Figurative Language
There are two main ways to describe things in speaking and in writing. One can
be literal meaning exactly what words are said or written, or one can be more vivid and
describe things figuratively.
To be LITERAL is to express oneself using the exact meaning of text, word for word.
Sally is tall for her age.
To speak or write FIGURATIVELY is to use expressions in which the literal meanings
of words are distorted or exaggerated to create vivid or dramatic effects.
At only fourteen, Sally is as tall as a skyscraper.
Using figurative language helps others to get a better picture of what you describe in both
speaking and writing. There are many types of figurative language or figures of speech.
ALLITERATION – is the repetition of the same sound at the beginning
of words. Tongue Twisters are perfect examples of alliteration.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Sally sells seashells by the seashore.
ONOMATOPOEIA - is words that make sounds. They must be real
words like
CRASH!
POW!
SPLAT!
HYPERBOLE – is great exaggeration. We use it everyday without even
realizing it. Common examples of hyperbole are:
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.
I’m very hungry.
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
I could sleep for a million years.
I’m pretty tired.
PERSONIFICATION – is giving human or living qualities to something
that is not alive. Some simple examples are:
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
The motorcycle roared down the street.
The motorcycle was loud coming down the street.
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
The leaves danced in the gentle breeze.
The leaves on the trees moved in the wind.
A SIMILE – is an indirect comparison of two or more things using the
key words LIKE or AS.
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
My room looks like a pigsty.
My room is pretty messy.
FIGURATIVE
LITERAL
Chester is as wise as an owl.
Chester is pretty smart.
A METAPHOR – is a direct comparison of two or more things that does
NOT use the words like or as. Metaphors can be simple and
straightforward:
Miss Ellis is a real crab today.
Metaphors can also be complicated and implied rather than directly
stated:
Josh rocketed past me in the hall on his way to the bus.
METAPHOR IN ACTION: Let’s try it together.
Steps to help you write a metaphor:
1. Choose a noun.
2. Ask yourself what you can compare the noun to.
3. Write a descriptive sentence.
FOR EXAMPLE:
1. Noun:
umbrella
2. I can compare it to a roof.
3. The umbrella was roof over my head.
LET’S TRY IT TOGETHER:
1. NOUN:
_________________________________
2. COMPARE TO: _____________________________
3. METAPHOR:
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________
_________________________________________________