speci c reference. Here are some examples of allusion: If you try to turn back, you'll become a pillar of salt. She would search for this elusive holy grail her entire life. He fought as valiantly as Achilles. I dance happily to the king's rock-and-roll music.
