figurative language examples in essays

Figurative Language

Figurative language definition.

Figurative language uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful.

Figures of speech such as metaphors , similes, and allusions go beyond the literal meanings of the words to give readers new insights. On the other hand, alliterations, imageries, or onomatopoeias are figurative devices that appeal to the senses of the readers.

Figurative language can appear in multiple forms with the use of different literary and rhetorical devices . According to Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia, the definition of figurative language has five different forms:

• Understatement or Emphasis
• Relationship or Resemblance
• Figures of Sound
• Verbal Games

Types of Figurative Language

The term figurative language covers a wide range of literary devices and techniques, a few of which include:

Personification

• Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

• Understatement

Short Examples of Figurative Language

• His friend is as black as coal.
• He has learned gymnastics, and is as agile as a monkey.
• When attacked in his home, he will fight like a caged tiger.
• Can you dance like a monkey?
• Even when he was told everything, he was acting like a donkey.
• My Friend is a Shakespeare when in English class.
• He was a roaring lion in anger, though now he is silent.
• They seem like jackals when running in fear.
• Kisses are roses in the spring .
• This world is a sea of anonymous faces.
• The house stood half-demolished and abandoned.
• He left with his haunted and spell-bound face.
• He did not like the odorless and colorless shape of water.
• His friend was looking at spooky glissando twangs.
• Zigzag fissures in the land made him look for snakes .
• The light on the site did not let him see the sight.
• He heard the sound of the fire, like wire striking the air.
• This artificial stream is going to flow to the downtown of the town.
• Please set the kite right.
• Might of the fright seems greater than the actual fear.
• He lets the pink ball fall with a tall man.
• They have not learned how to catch the cat.
• Get a seat with a treat in our local hall.
• Calling the cow an ox is like putting the cart before the horse.
• He saw the pink kite floating past the tall trees .
• He is dying with his untrustworthy belief.
• Sharply blunt razor cannot do anything to you.
• Kindly cruel treatment made him flabbergasted.
• Please, watch with closed eyes and you will see the heaven.
• Creatively dull person cannot do anything in his life.
• The Pentagon is located in Washington in the United States.
• The Hollywood is a home of English movies.
• 10 Downing Street is located in London .
• Buckingham Palace is world’s oldest symbol of democracy.
• The White House.
• He does not know how to behave with the special people.
• He is looking at his own grey hair and his agility.
• They saw a fleet of fifty.
• At this time, he owns nine head of cattle.
• The new generation is addicted to the use of plastic money.

Examples of Figurative Language from Literature

Example #1: the base stealer (by robert francis).

Poised between going on and back, pulled Both ways taut like a tight-rope walker, Now bouncing tiptoe like a dropped ball, Or a kid skipping rope, come on, come on! … Taunts them, hovers like an ecstatic bird, He’s only flirting, crowd him, crowd him,

The similes and word choice of this poem makes it a masterpiece. The poet use similes between the lines to depict his scattered thoughts before taking action, and makes comparison as, “ like a tight-rope ,” “ like a dropped ball ,” and “ hovers like an ecstatic bird .”

Example #2: I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings (By Maya Angelou)

But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cage Can seldom see through his bars of rage His wings are clipped and his feet are tied The caged bird sings with a fearful trill … And his tune is heard on the distant hill for The caged bird sings of freedom.

The entire poem is rich with metaphor as a bird in a cage represents a group of people who are oppressed and cannot get freedom. The cage represents physical barriers, fear, addiction, or society; while the song of the bird represents true self yearning for something greater in life.

Example #3: She Sweeps with Many-Colored Brooms (By Emily Dickinson)

She sweeps with many-colored Brooms And leaves the Shreds behind Oh Housewife in the Evening West Come back, and dust the Pond!

Dickinson uses personification of a housewife to describe the sunset in the very first line of this poem. She is using a sweeping housewife who does her daily work, likewise the rays of the setting sun sweep away beneath the horizon.

Example #4: The Raven (By Edgar Allen Poe)

O nce upon a midnight dreary w hile I pondered w eak and w eary ; r are and r adiant maiden; And the s ilken s ad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain … D eep into that d arkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, D oubting, d reaming d reams no mortal ever d ared to d ream before.

Poe uses alliteration by repeating the /w/ sound to emphasize the weariness of the narrator , and then /r/ and /s/ sounds in the second and third lines respectively. In the last two lines, the /d/ sound highlights the narrator’s hopelessness.

Example #5: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (By Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks Had I from old and young ! Instead of the cross , the Albatross About my neck was hung.

In these lines, the albatross symbolizes a big mistake, or a burden of sin, just like the cross on which Christ was crucified. Therefore, all people on the ship agreed to slay that bird.

Example #6: The Bluest Eyes (By Toni Morrison)

Personification, consonance, and simile.

She ran down the street, the green knee socks making her legs look like wild dandelion of stems that had somehow lost their heads. The weight of her remark stunned us.

This excerpt uses different devices that make language figurative. There is a good use of simile , “legs look like wild dandelion;” and personification, “lost their heads;” and use of consonance in “stunned us,” where the /s/ is a consonant sound.

Example #7: The Week of Diana (By Maya Angelou)

Metaphor, consonance, personification.

“The dark lantern of world sadness has cast its shadow upon the land. We stumble into our misery on leaden feet.”

in just these two lines, Maya Angelou has used a metaphor of the dark lantern, consonance of the /s/ sounds, and personification of misery.

Example #8: The Negro Speaks of River (By Langston Hughes)

Consonance, simile.

“I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

This prince of the Harlem Renaissance has beautifully used a different type of consonance with the /l/ sound and a simile of “my soul.”

Example #9: Musée des Beaux Arts (By W. H. Auden)

Personification, consonance.

That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot Where the dogs go on with their doggy W. H. Auden life and the torturer’s horse Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.

W. H. Auden has used a personification of the “dreadful martyrdom,” and consonances of “some untidy spot,” with the /s/ sound, and “dogs go on with their doggy life,” with the /d/ and /g/ sounds.

Function of Figurative Language

The primary function of figurative language is to force readers to imagine what a writer wants to express. Figurative language is not meant to convey literal meanings, and often it compares one concept with another in order to make the first concept easier to understand. However, it links the two ideas or concepts with the goal of influencing the audience to understand the link, even if it does not exist.

Poets and prose writers use this technique to bring out emotions and help their readers form images in their minds. Thus, figurative language is a useful way of conveying an idea that readers cannot understand otherwise, due to its complex and abstract nature. In addition, it helps in analyzing a literary text.

Related posts:

•   Examples Of Figurative Language In Poetry
• Examples of Figurative Language in Rap Songs
• Examples Of Figurative Language In Popular Songs
• Examples Of Figurative Language In Children’s Poetry and Rhymes
• Sensory Language

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• Writing Tips

Figurative Language – Definition and Examples

3-minute read

• 13th April 2023

In this article, you’ll learn about figurative language: what it is, how to use it, and lots of examples to inspire your everyday speech and descriptive writing .

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It is often used to create imagery, evoke emotion, or emphasize a point in a way that literal language cannot. Think of it as painting a picture with words in the minds of your audience – for example, “She was as light as a feather while dancing.”

5 Types of Figurative Language

Below, we’ll look at five types of figurative language – metaphor, idiom, simile, hyperbole, and personification – that you can use in an essay, poem , speech, or conversation.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another, without using “like” or “as.” Metaphors are used to create imagery, evoke emotions, and help readers or listeners to understand an idea or concept in a new and interesting way.

Here are some examples of metaphors:

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. Idioms are often used in informal or conversational language to add color or humor.

Here are some examples of idioms:

If you want to include idioms in your everyday speech or writing, make sure you fully understand the figurative meaning before using them. If used incorrectly, they can cause confusion for your audience.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as.” They are a great writing technique to create vivid imagery and a memorable comparison.

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Here are some examples of similes:

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect. It is mostly used to emphasize a point in a funny or memorable way. Hyperbole is great to use in everyday language or writing, but it’s important to use it in moderation – otherwise, it can come across as insincere or unbelievable.

Here are some examples of hyperbole:

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or animal is given human-like qualities or characteristics. This technique is mostly used in poetry or descriptive writing to create vivid imagery.

Here are some examples of personification:

Figurative language is a great addition to your everyday speech and is frequently used in literature and poetry. It can add depth and richness to language, making it more interesting and expressive. However, it can also be confusing if the reader or listener does not understand the intended meaning of the figurative language. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of figurative language in order to fully appreciate and understand written and spoken communication.

Interested in learning more about how use descriptive language and vivid imagery? Check out our Writing Tips blog to learn more.

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figurative language

What is figurative language definition, usage, and literary examples, figurative language definition.

Figurative language  (fih-gyur-EH-tiv LANE-gwidge) refers to words, phrases, and sentences that go beyond their literal meaning to add layers of interpretation to the audience’s understanding. Instead of relying solely on the dictionary definition of words, figurative language adds nuance,  context ,  imagery , association, and other heightened effects to written or spoken phrasing.

The word  figurative  first appeared in English in the late 14th century and derived from the Old French  figuratif , which means “metaphorical.” The Old French originates in the Latin  figurare , which means “to form, shape.” These elements of  metaphor  and forming or shaping still resonate in the term  figurative language  as it is used today. The connection of  figurative  with speech and language also appeared in English in the late 14th century and indicated “allegorical, metaphoric, involving figures of speech,” which is still how the term is used.

Figurative Language and Figures of Speech

Figurative language can broadly be defined as language that employs  figures of speech . Figures of speech are rhetorical devices that either play with the arrangement of words or with the meaning of words. All figures of speech fall into one of two categories: schemes and tropes.

Schemes play with the mechanics of language and often involve shifts in the arrangement, order, or patterns of words and phrases. This can be achieved through repetition of letters, words, or phrases; the equal balancing of phrases or sentences through identical grammatical structures; shifting the expected order of words or phrases; and/or omitting expected words or punctuation. Some commonly employed schemes are  alliteration , assonance, chiasmus, consonance, and parallelism.

Tropes create meaning beyond words’ literal definitions. They deviate from expected meanings to add greater complexity using association, comparison, and word play. Some common tropes include  hyperbole ,  metaphor , metonymy, personification,  simile , and synecdoche.

Types of Figurative Language

There are many ways to produce figurative language. Some of the most common, many of which also qualify as figures of speech, include:

• Alliteration

This is the repetition of the same sound in a short sequence of words, which creates musical effects in writing. Examples of alliteration occur in brand names, such as Kit Kat, Rolls Royce, Best Buy, and American Apparel, and children’s tongue twisters, such as “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

This occurs when a text references an external text, person, place, or event. Describing a curmudgeonly old skinflint as a “Scrooge” alludes to Charles Dickens’s novella  A Christmas Carol .  Similarly, the 1960s pop song “White Rabbit” alludes to Lewis Carroll’s  Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland .

This type of phrasing involves intentionally extravagant exaggeration to heighten the emotional effect of what is being said. “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is an example of hyperbole, as the speaker is conveying they are incredibly hungry, though they could not literally consume an entire horse. Likewise, saying “I’m dying of exhaustion” is generally a hyperbolic statement, as people rarely pass away from fatigue.

This figure of speech is an explicit comparison between two different things, used for poetic or dramatic effect. Perhaps the most famous metaphor in English literature comes from  William Shakespeare ’s  As You Like It , when the character Jacques compares life to a theater performance:

All the world’s a stage,

And all the men and women merely players;

They have their exits and their entrances,

And one man in his time plays many parts

Metaphors are frequently encountered in literature, particularly in  poetry , but they are also utilized in everyday speech. Saying “She’s my rock” to describe a romantic partner or calling someone’s room is “a pig sty” are both prevalent examples.

This occurs when the name of something is replaced with a strongly associated thing. For example, when people say “The White House stayed silent on this matter as events unfolded,” they are referring to the people who work in the White House (such as the president); they don’t mean the building itself. This is an example of metonymy. The phrase “The pen is mightier than the sword” includes two examples of metonymy: “pen” refers to the power of written words or diplomacy, and “sword” refers to the use of military force.

• Onomatopoeia

Using words that evoke the sound of the thing they signify is onomatopoeia. For example, the “tick tock” of a clock is an example of onomatopoeia, as is the “splash” of a frog jumping into a pond of water, the “ding dong” of someone ringing a doorbell, or the “boom” made by fireworks, thunder, and bombs.

This device pairs contradictory words or ideas to express a new or more complex meaning. They are frequently seen in casual speech and commercial advertisements. For example, the descriptive phrase “fresh frozen” is oxymoronic. These are often seen in literature. In Shakespeare’s  Romeo and Juliet , Juliet tells Romeo that parting from him is “such sweet sorrow.” This oxymoron describes the bittersweet joy of saying goodbye to someone you love.

Parallelism

Conceptually similar to alliteration, parallelism involves the repetition of sentence structure for balance and emphasis. Although this often involves repeating the exact same words, to count as parallelism, only the repetition of grammatically similar elements is necessary.

A list with the grammatical structure of “First buy X, then buy Y, then purchase Z” would be an example of parallelism, as would the phrase “A penny saved is a penny earned.” Parallelism is frequently encountered in speeches and was an intrinsic part of Hebrew and Middle Eastern poetry, as well as the Old and New Testaments of the  Bible .

Personification

Giving a quality of greater animation to an inanimate or less animate object or element is personification. People often assume this is limited to something being described as if it is a person, but often, personification simply involves describing something in a way that ascribes greater liveliness to it.

In John Donne’s poem “ Holy Sonnet X ,” he personifies the concept of death: “Death, be not proud.” By ascribing the attribute of pride to death, even though it is something only people can feel, Donne utilizes personification. In the poem “ The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock ,” when T.S. Eliot writes “The yellow fog that rubs its back upon the window-panes, / The yellow smoke that rubs its muzzle on the window-panes,” this is also personification. Describing the fog as if it is a cat gives it greater qualities of animation than fog actually possesses, though the animation is not specific to human attributes.

A pun relies on multiple meanings of a word or homophonic or homographic elements. It can be verbal, as in “Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.” It can also be visual, such as an image depicting a fork lying on a highway—a clear reference to the phrase “a fork in the road.

Related to metaphors, similes are explicit comparisons between disparate things. These comparisons are constructed using the words  like  or  as .

Many similes are familiar phrases: “as cold as ice,” “run like the wind,” “eats like a bird,” “as slow as molasses,” and “as tough as nails.” The famous catchphrase from the movie  Forrest Gump , “Life is like a box of chocolates,” is also a simile.

Similar to metonymy, synecdoche occurs when a thing is referred to by the name of one of its parts. For example, calling an old man “gray beard” is an example of synecdoche since an old man’s gray beard is a part of the man. Referring to businesspeople as “suits” is another example, as suits are part of the person in the sense that business professionals wear suits.

Frequently, synecdoche and metonymy are confused. The best way to remember the difference is that synecdoche swaps in a part to refer to the whole, while metonymy uses a related term that is not an actual part of the thing being referred to.

Figurative Language and Imagery

People often use the term  imagery  interchangeably with  figurative language , but these concepts are not the same.

Imagery is a literary device that allows the author to create pictures in readers’ minds so they can better imagine the situation, characters, emotions, and  settings  of the  narrative . Imagery can be created using literal or figurative language.

If an author is creating literal imagery, also called descriptive imagery, they describe things exactly as they are. Writers tend to use adjectives to create literal/descriptive imagery. For example, they might describe a maple tree in autumn by saying, “The tall maple tree was covered in bright red leaves.” Here, the image is created through adjectives that accurately describe the tree without embellishment.

The same tree could be described using figurative language: “The maple tree soared tall as a skyscraper and was covered with leaves as bright red as lipstick kisses.” This second image uses similes to create an image that conveys the same idea as the literal example, but it does so in a way that is more poetic.

Literal/descriptive imagery and figurative imagery are both important tools for writers to make their work feels vivid. Figurative imagery is used in poetry more than in other literary forms, as it is particularly open to figurative language’s symbolic and associative meanings. However, both types of imagery are used in all forms of literature.

Linguistic Semantics and Figurative Language

Linguistic semantics are the study of interpretation of signifiers (signs, words, symbols, phrases) and what they really mean, particularly as used by specific communities, circumstances, and contexts. Figurative language relies on associations, comparisons, and other schemes and tropes to create additional levels of meaning for words beyond the literal.

Linguists originally believed in the standard pragmatic model of comprehension, which suggested that, when exposed to figurative language, people would first attempt to comprehend it as literal and then shift to a figurative interpretation to understand the meaning. Since the 1980s, however, research has shown that figurative language is comprehended at the same speed as literal meaning.

Figurative Language in Pop Culture

Figurative language is an intrinsic part of pop culture. Song lyrics regularly utilize tropes and schemes like metaphor, similes, and alliteration. For example:

• In Frank Ocean’s song “Thinking Bout You,” he sings, “A tornado flew around my room before you came,” which is a  metaphor  for how wild, scary, and confusing his life was before he met this person.
• In Jay Z’s “Big Pimpin’,” he raps, “I’ll be forever mackin’ / heart cold as assassins.” In this  couplet , he uses a  simile  to assert that he will never fall in love because he is as unemotional as a hired killer.
• In the classic 1980s song “Careless Whisper,” George Michael sings “Guilty feet have got no rhythm.” This is an example of personification because feet cannot feel emotions like guilt. It is also a synecdoche because a part—the feet—stands in for the whole—the song’s narrator. This helps convey that the narrator is the one who feels guilty.

Examples of Figurative Language in Literature

1. Emily Dickinson, “ Because I could not stop for Death ”

In the first  stanza  of her  poem , Dickinson writes:

Because I could not stop for Death—

He kindly stopped for me—

The Carriage held but just Ourselves—

And Immortality.

Throughout the poem, Dickinson personifies death as a person who picks her up in his carriage to go for a scenic drive.

2. F. Scott Fitzgerald,   The Great Gatsby

In the final  sentence  of his classic novel, Fitzgerald’s narrator, Nick, describes humanity:

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.

Nick is using a metaphor. He compares people, particularly Jay Gatsby, to boats that want to move forward (into a new future) but are pushed back (into the past) by powerful forces beyond their control.

3. Dante Alighieri,   Inferno

In the first Canto, Dante meets a stranger at the foot of a mountain. After the stranger discloses that he was a poet who sang about the son of Anchises who left Troy when it burned, Dante asks:

Now, art thou that Virgilius…

Thou art my master, and my author thou,

Thou art alone the one from whom I took

The beautiful style that has done honor to me

The astute reader recognizes that Dante has made the Latin poet Virgil (author of the  Aeneid ) a main character in his poem, which is an  allusion .

4. Charles Dickens,   A Tale of Two Cities

Dickens begins his classic novel with a litany:

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of

wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it

was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the

season of Darkness…

The recurrent use of the grammatical structure of “it was the….” is an example of parallelism. This repetition gives Dickens’ opening paragraph balance and emphasis, thus drawing the reader in.

5. Toni Morrison,  Jazz

The first line of Morrison’s novel contains  onomatopoeia :

Sth, I know that woman.

The first word is the onomatopoeic sound of a woman sucking her teeth in disdain as she begins to share information about a character she finds unsavory.

Further Resources on Figurative Language

The University of Colorado at Boulder’s Department of Linguistics published an interesting study about “ meaning ” in figurative language.

This video provides examples of figurative language used in various  movies .

The Writing Cooperative published some  tips  on how to use figurative language to describe setting.

Related Terms

• Figure of Speech

Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, figurative language, definition of figurative language.

Figurative language is any figure of speech which depends on a non-literal meaning of some or all of the words used. There are many types of figurative language, including literary devices such as simile, metaphor, personification, and many pun examples, to name just a few. The definition of figurative language is opposite to that of literal language, which involves only the “proper” or dictionary definitions of words. Figurative language usually requires the reader or listener to understand some extra nuances, context, allusions, etc. in order to understand the second meaning. However, figurative language is such a common part of regular speech that adult native speakers of a language can just as easily interpret figurative language as literal language.

Types of Figurative Language

So many literary devices qualify as figurative language that the following list is certainly not exhaustive. These are the main examples of figurative language:

• Simile: A comparison between two unlike things through the use of connecting words, usually “like” or “as.”
• Metaphor: A rhetorical figure of speech that compares two subjects without the use of “like” or “as.”
• Extended Metaphor: Sometimes known as a conceit or sustained metaphor, an extended metaphor is a metaphor that an author develops over the course of many lines or even an entire work of literature.
• Hyperbole: The use of obvious and deliberate exaggeration.
• Understatement: A way of speaking which minimizes the significance of something.
• Metonymy: A figure of speech in which something is called by a new name that is related in meaning to the original thing or concept.
• Paradox: The juxtaposition of a set of seemingly contradictory concepts that reveal a hidden and/or unexpected truth.
• Oxymoron: A figure of speech in which two seemingly opposing and contradictory elements are juxtaposed.
• Allusion: A literary device used to reference another object outside of the work of literature.
• Pun: A play on words which usually hinges on a word with more than one meaning or the substitution of a homonym that changes the meaning of the sentence for humorous or rhetorical effect.
• Personification: The projection of characteristics that normally belong only to humans onto inanimate objects, animals, deities, or forces of nature.
• Onomatopoeia: A word that phonetically mimics or resembles the sound of the thing it describes.

Common Examples of Figurative Language

Most examples of idiom in English are also figurative language examples, such as the following:

• Actions speak louder than words.
• The ball is in your court.
• You can’t judge a book by its cover.
• We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it.
• I’ll play devil’s advocate.
• Every cloud has a silver lining.
• You’ve hit the nail on the head.
• It happens once in a blue moon.
• She stole my thunder.

Significance of Figurative Language in Literature

Ancient philosophers such as Aristotle (Greek) and Quintilian (Roman) were some of the first to theorize about the use and function of figurative language. Aristotle argued that figurative language was not merely an embellishment, but instead mirror the way humans actually process information, which is to say by comparing it to things we already know. Thus, when we use the simile, “Her fleece was white as snow,” this isn’t to provide a trivial comparison but instead to help the reader or listener imagine the purity of Mary’s lamb’s fleece.

We can find examples of figurative language in the majority of literary works. This is both because there are so many literary devices that qualify as figurative language and also because the human mind responds well to different types of figurative language. Indeed, many studies have shown that figurative language comes naturally to children and that it helps them understand new concepts. Therefore, when authors use examples of figurative language, they are trying to provide fresh or unique new ways of explaining things. However, they are also triggering a very important part of the human mind and creating new synapses.

Examples of Figurative Language in Literature

Example #1: allusion.

Are you then Virgil, the fountainhead that pours so full a stream of speech?” I answered him, my head bent low in shame.” O glory and light of all other poets, let my long study and great love avail that made me delve so deep into your volume. You are my teacher and my author. You are the one from whom alone I took the noble style that has brought me honor.”

( Inferno by Dante Alighieri)

Dante’s Inferno is filled with examples of allusions, as one of the main purposes was to condemn contemporary Italians from Dante’s day. The main allusion is to the poet Virgil, who serves as the guide to the underworld. Dante introduces Virgil in the above excerpt from the epic poem. Readers have to understand the character and importance of Virgil to understand the true meaning of this alliance; without this piece of figurative understanding the reader would miss out on many key aspects of the poem.

Example #2: Metaphor

JAQUES: All the world’s a stage, And all the men and women merely players; They have their exits and their entrances

( As You Like It by William Shakespeare)

William Shakespeare used numerous examples of figurative language in his plays and poetry. Indeed, most literary devices can be found somewhere in his texts. The above quote from his comedy As You Like It is one of the most famous examples of metaphor in all of literature. The character of Jaques is explaining to the Duke that life is much like actors in a play. Indeed, Jaques doesn’t just say that the world is “like” a stage; he avers that life is indeed a stage. This is a powerful metaphor from Shakespeare’s works as it explains what was most likely a truism for Shakespeare’s own life.

Example #3: Metonymy

MARC ANTONY: Friends, Romans, countrymen, lend me your ears; I come to bury Caesar, not to praise him.

( Julius Caesar by William Shakespeare)

Metonymy uses a part of the whole to refer to the whole. In this case, Marc Antony asks friends and Romans to “lend [him their] ears.” He is using the metonymic understanding of “ears” to refer to the entirety of their attention. He is, perhaps, being a bit humble in this request, as his eulogy for Caesar turns out to be a feat of rhetoric. Marc Anthony uses many different examples of figurative language to build his emotional appeal and connect with the listeners.

Example #4: Personification

But the Raven, sitting lonely on the placid bust, spoke only That one word, as if his soul in that one word he did outpour. Nothing farther then he uttered—not a feather then he fluttered— Till I scarcely more than muttered “Other friends have flown before— On the morrow he will leave me, as my Hopes have flown before.” Then the bird said “Nevermore.”

(“The Raven” by Edgar Allen Poe)

Edgar Allen Poe’s diabolical bird in his famous poem “The Raven” is a good example of personification. The bird takes on emotions such as loneliness and concepts like a soul, as well as the ability to speak. This bird ends up being a window into the narrator’s mind as he begins to go a bit insane. The personification is to show that not all is right with the narrator’s world.

Example #5: Hyperbole

I’ll love you, dear, I’ll love you Till China and Africa meet, And the river jumps over the mountain And the salmon sing in the street, I’ll love you till the ocean Is folded and hung up to dry

(“As I Walked One Evening” by W.H. Auden)

W.H. Auden uses many examples of hyperbole to describe his love in his poem “As I Walked One Evening.” It is popular to use hyperbole in love poetry, as it demonstrates the depths of the speaker’s love.

Test Your Knowledge of Figurative Language

1. Which of the following statements is the best figurative language definition? A. Archaic language that was only used for embellishment. B. A figure of speech that relies on the literal definitions of the words involved. C. A statement that uses non-literal meanings of words. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #1″] Answer: C is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

2. Why might an author choose to use an example of figurative language? A. To confuse their readers and challenge them to use parts of their brain they rarely use. B. To explain things in a new and fresh way that might help readers compare what they already know to the new concept. C. To create a way of defining things that is very alien to the way humans actually think. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which of the following types of figurative language is displayed in the following quote from Shakespeare’s Romeo?

But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

A. Metaphor B. Allusion C. Metonymy [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: A is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

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What is Figurative Language? | A Guide to Literary Terms

"what is figurative language" a guide for english students and teachers.

View the full series: The Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms

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What is Figurative Language? Transcript (English and Spanish Subtitles Available in Video, Click HERE for Spanish Transcript)

By Peter Betjemann , Oregon State University Professor of American Literature and Former Chair

29 October 2019

In both literature and daily communication, many sentences contains figurative language. Figurative language makes meaning by asking the reader or listener to understand something (a "vehicle" ) by virtue of its relation to some other thing, action, or image (a "tenor" ). Figurative language can be contrasted with literal language, which describes something explicitly rather than by reference to something else.

Here’s a very basic example. Let’s say I want to describe how I took a rafting trip down an Oregon river. I could say “our raft bumped through Class IV rapids and I felt scared.” That’s a very literal way of describing my experience.

figurative_language_image.jpg

Or I could say “our raft bucked like wild bronco as we shot through walls of water, my heart jackhammering in my chest.” That’s a highly figurative and much more evocative way of characterizing the experience.

figurative_language_example.jpg

In the figurative version, I used a simile (“our raft bucked like a wild bronco”) and two metaphors (one: “we shot through walls of water” and two: my heart was “jackhammering” in my chest). You can find Oregon State videos that will teach you about simile and metaphor, as well as two additional kinds of figurative language that have complex names but that aren’t hard to understand, metonymy and synecdoche . I recommend that you watch all four videos together, as the similarities and differences between simile, metaphor, metonym, and synecdoche will give you a great overview of how figurative language works to characterize all kinds of vivid experiences.

Want to cite this?

MLA Citation: Betjemann, Peter. "What is Figurative Language?" Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms, 29 Oct. 2019, Oregon State University, https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-figurative-language. Accessed [insert date].

Further Resources for Teachers

Other terms referenced in this video are explained in the following links.

"What is a Metaphor?"

"What is a Simile?"

"What is Metonymy?"

"What is a Synecdoche?"

"What is a Vehicle and a Tenor?"

A good type of story to explore these different kinds of figurative language is an allegory, in which two stories--a literal story and a figurative story--are superimposed upon one another. Consider the story "Young Goodman Brown" by Nathaniel Hawthorne, which contains all four of these terms.

Writing Prompt: Identify at least one metaphor, simile, synecdoche, and metonym in Hawthorne's story. When you have finished making these assignments, identify the vehicle and tenor of each example of figurative language. Finally, write a brief explanation of how these vehicles and tenors work together (or, perhaps, against one another) to enable allegorical meanings to emerge in this story.

Interested in more video lessons? View the full series:

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75+ Examples of Figurative Language

• Figurative Language
• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

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Figurative language makes writing – and even speaking – more expressive and easier to understand. When done well, it lends style to your writing.

More resources on figurative language:

• What is figurative language? The resource covers how figurative language improves writing, dos and don’ts while writing figuratively, and more.
• Exercises on figurative language

(Note that key parts of each figure of speech have been underlined for you to easily follow them and that my comments accompanying examples are in square brackets.)

Examples of using different types of figurative language on a given topic

When writing on a topic, it’s convenient to first brainstorm and write variety of figures of speech on that topic, and then incorporate them in your piece. This is probably a better way to polish your figurative language. Here are multiple figures of speech on two topics. Give a try yourself first and see how many you can write.

1. Cold weather

Fetching grocery in the cold was a death sentence . [Metaphor]

The snowstorm left behind a thick blanket of snow in most parts of the state, government declaring emergency , people staying indoors , air traffic grounding , and power failing in some areas . [Metaphor/ Parallelism (absolute phrases)]

The predawn snowfall smothered our chances of having an outdoor game. [Personification/ Metaphor]

The cold wind pierced my bones. [Personification/ Metaphor]

Fetching grocery in the cold was like a death sentence . [Simile]

It was a frigid night, freezing blood in my veins . [Hyperbole/ Alliteration]

“When will the weather improve?” the old man moaned . [Onomatopoeia]

The dog yelped as the gust of cold wind struck his face. [Onomatopoeia]

2. Nervous while waiting for the result

My heart skipped few beats while waiting for the result. [Idiom]

My heart failed few times while waiting for the result. [Hyperbole/ Alliteration (2)]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Metaphor]

While waiting for the result, my heart requested me to take a stroll and stop thinking about the worst. [Personification/ Metaphor]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was like an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Simile]

While waiting for the result, my heart pounded like a set of drums in a music event . [Onomatopoeia/ Simile]

Examples of each of 8 figurative languages

1. alliteration.

The dog sprinted across the field to fetch the ball.

The virulent virus has disrupted lives and deflated economies.

In these troubled times , travel has come down to a trickle .

The iguanas make deep dives in the ocean to feed on marine algae.

The shark surfaced to breathe.

The slow sloth inched up the tree trunk .

The business centre is buzzing with activity.

The deafening downpour has resulted in flash floods .

More resources on alliteration:

• More than 150 alliteration examples on 7 topics
• What is alliteration and how to write one?

2. Hyperbole

I felt as abandoned as a used Kleenex .

During probation period, I felt like a bug under the microscope .

The movie went on for what seemed like  an eternity .

The leaping catch by the fielder took my breath away .

Your decrepit furniture seems to be from Jurassic era .

My new shoes, little bit tight, are killing me.

Kids are so overloaded these days. Just look at their bags; they weigh a ton .

The food was so delicious that I almost ate my fingers .

More resources on hyperbole:

• More than 100 examples of hyperbole
• What is hyperbole and how to write one?

The scandal proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the mayor.

Some of the bank employees have been allegedly working hand in glove with business owners to sanction loans without proper due diligence.

I jumped the gun by sending the proposal to the client without first showing it to my manager.

I’ve made the request few times in the past, but it has always fallen on deaf ears .

The boss cut that arrogant guy to size in no time.

I spent two hours cooling my heels in the waiting room while the CFO was busy in a meeting.

I was left out in the cold in the annual promotions in the company.

The IP for our key technology has been leaked, and many in my team, including the manager, are under a cloud .

More resources on idiom:

• More than 200 idioms with meaning and use
• What are idioms and why non-natives should learn them?

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4. Metaphor

During the moments before the result was declared, I was a tax payer who had just received an audit notice from the IRA : extremely nervous.

My loans are a millstone around my neck , keeping me tied to my 9-to-5 job.

My night shift is a graveyard : not a soul in sight, complete silence, and an occasional howl from the street dogs.

Journalism is literature in hurry . Matthew Arnold

The world is a stage , but the play is badly cast. Oscar Wilde

Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it . Albert Smith

Jonah Lomu, a rampaging bull with the ball , is widely recognized as one of the greatest of the game. [An appositive acting as a metaphor]

His fortress of a house was finally breached by the intelligence agencies. [Implied metaphor]

More resources on metaphor:

• More than 100 examples of metaphors
• Metaphor examples for kids
• What is metaphor and how to write one?

5. Onomatopoeia

Nervous, I babbled my way through the first few minutes of the interview.

Finding the sheep at her mercy, the witch cackled before waving her wand.

I caught my head on the door and howled in pain.

The car screeched to a stop.

I was taken aback by the dog’s snarl ; a moment earlier, he seemed so friendly.

I was chomping my chicken piece unconcerned by the reaction of others around.

Don’t slurp the soup! It’s bad manners.

The race car turned the curve and then vroomed on the home stretch.

More resources on onomatopoeia:

• Examples of 140+ onomatopoeic words (with meaning and use)
• What is onomatopoeia and its common errors?

6. Parallelism

Many accidents could be attributed to human errors, but faulty road design , absence of street lights , lack of dividers , and potholes on roads also contribute to such incidents. Source [Noun phrases in parallel]

Cheetah hunts impalas and rabbits , lives in coalition and singly , and communicates through variety of sounds . [Verb phrases in parallel]

Usain Bolt was quick off the blocks , fast in the middle , and exceptional at the finish . [Adjective phrases in parallel]

Located at the end of the street and protected by a sturdy fence , the house has had no occupants in nearly two years. [Past participial phrases in parallel]

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant . Robert Louis Stevenson [Prepositional phrase in parallel]

Live in the sunshine , swim the sea , drink the wild air . Ralph Waldo Emerson [Clauses in parallel. Note that you don’t see a subject here because it’s an imperative sentence.]

Joe’s dress was better than that of Mac . [Parallelism when comparing]

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t , you’re right. Henry Ford [Parallelism with correlative conjunction]

More resources on parallelism:

• More than 80 examples of parallelism
• How to write parallel sentences that make writing impactful?

7. Personification

Covid-19 stalked continent after continent with no remorse.

My first novel got crucified .

Chocolate frog, a new species of frog found, has been shying away from mankind for time immemorial.

The kettle hissed and bellowed steam.

Saying they were last polished two weeks back, the shoes begged for a polish.

The lock shrieked in pain as I rattled the wrong key in it.

The carved pumpkin sat on the table, smiling and observing Halloween preparations.

The ball, after being hit hard, sailed over the boundary line and landed in the third tier of the stadium

More resources on personification:

• More than 180 examples of personification
• What is personification and how to write one step-by-step?

Investing in such junk bonds is like carrying water in a sieve .

I had grand dreams, but, when faced with reality, they went down, much like how Titanic went down after colliding with the iceberg .

The vagabond roamed the streets like a tin can swept by wind .

Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake . Sylvester Stallone

The hackers made off with millions of dollars from the bank, taking advantage of their lax security which was as strong as the one provided by our street dog drunk on a liter of beer .

Public speaking is as easy for me as putting toothpaste back in tube .

The seal couldn’t escape from the shark’s vice-like grip . [An adjective acting as simile]

His concern for building a career was no more than the concern of well-fed lions for the next meal . [Similes formed through comparison words other than like and as ]

More resources on simile:

• More than 120 examples of similes
• Simile examples for kids
• What is simile and how to write one?

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

• Figure of Speech

Figure of Speech Definition

What is a figure of speech? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

A figure of speech is a literary device in which language is used in an unusual—or "figured"—way in order to produce a stylistic effect. Figures of speech can be broken into two main groups: figures of speech that play with the ordinary meaning of words (such as metaphor , simile , and hyperbole ), and figures of speech that play with the ordinary arrangement or pattern in which words are written (such as alliteration , ellipsis , and antithesis ).

Some additional key details about figures of speech:

• The ancient Greeks and Romans exhaustively listed, defined, and categorized figures of speech in order to better understand how to effectively use language. The names of most figures of speech derive from the original Greek or Latin.
• Figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words are called tropes , while figures of speech that play with the order or pattern of words are called schemes .
• Figures of speech can take many forms. A figure of speech can involve a single word, a phrase, an omission of a word or phrase, a repetition of words or sounds, or specific sentence structures.

Figure of Speech Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figure of speech: fig -yer of speech

Figures of Speech vs. Figurative Language

There's a lot of confusion about the difference between the terms "figures of speech" and " figurative language ." Most of the confusion stems from the fact that different people often use "figurative language" to mean slightly different things. The two most common (and most acceptable) definitions of figurative language are:

• Figurative language refers to any language that contains figures of speech. According to this definition, figurative language and figures of speech are not quite the same thing, but it's pretty darn close. The only difference is that figures of speech refer to each specific type of a figure of speech, while figurative language refers more generally to any language that contains any kind of figures of speech.
• Figurative language refers to words or expressions that have non-literal meanings : This definition associates figurative language only with the category of figures of speech called tropes (which are figures of speech that play with the literal meaning of words). So according to this definition, figurative language would be any language that contains tropes, but not language that contains the figures of speech called schemes.

You might encounter people using figurative speech to mean either of the above, and it's not really possible to say which is correct. But if you know about these two different ways of relating figurative language and figures of speech, you'll be in pretty good shape.

Figures of Speech, Tropes, and Schemes

The oldest and still most common way to organize figures of speech is to split them into two main groups: tropes and schemes.

• Tropes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a deviation from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

The scheme/trope classification system is by no means the only way to organize figures of speech (if you're interested, you can find all sorts of different categorization methods for figures of speech here ). But it is the most common method, and is both simple and structured enough to help you understand figures of speech.

Generally, a trope uses comparison, association, or wordplay to play with the literal meaning of words or to layer another meaning on top of a word's literal meaning. Some of the most commonly used tropes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Metaphor : A metaphor is a figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, if someone says "it's raining cats and dogs," this obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the weight of "cats and dogs" and heavy rain. Metaphors are tropes because their effect relies not on the mechanics of the sentence, but rather on the association created by the use of the phrase "cats and dogs" in a non-literal manner.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. To stick with cats and dogs, an example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love. Oxymorons are tropes because their effect comes from a combination of the two words that goes beyond the literal meanings of those words.
• Hyperbole : A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels. Once again, this is a trope because its effect comes from understanding that the words mean something different from what they literally say.

Other Common Tropes

• Antanaclasis
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Periphrasis
• Rhetorical Question

Schemes are mechanical—they're figures of speech that tinker with words, sounds, and structures (as opposed to meanings) in order to achieve an effect. Schemes can themselves be broken down in helpful ways that define the sort of tinkering they employ.

• Repetition: Repeating words, phrases, or even sounds in a particular way.
• Omission: Leaving out certain words or punctuation that would normally be expected.
• Changes of word order: Shifting around words or phrases in atypical ways.
• Balance: Creating sentences or phrases with equal parts, often through the use of identical grammatical structures.

Some of the most commonly used schemes are explained briefly below, though you can get even more detail on each from its specific LitCharts entry.

• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “b” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : A scheme in which vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the "ee" sound in the proverb: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another—it's a scheme because this effect is achieved through repetition of words with certain sounds, not by playing with the meaning of words.
• Ellipsis : The deliberate omission of one or more words from a sentence because their meaning is already implied. In the example, "Should I call you, or you me?" the second clause uses ellipsis. While its implication is "or should you call me," the context of the sentence allows for the omission of "should" and "call." Ellipsis is a scheme because it involves an uncommon usage of language.
• Parallelism : The repetition of sentence structure for emphasis and balance. This can occur in a single sentence, such as "a penny saved is a penny earned," and it can also occur over the course of a speech, poem, or other text. Parallelism is a scheme because it creates emphasis through the mechanics of sentence structure, rather than by playing with the actual meanings of words.

Other Common Schemes

• Anadiplosis
• Antimetabole
• Brachylogia
• Epanalepsis
• Parenthesis
• Polysyndeton

Figure of Speech Examples

Figures of speech can make language more inventive, more beautiful, more rhythmic, more memorable, and more meaningful. It shouldn't be a surprise, then, that figures of speech are plentiful in all sorts of written language. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figures of Speech Examples in Literature

Literature is riddled with figures of speech because figures of speech make language colorful and complex.

Metaphor in Daphne du Maurier's Rebecca

On and on, now east now west, wound the poor thread that once had been our drive. Sometimes I thought it lost, but it appeared again, beneath a fallen tree perhaps, or struggling on the other side of a muddied ditch created by the winter rains.

In this quote from Rebecca , Daphne du Maurier refers to a washed-out road as "the poor thread." This is a metaphor —and a trope—because the writer indirectly compares the thread to the road and expects that readers will understand that "thread" is not used literally.

Parallelism in Charles Dickens' A Tale of Two Cities

It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of Light, it was the season of Darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair, we had everything before us, we had nothing before us, we were all going direct to Heaven, we were all going direct the other way.

In the famous opening line of A Tale of Two Cities , Dickens uses parallelism —a scheme in which parts of a sentence repeat—in order to emphasize the contradictions of the time in which the book is set. Dickens has manipulated his sentence structure so that the parallel clauses emphasize the oppositional nature of his words ("it was the best of times, it was the worst of times"). The figure of speech doesn't play with the meaning of words, it emphasizes them through structure and repetition, which is why it is a scheme.

Alliteration in Nathaniel Hawthorne's "The Birthmark"

In this manner, s electing it as the s ymbol of his wife's liability to s in, s orrow, d ecay, and d eath, Aylmer's s ombre imagination was not long in rendering the birthmark a frightful object, causing him more trouble and horror than ever Georgiana's beauty, whether of s oul or s ense, had given him delight.

This passage from " The Birthmark " uses alliteration to tie together all of the things that Georgiana's birthmark is supposed to symbolize. By using words that alliterate—"sin and sorrow" and "decay and death," for example—Hawthorne is making the reader feel that these ideas are connected, rather than simply stating that they are connected. Alliteration is a figure of speech—a scheme—because it uses the mechanics of language to emphasize meaning.

Verbal Irony in Shakespeare's Julius Caesar

For Brutus is an honorable man; So are they all, all honorable men,

This quote from Julius Caesar comes from Marc Antony's speech at Caesar's funeral. Antony needs to hold Brutus and his conspirators accountable for Caesar's death without contradicting the crowd's positive impression of Brutus, so Antony uses verbal irony to simultaneously please and trouble the crowd. On the surface, Antony says what the audience wants to hear (that Brutus is honorable), but it becomes clear over the course of his speech that he means the opposite of what he says (and over time he convinces the audience to believe this opposite meaning as well). This is a figure of speech (a trope) because it's based on a play on the meaning of Antony's words.

Figures of Speech Examples in Music

Figures of speech are also common in music. Schemes fit naturally with songs because both schemes and songs manipulate sound and rhythm to enhance the meanings of words. Music also uses many tropes, because using words that have meanings beyond their literal ones makes language more interesting, and it allows songwriters to create music that uses just a few words to imply a complex meaning.

Assonance and Metaphor in Rihanna's "Diamonds"

So sh ine br igh t ton igh t, you and I We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y Eye to eye , so al i ve We're beautiful l i ke d i amonds in the sk y

Rihanna uses assonance when she repeats the " eye " sound throughout the chorus of "Diamonds." This make the words echo one another, which emphasizes the similarity between the singer, the person she's talking about, and the "diamonds in the sky" to which she's comparing them both. Assonance is a scheme because it's using the sound of words—not their meaning—to draw a parallel between different things.

Rihanna also uses the phrase "Diamonds in the sky" as a metaphor for stars. This is a trope—a phrase that means something other than what it literally says—as Rihanna obviously doesn't think that there are actually diamonds in the sky. This verse is a good example of how figures of speech can often work together and overlap. In this case, the metaphor that allows her to use "diamonds" instead of "stars" also fits into her use of assonance (because "stars" lacks the "eye" sound).

Personification in Green Day's "Good Riddance"

Another turning point, a fork stuck in the road Time grabs you by the wrist, directs you where to go

While the first line of this song uses "a fork stuck in the road" as a metaphor for a choice, the more arresting figure of speech at work here is the personification of time in the second line. By giving "time" human characteristics—the ability to grab a person and tell them where to go—Green Day is helping listeners to make sense of the power that time has over people. This is a trope because the line doesn't mean what it literally says; instead, it's asking listeners to make a comparison between the characteristics of time and the characteristics of a person.

Anastrophe in Public Enemy's "Fight the Power"

Straight up racist that sucker was Simple and plain

In the line "Straight up racist that sucker was," Public Enemy uses anastrophe (which is the inversion of typical word order) to preserve the rhythm of the verse. Instead of saying "That sucker was straight up racist," Public Enemy chooses an odd phrasing that has one stressed syllable followed by two unstressed syllables— " ra cist that su cker was/ Sim ple and plain ." This way, the beat falls more regularly across those two lines, which allows the rapper to make his point (that Elvis was racist) without the flow sounding awkward. Since anastrophe manipulates the order of words in order to achieve a rhythmic effect, it's a scheme.

Why Do Writers Use Figures of Speech?

Figures of speech is a category that encompasses a broad variety of literary terms, so it's difficult to give one answer to this question. Writers use different figures of speech to achieve different effects.

Schemes (figures of speech that manipulate sound, syntax, and word order) can make language more beautiful, persuasive, or memorable. Writers can use schemes to draw attention to an important passage, to create a sound that mirrors (or contrasts with) the meaning of words, or to give language a rhythm that draws the reader in. As schemes tend to work through sound and rhythm, they generally produce a visceral effect, or an effect felt in the body—broadly speaking, schemes are more sensory than intellectual.

In contrast, writers use tropes to grab the reader intellectually by adding complexity or ambiguity to an otherwise simple word or phrase. Tropes can ask the reader to make a comparison between two unlike things, they can impose human qualities on nonhumans, and they can mean the opposite of what they say. Tropes engage the intellect because the reader has to be alert to the fact that tropes do not use language at face value—a trope never means what it literally says.

All figures of speech help a writer to communicate ideas that are difficult to say in words or that are more effectively communicated non-verbally. This could be by repeating harsh consonants to create a scary atmosphere, or by using a metaphor to impose the qualities of something concrete (say, a rose) onto something more difficult to define (say, love). In general, figures of speech attempt to bring out a reader's emotion and to capture their attention by making language more colorful, surprising, and complex.

Other Helpful Figure of Speech Resources

• Silva Rhetoricae on Figures of Speech : An excellent reference from BYU that explains the various ways that figures of speech have been categorized over history, including into schemes and tropes.
• Silva Rhetoricae on schemes and tropes :
• The Oxford Reference Page for Figure of Speech : A helpful definition of figures of speech in the context of the ancient study of rhetoric (did you know that the Roman rhetorician Quintillian defined "figure of speech" in 95 AD?)
• What Are Tropes in Language? Skip to the "Distinction Between Figures and Tropes" section and read to the end—full of informative and thought-provoking discussion about tropes.
• A YouTube video about tropes and schemes with pop culture examples.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
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How To Use Figurative Language To Enhance Your Writing

• What Is Figurative Language?
• Figurative Language Vs. Literary Devices
• Using Figurative Language
• Take The Quiz

In writing, we use a lot of different figures of speech. In your own writing, you have likely used a simile in a sentence such as It was as hot as the sun. Or perhaps you like creating clever puns such as She brought the planks of wood to the board meeting. Both of these popular types of wordplay are examples of figurative language . Not only is figurative language fun, but it can also really spice up your writing if used effectively. 

In this article, we will:

• explain what figurative language is
• give examples of different types of figurative language
• offer tips for using figurative language creatively

You probably use figurative language already, but learning a bit more about it will ensure that your metaphors, similes, puns, idioms, and hyperbole shine like diamonds . Without any further ado, let’s cut to the chase and learn all we can about figurative language.   

What is figurative language ?

Figurative language is language that uses creative wordplay, expressions, and figures of speech to mean something beyond the literal definition of words. 

Figurative language can be described as the opposite of literal language. When we use words literally, their meaning is usually the same as the meaning that appears in the dictionary. For example, the sentence I went to the grocery store literally means that you traveled to a place that sells food. 

When we use words figuratively, on the other hand, they mean something beyond the definitions of the words themselves. Often, we use figurative language to inspire colorful mental images or make our writing and speech more exciting. 

Let’s look at the sentence It was raining cats and dogs . If we read this sentence literally, it says that cats and dogs fell from the sky. If we recognize it as figurative language, we know that the sentence is actually saying that it was raining a lot. As you can see, figurative language requires us to go beyond the literal meanings of words to understand the intent behind them. 

Examples of figurative language

Figurative language includes many different figures of speech and types of wordplay. The following list gives some popular examples of figurative language but is not exhaustive.

A simile is “a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared.” Typically, similes make comparisons using the word like or as .

Example: She ran as fast as lightning. 

2. metaphor

A metaphor is another form of comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: I am a sloth in the morning until I drink my coffee. 

Learning the difference between a metaphor and a simile can be a walk in the park and as easy as pie!

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its elements.

Example: You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

4. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The dish exploded into a million pieces.

Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

Example: I failed my exams and lost my wallet, so it has been a fantastic day so far. 

6. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The cymbals crashed, and the drums boomed.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The article on fishing lures made by secret societies looked interesting, but it turned out to be clique bait.

When they’re not formal and serious, words are perfect for playful linguistic shenanigans, antics, and amusement!

8. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The leaves danced gracefully in the wind.  

9. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

10. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: She saw a lot of familiar faces at the party.

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Figurative language vs. literary devices

A literary device is an element, like a metaphor, that draws us into a story . Some consider literary devices to be the building blocks of literature. When used correctly and effectively, literary devices give writers a way to infuse their work with detail and hint at larger themes, ideas, and meaning.

Some forms of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, are considered to be types of literary devices. However, common literary devices may make use of figurative language, literal language, or both to accomplish whatever goal an author has in mind. 

Elevate your writing by getting to know some of the most common types of literary devices.

For example, foreshadowing is a commonly used literary device. When establishing foreshadowing , an author may use actual events to hint at something that will happen later in a story. For example, a heroine may repeatedly see a black cat wandering around before she discovers that the evil sorcerer disguises himself as a black cat.  

Alternatively, a literary device such as symbolism may use figurative language to express meaning to a reader. For example, a group of knights in a story may wear clothing with lions on them, and the author may refer to them as lions in the narrative. In this case, the author is using symbolism; the knights are not literal lions. The author compares them to lions using figurative language in order to emphasize their courage, pride, and ferociousness. 

Often, figurative language and literary devices are used together by writers in order to draw readers in with clever and imaginative use of words, themes, and plots. 

How to use figurative language

Using figurative language in your writing is a great way to catch a reader’s attention and make your text more creative and exciting. However, there are some important tips to keep in mind when using figurative language. 

Arguably the most important part of figurative language is ensuring that your reader understands what you are saying. If you use an expression your reader doesn’t know or make a comparison that your reader doesn’t understand, you have unnecessarily made your writing worse. As a writer, you must always keep your audience in mind. So if you’re unsure who your audience is, it is best to stick to common expressions and make your wordplay easy to understand. 

For example:

❌ Confusing: The pickpocket was a hyena among oryx; it was like shooting fish in a bucket. 

✅ Better: The pickpocket was a wolf among sheep; it was like taking candy from a baby. 

The second example shows how to use figurative language effectively. It relies on common, well-known animals in a simple metaphor and also uses a common expression. Even if a reader hasn’t heard the expression like taking candy from a baby , it is pretty clear from the context that it is referring to easily committing a crime. 

Another thing to keep in mind before using figurative language is the type of writing you are doing. Specifically, are you engaging in formal writing or informal writing? Figurative language is more likely to be used in informal writing. While formal writing does usually allow for figurative language, it is often a lot more difficult to use figurative writing effectively in formal writing. 

In formal writing, lighthearted figurative language such as puns, hyperbole, and whimsical similes will often come across as distracting, unprofessional, and inappropriate. In formal settings, it is best to stick to serious uses of figurative language that don’t detract from the tone or professionalism of the writing. 

❌ Informal language: The senator had to get out while the getting was good because he knew his argument wasn’t going to cut the mustard. 

✅ More formal: The senator had to cut his losses because he knew his argument didn’t hold water. 

Think you’re one smart cookie? Take the quiz!

If you’re confident you’ve got a good grasp on figurative language, try blowing us out of the water, knocking our socks off, and showing us you’re quick as a whip by acing our figurative language quiz .

Give your writing even more of a leg up by learning some rhetorical devices.

Ways To Say

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Figurative Language for Students and Teachers

A Complete guide to figurative language for students and teachers.

WHAT IS FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE? A DEFINITION     

We most often associate figurative language with poetry , but we find figurative language widely used in many other contexts too. We find it in use in everything from fiction and folk music to drama and our daily speech.

The term figurative language refers to any use of language that goes beyond the literal meaning of the words themselves. In many instances, the phrase also refers to instances where the use of sounds, syntax, and word order deviates from what is considered the normal patterns of use. It is this definition that we will explore in this guide to uncover different figurative language types.

A COMPLETE UNIT ON TEACHING FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  is like  “SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR AUTHORS.”  It is a powerful tool to create  VIVID IMAGERY  through words. This  HUGE UNIT  guides you through completely understanding  FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE .

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WHY DO WE USE FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE?

In both regards mentioned above, figurative language represents a sophisticated, creative use of language to convey meaning and mood, among other effects. It represents an essential tool in the writer’s toolbox.

These creative applications of language help readers visualize the writer’s intended meaning and establish atmosphere, rhythm, and other stylistic effects. The use of these literary devices creates an effective and beautiful way to communicate through the written and spoken word.

Using figurative language helps speak to a reader’s emotions, as well as articulate more abstract and complex concepts in a relatable way. How a writer uses figurative language in their work constitutes a significant element of their style.

T YPES OF FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Figurative language is a broad category that encompasses all types of figures of speech, including sound devices and imagery.

There are lots of different types of figures of speech , but broadly speaking, these can helpfully be divided into two groups: tropes and schemes .

This article will look at various examples of figures of speech within these two categories. We will define them, provide an example of how they are used, and provide a straightforward activity that requires minimal preparation and will allow students to practice these in class.

FIGURES OF SPEECH: TROPES AND SCHEMES

A trope is a figure of speech that uses words or phrases in a way in which the intended meaning extends beyond the literal meaning of the words used. Some of the most commonly used tropes include metaphor, simile, and personification. But there are many others. We will take a look at some of the main ones below.

Definition: This figure of speech uses exaggeration for emphasis or other specific effects such as humour, for example. As with other figures of speech, it is not meant to be taken literally by the audience or the reader – they are usually in on it. We often use hyperbole in our daily speech.

Hyperbole Examples

• “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!” – This is a common exaggeration parents use and can relate to teenagers.
• “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!” – This is a humorous exaggeration often used to express extreme hunger.
• “I’ve been waiting in line forever!” – This is a typical exaggeration to express frustration with long waits.
• “I’m dying of boredom!” – This exaggeration expresses extreme boredom or lack of interest.
• “I have a ton of homework to do tonight! ” – This is an exaggeration used to express a large amount of work or a heavy workload.
• I could have died of embarrassment. This hyperbolic phrase is often used by teens and, younger people to emphasise their feelings of anxiety, shame or humiliation.

Hyperbole Writing Tips for Students and Teachers :

Do not overuse it: While hyperbole can be a powerful tool, using it too often can make writing seem over-the-top and unrealistic. Therefore, students should use hyperbole sparingly and only when it truly adds value to their writing.

Use Hyperbole in a creative and original manner: When using hyperbole, students should aim to be creative and original in their language. Instead of relying on tired cliches, they should try to come up with new and interesting ways to exaggerate their points.

Never use Hyperbole to deceive, Use it for impact: It’s important for students to remember that hyperbole should never be used to deceive or mislead readers. Instead, it should be used to make a point or to add emphasis to a particular idea. Using hyperbole responsibly, students can make their writing more interesting and engaging without sacrificing accuracy or integrity.

We have a complete guide to hyperbole in literature, which can be found here

Hyperbole Teaching Task: Give students a list of comparative adjectives. You can differentiate these according to the students’ ages and abilities. Challenge students to compose hyperbole based on each of these adjectives. Use the model phrase ‘ brighter than the sun ’ to get the ball rolling.

Definition: An idiom is a figurative use of language that cannot be understood from a literal understanding of the words alone. Idioms are a part of the language, and each language develops its own unique idioms over time. Idioms are similar to other figures of speech except that while most other figures of speech can be the original conceptions of the writer, idioms already exist within the language. Many of Shakespeare’s figures of speech have become crystallized in the language as the idioms of today.

Idiom Examples:

• “Break a leg” is a common idiom used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance or test.
• “Hang out” is an idiom that describes spending time with friends or relaxing with them.
• “Throw shade” – This is a modern idiom used to describe making a rude or disrespectful comment about someone.
• “Bite the bullet” – This is an idiom that describes facing a difficult or unpleasant situation with courage and determination.
• “Couch potato” is an idiom used to describe someone who spends a lot of time sitting on the couch, usually watching TV or playing video games.

Idiom Writing Tips for Students and Teachers

• Understand the meaning and context: Before using an idiom in your writing, understand its meaning and how it’s used in context. Misusing an idiom can be confusing or even change the meaning of what you’re trying to say.
• Know your audience: Some idioms may not be understood by all readers, particularly those who are not native speakers of your language or from different regions or cultures. Therefore, students should consider their audience when using idioms and avoid ones that may be unfamiliar or confusing.
• Use idioms sparingly: While idioms can add color and personality to writing, using too many can be distracting or overwhelming. Therefore, students should use idioms judiciously and only when they really add value to their writing. Additionally, they should try to use idioms that are appropriate for the tone and purpose of their writing.

Idiom Teaching Task: You can help students bridge the gap between their understanding of figures of speech and idioms through this activity. Provide students with a list of idioms on various themes. Discuss these and ensure they have a sense of their meaning. Challenge the students to compose their own figures of speech on each of these themes using the sample idiom as a starting point.

Definition: A metaphor makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating one thing is the other thing. This is usually done by highlighting or suggesting a shared quality or characteristic between the two distinct elements.

Metaphor Examples:

• “Life is a rollercoaster” – This metaphor compares the ups and downs of life to the twists and turns of a rollercoaster ride.
• “Love is a battlefield” – This metaphor compares the challenges and difficulties of love to the struggles of a battlefield.
• “The world is a stage” – This metaphor compares the events of the world to a theatrical performance, where individuals play their parts and have their moment in the spotlight.
• “He’s a rockstar” – This metaphor compares a person’s popularity, success, or charisma to a famous rockstar.
• “School is a prison” – This metaphor compares the experience of going to school to being imprisoned or confined, highlighting the perceived lack of freedom and control that students may feel.

Metaphor Writing Tips for Students and Teachers:

• Originality always impresses: Students should strive to be creative and original when using metaphors. Instead of relying on cliches or overused metaphors, they should try to create unique and interesting comparisons that genuinely enhance their writing.
• Be Consistent: Once a metaphor is introduced in your writing, it should be used consistently throughout your work. This helps to reinforce the connection between the two things being compared and creates a more cohesive and impactful piece of writing.
• Avoid mixed metaphors: A mixed metaphor is when two or more metaphors are used in the same sentence or paragraph, resulting in a confusing or illogical comparison. Students should avoid mixed metaphors and ensure that their comparisons make sense and are consistent throughout their writing. An example of a mixed metaphor is “I smell a rat, but we’ll nip it in the bud.”

In this sentence, “smell a rat” is a metaphor that means to sense that something is wrong or suspicious, while “nip it in the bud” is a different metaphor that means to stop something before it becomes a bigger problem. The two metaphors, however, are contradictory – if you’ve already smelled a rat, it’s too late to nip it in the bud. This creates confusion for the reader and makes the sentence less effective.

Metaphor Teaching Task: Metaphors are commonly used in speech, poetry, plays, songs, and stories. To give your students practice identifying metaphors in a range of contexts, organize them into groups and provide them with a range of the types of reading materials listed above. Have students read and listen to these materials and identify examples of metaphor in each, compiling a list as they go.

Definition: Oxymorons combine two opposing elements into a single phrase or sentence. They can be used to create a range of effects, comedic, dramatic, or thought-provoking.

Oxymoron Examples

• “ Jumbo shrimp” – This oxymoron combines two opposite words to create a humorous and memorable phrase.
• “Pretty ugly” – This oxymoron combines two contradictory words to describe something unattractive or not aesthetically pleasing.
• “Silent scream” – This oxymoron combines two words that are opposite in meaning to describe a scream expressed without sound.
• “Awfully good” – This oxymoron combines two words that are contradictory in meaning to describe something that is both good and bad at the same time.
• “Virtual reality” – This oxymoron combines two words that are opposite in meaning to describe a simulated environment that feels real, but is not actually physical.

Oxymoron Writing Tips for Students and Teachers

• Use oxymorons with purpose : Oxymorons should be used with a specific purpose, whether to create a humorous effect or to add a sense of contrast or contradiction. Students should avoid using oxymorons just for the sake of using them, as this can detract from the impact of their writing.
• Don’t overdo oxymorons: While oxymorons can be effective, using too many in a piece of writing can make it seem contrived or gimmicky. Therefore, students should use oxymorons judiciously and only when they add value to their writing.
• Oxymorons must make sense: An oxymoron combines two words with opposite meanings. However, students should ensure that the combined words make sense and create a clear and compelling contrast. Using a nonsensical oxymoron can confuse readers and undermine the effectiveness of the writing.

Oxymoron Teaching Task: Oxymorons are very common in our daily speech, for example, ‘seriously funny’, ‘random order’, and ‘pretty ugly’. Organise the students into groups and challenge them to come up with as many other common examples as they can. As an extension exercise, ask the students to compose some original oxymorons too.

PERSONIFICATION:

Definition: Personification is a special metaphor where human actions or feelings are ascribed to a non-human thing. When we talk about something that isn’t human as if it was, then we are personifying it – that is, making it into a person. This figurative use of language is most commonly associated with poetry and literary fiction, but we can often find it in our daily speech too.

Personification Examples:

• “ The stars danced in the sky .” – This personifies the stars by giving them human-like dancing qualities, which creates a vivid and engaging image in the reader’s mind.
• “ The wind whispered secrets to the trees .” – This personifies the wind by giving it the ability to whisper secrets, which creates a sense of mystery and intrigue.
• “ The sun smiled down on us .” – This personifies the sun by giving it the ability to smile, which creates a warm and positive image in the reader’s mind.
• “ The car coughed and sputtered to life .” – This personifies the car by giving it the human-like quality of coughing and sputtering, which creates a sense of character and personality.
• “ The waves crashed angrily against the shore .” – This personifies the waves by giving them the human-like quality of anger, which creates a sense of drama and tension in the scene.

Personification Writing Tips for Students and Teachers

• Use personification to create vivid imagery: Personification is a great tool for creating vivid, memorable images in the reader’s mind. Students should aim to use personification to describe things in a way that helps the reader visualize them more clearly and engage with the text on a deeper level.
• Be creative and original: While there are some common examples of personification (such as giving inanimate objects human-like qualities), students should aim to be creative and come up with original ways to personify things in their writing. This can make their writing stand out and be more memorable.
• Use personification intentionally: Personification should be used intentionally and purposefully to enhance the meaning of the writing. Students should consider why they are personifying something and how it adds to the overall effect of their writing. Overuse of personification can be distracting and detract from the impact of the writing.

Personification Teaching Task: Organize the students into pairs. Instruct Partner 1 to compile a list of 10 nouns, these can be inanimate objects such as a pencil , a chair etc or natural phenomenon such as moon , stars , sun etc. Have Partner 2 compile a list of 10 verbs associated with the actions of human beings, for example laugh , tell , sing etc.  When both partners have completed their lists they can use their nouns and verbs to write their own personification sentences.

Definition: Similes make comparisons between two seemingly unrelated elements by using ‘like’ or ‘as’ to highlight a common quality or characteristic both things share. Similes make a comparison by suggesting a similarity between two things, rather than making a comparison by stating that one thing is something else – such as we find with metaphors.

Simile Examples:

• “ He runs as fast as a cheetah .” – This simile compares the speed of a person to that of a cheetah, which creates a vivid image in the reader’s mind.
• “ She sings like an angel .” – This simile compares the quality of a person’s singing to that of an angel, which creates a sense of beauty and grace.
• “ The water was as cold as ice .” – This simile compares the temperature of the water to that of ice, which creates a sense of discomfort and coldness.
• “ The room was as dark as night .” – This simile compares the level of darkness in a room to that of nighttime, which creates a sense of foreboding or danger.
• “ His heart pounded like a drum .” – This simile compares the sound of a person’s heartbeat to that of a drum, which creates a sense of urgency or excitement.

Simile Writing Tips for Students and Teachers

• Choose effective comparisons: A simile is only effective if it makes a clear comparison that enhances the reader’s understanding or emotional response to the text. Students should choose comparisons that are relevant, impactful, and easy to understand.
• Be creative: While some similes are commonly used, students should strive to be original and creative with their comparisons. Using unique or unexpected similes can make their writing more engaging and memorable.
• Use similes with purpose: Similes should be used purposefully and intentionally to add meaning or emotion to the text. Students should consider why they are using a simile and how it contributes to the overall effect of the writing. Using similes can make the writing seem contrived or formulaic, so students should use them sparingly and only when they add value to the text.

Simile Teaching Task: Begin this activity by asking students to compile a list of say 10 nouns and 10 adjectives. Challenge the students to form original similes utilising the nouns and the adjectives on their list to set up a simile comparison. For example, if they choose the noun cat and the adjective smart they must generate the final element to complete their simile, for example, The cat is as smart as a computer . They should do this until they have completed a simile for all items on their lists. Encourage them to strike a balance between the similes that use like to make the comparison and those that use as .

SYNECDOCHE:

Definition: This figure of speech most often occurs when a part of a thing is used to represent the whole of a thing. However, it can also occur when the whole of a thing is used to stand for a part of a thing. The first type is called microcosm and the second, macrocosm . This trope is better conveyed through illustration than explanation.

Synedoche Examples:

• “ I need to hit the books .” – In this phrase, the word “books” represents studying or academic work as a whole.
• “ All eyes were on him. ” – In this phrase, the word “eyes” is used to represent the attention or focus of a group of people.
• “ Check out my new wheels. ” – In this phrase, the word “wheels” represents a car or other vehicle as a whole.
• “ The team needs some fresh legs. ” – In this phrase, the words “fresh legs” represent new or rested players who can contribute to the team’s success.
• “ Can you give me a hand? ” – In this phrase, the word “hand” represents physical help or general assistance.

Synedoche Writing Tips for Students and Teachers

• Use synecdoche purposefully : Synecdoche can be a powerful tool for creating memorable and impactful writing, but it should be used purposefully and with intention. Students should consider why they are using synecdoche and how it contributes to the overall meaning or effect of their writing.
• Choose practical parts to represent the whole: Synecdoche relies on a part of something to represent the whole. Students should choose relevant, recognizable, and effective parts conveying the larger concept or idea.
• Be clear and concise: Synecdoche can be confusing if not used clearly and concisely. Students should be careful to explain the larger concept or idea that is being represented by the part, and avoid using too many synecdochical phrases in a single piece of writing.

Synedoche Teaching Task: Organize students into groups and give out copies of old newspapers. Challenge the students to spot examples of synecdoche in the various articles and then highlight them. They may wish to use two separate colors for identifying the two different types mentioned above.

II. SCHEMES

Schemes are a figurative use of language that deviates from the usual mechanics of a sentence. This may be in terms of syntax, sound, or word order. Writers can use schemes to create rhythm, musicality, or to draw comparisons or contrasts within a text. They are particularly associated with poetry, as they often work on a rhythmic basis or through sound. Unlike tropes, schemes operate on a sense level more than an intellectual level.

ALLITERATION:

Definition: The repetition of the initial consonant sound of consecutive or near consecutive words for effect. Alliteration is also referred to as head rhyme or initial rhyme.

Alliteration Examples:

• “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
• “Sally sells seashells by the seashore.”
• “Billy the brave battled the big bad bear.”
• “The furious fireman fought the fiery flames.”
• “Dancing dolphins dive and dart through the deep blue sea.”

Task: Read some tongue twisters as a class and then challenge the students to produce their own examples.

Definition: The repetition of vowel sounds within a group of words. As with alliteration, the repeating sounds are important, not the letters.

Assonance Examples:

• “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”
• “The cat sat on the mat and licked its paws.”
• “The bright light might blind my sight.”
• “I like to ride my bike by the side of the lake.”
• “I feel the beat and move my feet to the rhythm of the music.”
• Fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese ” by Pink Floyd

Task: Assonance can be used to convey different moods. For example, repetition of long, broad ‘ o ’ and ‘ a ’ sounds can express sadness or melancholy. Challenge your students to write a line that uses assonance to express a selected mood.

CONSONANCE:

Definition: The repetition of consonant sounds anywhere in words near each other. This should be distinguished from alliteration, where the repetition is limited to the sounds at the beginning of words. Alliteration is a particular type of consonance, so all alliteration is a form of consonance, but not all consonance is alliteration.

Consonance Examples:

• “Mike likes his new bike.”
• “The pitter-patter of little feet.”
• “The big, bad wolf blew down the house.”
• “Silly Sally sold seashells by the seashore.”
• “The ship has sailed away to a distant bay.”
• “I’m sure she sells sea-shore shells”

Task: Give out a worksheet with a mix of unmarked examples of alliteration, consonance, and assonance and have the students sort them into the correct categories. You may want the students to use a Venn diagram so they can more easily categorize those that fit into more than one category.

ONOMATOPOEIA:

Definition: Onomatopoeia refers to words that sound like the thing they describe. Onomatopoeia is most commonly seen in poetry, where its use is a powerful tool for the imagination as it imitates the sounds of the things described. A typical example of onomatopoeia can be seen in the names of the sounds various animals make.

Onomatopoeia Examples:

• “Sizzle” – the sound of something frying or grilling.
• “Crash” – the sound of something breaking or smashing.
• “Buzz” – the sound of a bee or an electrical device.
• “Whoosh” – the sound of something rushing past quickly.
• “Thud” – the sound of something heavy falling or hitting a surface.
• “Pop” – the sound of something bursting or exploding.
• “Splat” – the sound of something hitting a surface and spreading out.
• “Chirp” – the sound of a bird or a cricket.
• “Boom” – the sound of an explosion or loud impact.
• “Slurp” – the sound of someone or something drinking or eating noisily.

Task: To get your students thinking about onomatopoeia, give them a theme and challenge them to list as many onomatopoeic words as they can around that theme. This can easily be differentiated for various age groups. For example, younger kids can work on animal sounds like those above, while older students can work on a theme like water (drip, splish, splosh, splash, plop etc). For stronger students, provide them with a theme and task them with creating their own related and original onomatopoeic words.

PARALLELISM:

Definition: This scheme is also known as a parallel structure and applies to sentences or phrases that employ an identical or very similar structure. Parallelism is often used to bring clarity and emphasis and create a memorable rhythm. Some of history’s most memorable speeches and statements used parallelism to great effect and have stayed with us for many decades. Neil Armstrong’s reported words on the moon landing and Martin Luther King’s I Have a Dream speech being prime examples.

Parallelism Examples:

• “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
• “She likes to dance, to sing, and to act.”
• “He spent the day fishing, hiking, and exploring.”
• “The movie was action-packed, suspenseful, and thrilling.”
• “She is talented, funny, and kind-hearted.”
• That’s one small step for a man. One giant leap for mankind. ” by Neil Armstrong.

Task: Provide students with sample sentences that do not use a parallel structure within them. Challenge the students to rewrite the sentences to incorporate a parallel structure into the new sentences. For example, give the students the following sentence:

Do you prefer spicy chicken, pork, or salty fish for the main course?

Students should work to recognize that the underlying structure involves an adjective preceding two of the food options and should rewrite the sentence to include one for the pork. Answers will, of course, vary, but all are valid as long as they conform to the pattern. For example:

Do you prefer spicy chicken, sweet pork, or salty fish for the main course?

These are just some of the various ways language is commonly used figuratively. There are many more, though some of these can be rarely used. It’s best to start with these more common ones before moving on to some more complex literary devices available.

Spending some time working on figurative language in isolation will help students to understand how to use the various figures of speech in their own writing.

But, using them in a confident and unselfconscious manner will require lots of reinforcement throughout the school year.

While early attempts to weave them into their own writing may seem stilted and unnatural, with time and practice, they will become part of a student’s personal style and help enable them to articulate and express their thoughts artistically and coherently.

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❤️The use of  FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  is like  “SPECIAL EFFECTS FOR AUTHORS.”  It is a powerful tool to create  VIVID IMAGERY  through words. This  HUGE 110 PAGE UNIT  guides you through a complete understanding of  FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE  as both a  READER  and  WRITER covering.

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Glossary of literary terms

What is figurative language?

Figurative language refers to words or phrases that are meaningful, but not literally true. If you say “that news hit me like a ton of bricks,” you are using figurative language; listeners understand the news you got was deeply moving, and also know that you were not actually hit by 2000 pounds of bricks (because if you had been you would be dead). Similarly, if you say “he begged me to reconsider, but I had a heart of stone, and I refused,” you are also using figurative language; listeners understand that you are describing yourself as inflexible or unforgiving, and know that your heart is not actually made of stone (because if it were you would be dead).

This fellow is literally swimming in money

There are many ways to use figurative language. Here are some of the more common types, and examples of their use.

An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood from the meanings of its separate words but that has a separate meaning of its own. Many (although not all) idioms are examples of figurative language.

“ Hold your horses ,” the teacher told the students as they were leaving school. (The teacher told the student to slow down, and did not mean that they should pick up their four-legged animals) He was up in the air about whether to go to the concert. (He was undecided, and was not suspended above the ground) The dog ate the muffins in a flash . (The dog ate the muffins quickly, and there was no sudden burst of light) The senator was renowned for throwing his colleagues under the bus in election season. (He was known for blaming others in order to gain an advantage, and was not actually pushing anyone under a moving vehicle)

Metaphors and similes are another category of figurative language use. A metaphor substitutes a word or phrase with one that makes an analogy or explanation with an image.

My desk had a mountain of paperwork on it. (There was no actual mountain, just a large amount of paper) My aunt is a walking encyclopedia , and everyone wanted her on their team on game night. (The aunt is a person with considerable knowledge, but is not actually a multi-volume set of books with legs) He sat quietly, letting her words  soak in . (This person is taking in information, but they are not actually soaking wet while doing so)

A simile is a phrase that uses the words  like  or  as  to describe someone or something by comparing it with someone or something else that is similar.

Fast as lightning , I picked up the paper and read it. (The paper was picked up very quickly; if the person picking it up had been as fast as lightning the paper would had been damaged) Traffic is moving as slow as molasses . (Traffic is moving very slowly, as molasses often does when one tries to pour it out) I am so tired I will sleep like a baby . (Saying you will sleep like a baby means you will sleep deeply, but we don’t know if that is how a baby will sleep; some babies sleep well, and others sleep poorly)

Figurative use of language also takes the form of extreme exaggeration, or hyperbole . This very often expresses an impossibility or near impossibility:

She literally was swimming in money. (The person described did not actually swim through a pool of currency, but merely had a lot of money) Tickets sold out at light speed. (The tickets sold very quickly; they did not move at 299,792,458 meters per second) The show went on forever. (The show lasted for a very long time)

Personification

Finally, if we give our words qualities or abilities that people have but that the things we are describing can’t logically possess, the result is a different kind of figurative language called personification .

We saw lights dance in the distance. (The lights are twinkling, but are not actually performing a waltz) The wind was howling all night. (The wind was making a noise, but was not using its vocal cords to cry out in grief) The words jumped off the page. (The words made a strong and immediate impression on the reader, but they remained in place on the page on which they had been printed)

In some cases it can be very simple to distinguish one type of figurative language from another: if you say ‘my love is like a flower’ you are using a simile, and if you say ‘my love is a flower’ you are using a metaphor. In other cases, however, you may not be able to easily say whether an example of figurative language is an idiom, hyperbole, or a metaphor (and it may be a combination of some or all of these things).

Using figurative language allows a writer to be both playful and to communicate information effectively to readers. It provides tools for a writer to paint a picture with words (the words are bringing images to the reader’s mind; we do not have groups of letters banding together and wielding paintbrushes and paint).

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How to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

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Figurative language is a great way to make your essays more engaging and interesting for your readers. Not only does it add depth and nuance to your writing, but it also makes your arguments more persuasive.

However, many students don't know how to use figurative language effectively when writing essays.

In this post, we'll explore some of the best ways to use figurative language in your essays. We'll also look at a few specific examples of how to use good figurative language for essays to help you get started. So if you want to add some punch to your writing, keep reading!

What is Figurative Language in Writing

A figurative language is a form of writing that uses words or expressions in a non-literal way to add interest. The terms used in figurative language are not to be taken literally. In other words, it's a literary device that adds deeper meaning to your essay and makes your writing more engaging.

Why do authors use figurative language?

Authors use figurative language to make their stories more interesting to the readers. They also use them to evoke emotional reactions so they can connect deeply with the readers and hold their attention.

Can you use figurative language in academic writing?

Yes. You can use figurative language in academic writing if you are tactical enough to use it well. Academic writing is not always flowery, and using many figures of speech may look like fluff. Therefore, you should use them sparingly.

Importance of Figurative Language in Essays

Why resort to dull writing when you can use literary devices to help you express better, write impactfully and drive the message home? Here’s how you can take your writing to the next level by adding good figurative language for essays.

Makes essays interesting

Let's face it—plain, literal writing can be pretty boring. However, your essay becomes more enjoyable and interesting when you add a few well-chosen metaphors or similes. For instance, compare these two sentences:

Sentence 1: The wind was howling.

Sentence 2: The wind was like a wolf, howling at the moon.

While sentence 1 is not incorrect and reads fine, the second one is interesting and evocative.

Evokes emotions

In addition to making your essay more intriguing, figurative language makes it more evocative. This means that it can create an emotional reaction, which helps you connect better with your readers.

For example, if you're describing a sunset, you could say it was "red and orange." But if you want to evoke an emotional reaction, you could say, "The sunset was like a giant fireball, sinking slowly into the horizon."

Makes a persuasive argument

Finally, figurative language is also helpful when making a persuasive argument as in an argumentative essay . You can use them to communicate complicated ideas more clearly than in literal language.

For example, let's say you're trying to argue that somebody is acting selfishly. Instead of simply saying they're "selfish," you can drive your point home by saying, "She's acting like the world revolves around her!".

What are the 5 Main Types of Figurative Language

Now that you know what figurative language is and the importance of using them in essays, let’s take a look at the five main types of figurative language you can use, along with some examples.

A simile is a figure of speech that uses words "like" or "as" to compare two things that are not actually alike. Similes are often used in poetry and song lyrics to create imagery and help the reader visualize what the writer is saying.

For example, when you say, "My heart was like a rock tumbling down a mountainside," you are painting a vivid picture of how your heart reacted to a situation.

5 examples of a simile:

• As sweet as sugar;
• As strong as an ox;
• Swam like a fish;
• Busy as a bee;
• Cool as a cucumber.

2. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two, unlike things without using the words "like" or "as." For example, you might say, "Love is a rose." to mean that love is beautiful and special, but it can also have thorns that can hurt you.

Metaphors are often used to make complex ideas more relatable and easier to understand.

5 examples of a metaphor:

• Life is a roller coaster ride;
• All the world is a stage;
• She lit up the room;
• He is the apple of my eye;
• John was a fish out of water in his new office.

3. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or comic effect. It's often used in fiction and advertising to grab attention and make an impact.

5 examples of hyperbole:

• I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse;
• She slept for a thousand years;
• It’s raining cats and dogs;
• My work is killing me;
• This essay is going to take years.

4. Personification

Personification is a figurative language that gives human characteristics to nonhuman objects or concepts. It makes descriptions more vivid and interesting by making them relatable to human experiences.

5 examples of personification:

• Flowers danced in the breeze;
• The cameras loved her;
• London is calling;
• The plants were begging for water;
• Life passed me by.

5. Symbolism

Symbolism is when an object or action represents something else, usually something abstract, like an emotion or quality.

For instance, the color black often symbolizes death or darkness, while white might represent purity or innocence. In literature, authors often use symbolism to give their stories more depth and meaning.

Want to learn more about symbolism in writing? Check out this video by Reedsy .

4 Ways to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

Figurative language can turn a simple description into a vivid work of art. However, it can be tough to know where to start if you've never used figurative language before. Here are some practical ways to add them to your essays.

Use hyperbole to reveal character traits

Hyperbole is an excellent tool to reveal the character traits of characters in your essay. You can use them to express how a particular character thinks, acts, feels, or behaves.

An exaggerated speech can show precisely how they feel about a situation. For instance, when a character says: "I tried calling you a million times!" This can reveal that the character is young, dramatic, and impatient.

Use metaphors to describe situations and settings

Similes and metaphors are the best figures of speech for describing situations or settings.

For instance, you could say, "Life is a journey" to describe the ups and downs of life's experiences. Or, you can say, "She was as angry as a hornet" to describe someone who was very angry.

Create some humor

You can use figurative language like hyperbole or personification to create a little humor in your essay. The exaggeration that comes with hyperbole can make your writing humorous and exciting to read.

For instance, when describing a disastrous date you went on, you might write: "He was chewing with his mouth open the whole time, and I was sure I saw something moving around in there. I don't think I've ever been so disgusted in my life."

By exaggerating the grossness of the situation, you add humor and a gross-out factor to your story, which will keep your readers entertained.

Use symbolism to give more meaning to objects

Make your readers think critically by giving more profound meaning to objects, animals, or characters with a symbolic meaning.

• Animals often symbolize various aspects of human nature. For example, the coyote is often seen as a trickster figure, while the bear often symbolizes strength.
• Colors often symbolize different ideas or emotions. For instance, white often represents purity or innocence, while black represents death or evil.

What is an example of a figurative language paragraph?

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare writes, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun."

Shakespeare uses a simile to compare Juliet to the sun in this instance. He is saying that just as the sun brings light to the dawn, Juliet brings light into Romeo's life.

5 Tips To Use Figurative Language Effectively In Essays

When adding figurative language to your essays, you have to be tactical so they don't distort the meaning or disrupt the natural flow of your writing. Here are five tips on how to use figurative language effectively in essays.

Understand your goal

Before using any figurative language in your essay, know why you want to use them and whether they fit into the content. Also, understand whether they match the tone and style of your writing before adding them to the essay.

Use metaphors and similes sparingly

While metaphors and similes can make your essays interesting, they can become cliche and lose meaning if overused. When writing your essays, use them sparingly and only when they genuinely impact your writing.

Choose your words carefully

Figurative language is all about using words in new and interesting ways. When choosing your words and phrases, don't be afraid to experiment. Try out different figures of speech until you find the best fit for your essay context and message.

Strike a good balance

It's essential to strike a balance when using figurative language. Too much and it will become confusing and difficult to follow; too little and it will have no impact.

Find a middle ground that allows you to effectively communicate your ideas without overwhelming the reader.

Know the meaning

Finally, avoid flushing figures of speech into your essay just because you've heard them or read them somewhere. If you're unsure of the meaning, research and understand it first, and see if it fits your essay before ambiguously fixing words and phrases.

Final thoughts

Figurative language is a powerful tool that can add depth and dimension to your essays. Since they are diverse and dynamic, you must choose your words and phrases carefully to find the ones that work best for your essay.

Once you understand how to effectively use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, and symbolism, you can create vivid images, emphasize important points, and set the tone for your story.

Now that you know how to add good figurative language for essays, don't hesitate to use them in your next essay writing assignment — you may be surprised by how striking and captivating your essay comes out.

At Writers Per Hour , we have expert writers who are aware of different literary devices such as figurative language and know how to use them to takes essays to the next level.

What’s more, apart from writing essays from scratch, we also provide editing and proofreading services and give your essays that final finishing touch that can help you get the grades you desire.

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Simile Examples in Literature and Everyday Language

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Similes are like spices for writing : Used in the right proportion, they can add zest and verve to your prose. Once you're familiar with them, you'll likely notice that simile examples abound in everyday speech , writing, song lyrics and even advertising slogans.

Here, we'll take a look at some simile examples, as well as how they differ from other types of figurative language such as metaphors.

What Is a Simile?

13 common simile examples, 5 similes in classic literature, what is the difference between a simile and a metaphor, how to teach similes.

A simile is a type of figurative language that draws a direct comparison between two different things. This figurative language can be used for emphasis, surprise, irony or any number of effects. A simile uses the words "like" or "as" to make an explicit comparison between the two things.

Similes have been used throughout history, both in everyday speech and as literary devices in poetry, novels and plays. Similes can create vivid images in a piece of writing, or they can add color and clarity to conversation.

It's likely that you've heard, or used, the following common examples of similes. They're often found in contemporary American English, although as with all things in speech, they change over time in popularity.

• Busy as a bee : "She's as busy as a bee with her new volunteer position." Our association with bees as "buzzing" with activity, flying from flower to flower — and to and from the hive — makes this simile example work.
• Light as a feather : "The carbon fiber bike feels as light as a feather." Feathers are light enough to float calmly on the breeze, emphasizing how light the bicycle feels.
• Cool as a cucumber : "She was in deep trouble, but she was acting as cool as a cucumber." Cucumbers are served cool, which accentuates the emotional coolness being depicted in the sentence.
• Cold as ice : "When we arrived at the cabin, the interior was as cold as ice." This one is pretty obvious: The interior was cold enough to remind the speaker of ice.
• Proud as a peacock : "That fellow must be as proud as a peacock." The large and vivid feathers displayed by peacocks are often thought of as denoting pride.
• Like watching paint dry : "Sitting through that Zoom meeting was like watching paint dry." The idea here is that paint dries very slowly and, without any perceptible visual interest, is very boring.
• As American as apple pie : "A picnic on the Fourth of July is as American as apple pie." Apple pie, being considered a signature dessert in American culture , symbolizes a deep association with the United States.
• Like cats and dogs : "The siblings fought like cats and dogs over the inheritance." As two species that often don't get along, the notion of them fighting creates a strong descriptive image.
• Like two peas in a pod : "The friends were like two peas in a pod." This simile trades on the fact that peas are placed in pods very close together.
• Blind as a bat : "Without her glasses, she's as blind as a bat." Since many bat species have very poor vision, the simile emphasizes her inability to see without glasses.
• Brave as a lion : "When facing adversity, he is as brave as a lion." Like many popular examples of similes, this simile anthropomorphizes an animal. In this case, the lion is presumed to have bravery, and the person is compared to that animal.
• Strong as an ox : "If you're looking for help moving furniture, Ken is as strong as an ox." In another animal simile example, Ken's strength is being vividly evoked by comparing him to an ox.
• Clean as a whistle : "We took a look at the suspect's record, and they're as clean as a whistle." This example is meant to show that the person's record is spotless, or free of anything negative.

The use of simile as a literary device goes way back in world literature, being found in poetry , drama and prose. The English language has plenty of examples of similes from antiquity to the present day, illustrating just how effective they are at creating a vivid image in the mind of the reader.

1. From the Robert Burns poem 'A Red, Red Rose'

You've probably heard this one before, as it's been repeated to the point of parody (but you might not have realized that the poem is old enough to include spelling from an antiquated Scottish dialect).

Here, the poet compares his love to the newly sprung (or freshly sprouted), bright-red rose of springtime. In the second couplet, the poet relates his love to a sweetly melodic song.

2. From the William Wordsworth poem 'I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud'

Here, both the title of the poem and its first sentence uses the same simile. In this as in other literature examples, the simile uses a mental image to create a mood and illustrate an idea.

3. From the play 'Macbeth'

The works of William Shakespeare have a great many examples of similes and metaphors. In this example, the simile helps illustrate that Macbeth knows the risk he would be taking by following through with his plan to kill King Duncan.

4. From 'Romeo and Juliet'

This example of a Shakespearean simile makes a comparison between love and the painful prick of a thorn, highlighting the emotional pain that can follow when things don't go well.

5. From 'A Christmas Carol'

In this Charles Dickens classic, the comparison between two apparently unlike things makes for a powerful image. In Dickens' day, door-nails , unlike other nails, were bent in such a way that ensured they could not be re-used.

Unlike similes, metaphors do not use the words "like" or "as" to draw a comparison between two or more nouns . Instead, they simply state that one thing is another. Metaphors are therefore a bit harder to spot, but once you get used to it, you'll see they are also very common. In fact, some are simply variations on the simile examples outlined earlier.

• "You've been a busy little bee, haven't you?" In this case, the person being addressed is being directly called a bee, without the use of "like" or "as," marking it as a case of metaphor.
• "I was lucky to have her during those trying times; she was my rock." In this case, the speaker uses the image of rock as steady and solid to convey how they relied on someone else. Once again, there is no "like" or "as" being used. The person is instead being directly characterized as a rock.
• "When it comes to sinking baskets from outside the paint, he's a machine." The speaker is emphasizing impressive reliability and consistency by drawing a comparison to the player and a machine.

Whether working with students, or seeking to improve your own writing, it helps to start by studying other writers. The literature examples above are good to know about, both to inspire your own and to avoid using common similes that are overly familiar.

It can be helpful to go back to a simple simile definition: a part of speech comparing two apparently dissimilar things. Often, it's a person and an animal. What's being drawn out is a particular quality that unites them, such as in "She is as wise as an owl."

The person's wisdom is being compared to that of an owl , an animal classically associated with wisdom (in part, due to its ties to the Greek goddess Athena).

From here, you can get creative and see if you can come up with your own owl simile examples, such as "as silent as an owl in flight" or "as watchful as an owl." This can be a terrific way to get more originality into your writing.

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50 examples of allusion.

• My Mom has a Spartan workout routine.
• Keith was speeding down the empty road in his Mustang and listening to “ Smells Like Teen Spirit ” on the radio.
• This was our Declaration of Independence and if Mom didn’t let us go to that concert, she would be our King George III .
• Some people are calling me the Tiger Woods of miniature golf.
• Don’t go thinking you’re Robin Hood just cause you took an extra peppermint from the candy jar.
• You don’t have to be Albert Einstein to understand poetry.
• She thinks that she loves me, and Christopher Columbus thought he was in India.
• Don’t wear an Abraham Lincoln hat on your first date.
• We do serious work in my classroom. It isn’t the Mickey Mouse Club over here.
• Look, I’m no Mother Teresa . I’ve made my mistakes, but I’m trying.
• Come. Be the Cleopatra to my Mark Antony .
• As I walked through the graveyard, Beethoven’s “Symphony No. 9” played in my head.
• Did you think that you were at Buffalo Bill’s Wild West show when you met my parents?
• When Donna got her income tax refund check in the mail, she was so happy that she did the Moonwalk .
• Plutarch was good, and so was Homer too. if Shakespeare could write, than so can you.
• Well, I’m no Hercules , but I could open that jelly jar for you.
• Why does Cap’n Crunch always wear that Napoleon hat?
• Why should I read “ Hamlet ” or study the Battle of Hamburger Hill when the world is happening outside my window?
• She reminded me of the mother Mary in her grace.
• You don’t have to be William Shakespeare to write poetry.
• If you keep pushing me, I’m going to turn into the Incredible Hulk on you.
• My sister’s house is not the Ritz-Carlton , but it is warm and dry.
• Just because someone has different political views than you doesn’t make them Adolph Hitler .
• We were listening to “ Here Comes the Sun ” by The Beatles , right when it started raining.
• He gets one three point shot in gym class and now he thinks that he’s Steph Curry .
• Just as I sat down to cry, a Bob Marley song came on the radio, and I decided to dance instead.
• What if George Washington really did tell lies? Who would know?
• Omar was walking down the block, whistling “ The Farmer in the Dell .”
• Our city needs a real-life Batman .
• You don’t have to be Michelangelo to copy and paste images of Michelangelo’s artwork.
• My mom tried to get me to watch a movie called Mona Lisa Smile .
• I want to grow those big fat Elvis sideburns.
• When we saw my cousin in his army uniform, we all started calling him G.I. Joe .
• I’ll be your Romeo if you’ll be my Juliet .
• Kelly couldn’t help but to notice that the new boy was reading Lord of the Flies during study hall.
• He’s a nice guy, Janie, if you can get past his Krusty the Clown haircut.
• He took command of his home like he was Caesar in Rome.
• Janice was listening to “ Single Ladies ” by Beyonce and putting on her makeup.
• I might have to do my flying Bruce Lee kick if you keep playing with me.
• That’s the kind of beard that Teen Wolf would grow.
• Don’t wear those big red Ironman boots to the party.
• The boy on the horse whistled “ Yankee Doodle ” on his way to town.
• She’s going to do her Marilyn Monroe thing over the vent.
• Chrissy has a Lion King poster in her room.
• Instead of going to the party, Kara stayed home and read The Hunger Games .
• My uncle was watching The Godfather and smoking a cigar.
• She was reading a book of poems by Emily Dickinson and listening to the sounds of nature.
• As Thomas chased after the bus, he felt like he was Frodo Baggins in The Lord of the Rings .
• I’ve got the speed and power of a young Mike Tyson .
• Go ahead, ask me anything. I’m like Google over here.

thank you for posting

Please curate your posts. So many of these are just literal statements, like “Kara stayed home and read The Hunger Games.”

There are some good examples of allusion, but others are not. For example, “Janice was listening to “Single Ladies” by Beyonce and putting on her makeup.” is NOT an allusion. An allusion is a literary, cultural, mythological, or historical reference that is not explained in the text in which it appears. The writer assumes that readers will understand the reference. In the above example, there is no reference to understand. Janice is listening to a song. The song is titled Single Ladies. Beyonce sings the song.

Thank you for posting this. I was just about to write the exact same thing.

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