L3.5a – Demonstrate understanding of word relationships and nuances in word meanings. Distinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps ).
Introduction
Literal language is language that means the literal, or dictionary, meaning of a word or phrase.
Nonliteral language is language that goes beyond the dictionary meaning of the word or phrase.
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Writers use nonliteral language to help readers better picture or understand something.
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Writers and speakers also use common expressions, called idioms , to indicate something beyond what the words actually mean.
You can use context clues as well as your own knowledge and experience to help you determine if the meaning of a word or phrase is literal or nonliteral.
Model
When you use literal language, the meaning of your words and phrases matches the dictionary meaning of these words and phrases. When you use nonliteral language, the meaning of the words and phrases goes beyond the dictionary meaning.
Compare these sentences.
1. The air was filled with smoke because the entire building was on fire.
2. After the runner crossed the finish line, her lungs were on fire.
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In the first sentence, on fire has a literal meaning. The building was covered in flames and was burning down. The context clue of the air being “filled with smoke” helps the reader understand that the meaning is literal.
 In the second sentence, on fire has a nonliteral meaning. The runner’s lungs weren’t really covered in flames. Instead, the runner’s lungs felt like they were burning. The writer uses on fire to better describe the pain the runner felt.
Now compare these sentences.
1. The speeding car ran into the fence.
2. I ran into my friend at the mall.
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In the first sentence, the car was speeding and crashed. Crashed is the literal meaning of ran into.
 In the second sentence, ran into is a common expression, or idiom, that means “to meet someone by accident.” You know from the context that the nonliteral meaning of the idiom makes sense in this sentence.