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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

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.

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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

• How It Works
• Prices & Discounts

How to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

Table of contents

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.

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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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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
• Downloads of 1917 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,425 quotes across 1917 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Alliteration
• Climax (Figure of Speech)
• Figurative Language
• Parallelism
• Verbal Irony
• Protagonist
• Dramatic Irony
• Characterization
• Anachronism
• Falling Action

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. 

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Figurative vs Literal Language Classification Essay

Introduction, types of figurative language.

This study explores the concept of figurative language and the various types of figurative language that exist. The essay will also focus on contexts in which the various types of figurative language can be used.

Figurative language refers to the use of “figures of speech” in describing something by way of making comparison between it and something else (French and Wettstein, 2001). The use of figurative language does not include the literal meaning of the words. In literature, the use of figures of speech is often associated with poetry. Figurative language is also used in everyday conversations and in writing for the purposes of clarity and emphasis. The proper use of figurative language enhances fiction.

Idiom: According to Fernando (1997), an idiom is a phrase whose meaning cannot be derived from the meaning of the words that make up the phrase. An idiom is grammatically unique. An example of an idiom is “do not count your chicken before they hatch.” This idiom is used to mean that a person should not assume that something would happen until it has happened. Idioms are used to enrich language. They might be misunderstood if the users are not knowledgeable about the meaning.

Analogy: This is used to refer to the use of figurative language to compare two different things with an aim of portraying some similarity between them. An analogy is used to explain the relationships that exist between two terms (Carroll, 1997). A good analogy helps in clarifying issues. An example of an analogy is: “Students are more like oysters than sausages. Teaching is not supposed to stuff and seal them up, but to help them to open up and realize the riches within.” Misunderstanding occurs if the symbols being used do not have meaning to both parties.

Metaphor: A metaphor is used to refer to the comparison made between two things that are not alike but they share something in common (Fernando, 1997). A metaphor is positive and may use words to indicate, “You are something.” For example, “you are what you eat.” The purpose of a metaphor is to state a fact or indicate a verbal picture by using comparison. Use of metaphors may result to misunderstanding if it is difficult to decipher what it implies.

Simile: This is a comparison between two not similar things but they possess certain common qualities (French and Wettstein, 2001). Comparison is expressed by the use of words such as; like, as, than, or as if . Example of a simile is “as white as snow.” The use of similes might lead to misunderstandings when individuals are described using negative qualities.

Cliché: This is an expression or a phrase that has been regularly used until it has become boring (French and Wettstein, 2001). The overuse of the phrase makes it predictable. An example of a cliché is “there is no place like home.” A cliché is used to denote the loss of originality of the phrase. The term might lead to a misunderstanding when used inappropriately.

Amphiboly: An amphiboly can be referred to as an argument that places a lot of reliance on words that are ambiguous with the aim of misleading and confusing a particular audience. It results from a sentence whose structure is faulty (Carroll, 1997). Example of an amphiboly is “best of the beatles.” The purpose of using this form of figurative language is to intentionally mislead. Misunderstanding might arise because the words used are not correct and they tend to have some other meaning other than what the meaning attached to them by the audience.

Flame word: Flame words are used when interacting through the social media such as while chatting through email. Irony and sarcasm is used to irritate the opponent but with no intention of some disagreement (Carroll, 1997). An example of a flame word is; ‘you are such an idiot; I will show how to do it.’ Use of flame words might lead to misunderstanding if one of the parties in the conversation is agitated.

Hyperbole: French and Wettstein (2001) argue that this is the dramatic exaggeration of a statement such that one can hardly believe that there is some element of truth in it. The purpose of a hyperbole is to emphasize the truth of a statement. For example, “he was so hungry that he ate the whole cornfield and stalks.” Misunderstanding occurs because the use of hyperbole demonstrates something that is impossible and unrealistic.

Euphemism: This refers to the replacing of a term that is considered offensive with another which is seen as non-offensive (French and Wettstein, 2001). For example, a word such as ‘died’ may be used in place of ‘passed away.’ Euphemism is used to substitute some words with others. Misunderstanding occurs when the new word used does not have similar meaning to the one it replaces.

Colloquialism: This statement is often used during conversations than while writing or making formal speeches. The use of colloquial statements is important because it gives people a sense of relaxation and freedom from using too formal language (Carroll, 1997). Colloquialism is limiting because the group that commonly uses them can only understand the statements. Example: ‘The MPs were described as ‘numpties’, this is a colloquialism meaning idiots.’

In conclusion, figurative language is widely used in conversations and in writing. The various forms of figurative language have particular meanings and they are used in varying circumstances. Misunderstandings may arise from the use of figurative speech especially when there is lack of shared meaning of the words that are used.

Carroll, D.W. (1997). Psychology of language . New York: Macmillan Publishers.

French, A.P, and Wettstein, K.H. (2001). Figurative Language .London: Blackwell publishers.

Fernando, C. (1997). Idioms and idiomacy .London: Oxford University Press.

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Figurative vs. Literal Language, Essay Example

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Figurative language asserts the creative potential of language. Language here is not used in any conventional manner, where words simply signify specific objects, i.e., the word tree only means tree. Rather, figurative language takes on an entirely new meaning. This, however, does not signify that figurative language is ultimately obscure: figurative language is also communicative, since it wishes to convey meaning. The following essay shall look at forms of figurative language in terms of both its creativity and communicability.

An idiom employs both linguistic creativity and communicability. For Giora (2003), idioms are “more familiar than their literal interpretation” (p. 137), which means that the words that compose an idiom are understood in their figurative as opposed to literal sense. For example, the English idiom “to spill the beans” (Giora, 2003, p. 137) means to reveal some information that is to be kept secret: here, the literal meaning of the terms has nothing to do with its idiomatic function. But proficiency in the English language community means understanding the figurative as opposed to the literal meaning; it is when the idiom is literally understood that leads to misunderstanding. Idiom is thus both creative and pragmatic: It is not a literal use of language, simultaneously this does not mean it is nonsensical.

Analogy employs creativity and communicability, although in a form that is arguably more literal than the idiom. Analogy invites a comparison between terms that thereby intends to communicate, creating a “context” (Giora, 2003, p. 37) where the terms being used in the analogy to foster a “coherent interpretation.” (Giora, 2003, p. 37) As Lord (1854) notes, one of the commonest examples of analogy is to use “head” for “chief” (p. 218): the connection is made between the head, understood to be the seat of the individual will, to the chief of a “body” of individuals. The meaning of this analogy is misunderstood if it is taken literally; furthermore, it can be understood incorrectly if the context has not been established, i.e., that the speaker intends to make such an analogical comparison.

Metaphor uses figurative language to confer a quality to an “object.” What makes it metaphorical is that it is not literally “in” the object. Hence, consider the well known metaphor of a concrete jungle: here, the metaphor takes one quality– “concrete” of the object in question, i.e., the urban environment, – and then combines it with something that is not found in the urban environment, a literal “jungle”, so as to convey the “wildness” of the urban environment. Both communication and creativity exist in the metaphor; the latter is misunderstood once again when the figurative aspect of language is omitted in terms of only literal interpetations.

Simile employs the comparison present in metaphor, but with a clearer link between the terms being compared. Hence, an example of a simile, such as “he is stubborn like a mule”, adds the term “like” to show that a clear comparison is being made. The “like” can even be interpreted here as attempting to prevent a literal interpretation of the simile: the individual himself is not a “stubborn mule”, but is like a stubborn mule. The misunderstanding occurs when either the comparison is not grasped, for example, some one does not know that a mule is stubborn, or that the structure of the simile itself is misunderstood.

A cliché is when figurative language becomes overused. Hence, the initial creative aspect of figurative language is destroyed by constant repetition. Consider the phrase: “think outside the box.” The example is cliché because it is constantly repeated; simultaneously, the very meaning of the phrase implores creative thinking, but is also an example of someone not creatively using language, but merely employing an already existing example of figurative language. The misunderstanding of cliché occurs when someone does not know that this phrase itself is a cliché.

Amphiboly also differs in terms of figurative language to the extent that it involves a confusion, which seems to be the exact opposite of communicability of language. Amphiboly is based on “the structural sequencing of words in a sentence.” (Terzidis, 2005, p. 105) Hence, an example of amphiboly is that of an oracle who stated to a king: “if you cross the river, you will destroy a great empire.” (Terzidis, 2005, p. 107) The confusion here is whether the king will destroy his own empire or the empire of his enemy, and to the extent that the statement is figurative, what such a destruction of a great empire means. The amphibology almost invites its own misinterpretation; however, it is based on communication and creativity, since information is being conveyed in an unconventional linguistic form.

The “flame word” has emerged with the Internet age as a figurative form of provocation. One of the most common “flame words” is “noob”: it is meant to communicate the naivety or inexperience of the one to whom the term is addressed. The term is therefore communicative, but also creative, since the provocation here takes a figurative form. The flame word becomes misunderstood when it fails to communicate this very provocation, perhaps because of an ignorance of the particular flame word used.

Hyperbole is an exaggeration that cannot be literally true. Hence, if one is exhausted he or she may state that “I could sleep for a thousand years.” The creative use of hyperbole in terms of years is not literal, but communicates the fatigue of the speaker. Once again, the misunderstanding of hyperbole is based on its literal as opposed to figurative interpretation.

Euphemism is employed when wants to reduce the severity of a term’s meaning. Hence, in military jargon the term “collateral damage” is used for “civilian casualties.” The attempt is to communicate a particular reality which, for whatever reason, is not desired to be directly or literally communicated, therefore figurative language is employed to minimize the trauma of the initial statement. Euphemism becomes misunderstood when the logic behind its use is taken too literally: i.e., one therefore does not understand that actual civilian deaths occurred in a given military action.

Colloquialism belongs to informal discourses. Hence, for example, the use of “butt” instead of “cigarette” is a colloquial way of stating the latter. To misunderstand the colloquialism is therefore to strip it of its informal context and place it within the standard and literal interpretation of language, for example, if one asks for a “butt” and therefore receives a used cigarette butt in return.

The above examples demonstrate the diversity of forms of figurative language. Simultaneously, however, they can be defined in terms of both their relation to creativity of language and communicability of language. Although figurative language differs from standard or literal language, this means it is creative but not incomprehensible. Rather, figurative language becomes misunderstood when language is reduced to only its literal aspect.

Giora, I.R. (2003). On Our Mind: Salience, Context, and Figurative Language . Oxford: Oxford University Press.

Lord, D.N. (1854). The Characteristics and Laws of Figurative Language . New York: Franklin Knight.

Terzidis, K. (2006). Algorithmic Architecture . London: Routledge.

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Macbeth: Figurative Language

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Simile examples for intermediate readers.

• “Food?”  Chris inquired, popping out of his seat like a toaster strudel.
• Grandpa lounged on the raft in the middle of the pool like an old battleship.
• If seen from above the factory, the workers would have looked like clock parts.
• The truth was like a bad taste on his tongue.
• The people who still lived in the town were stuck in place like wax statues.
• Cassie talked to her son about girls as though she were giving him tax advice.
• Alan’s jokes were like flat soda to the children, surprisingly unpleasant.
• My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray.
• The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop.
• The handshake felt like warm laundry.
• She hung her head like a dying flower.
• Arguing with her was like dueling with hand grenades.
• The classroom was as quiet as a tongue-tied librarian in a hybrid car.
• Janie’s boyfriend appreciated her as an ape might appreciate an algebra book.
• The clouds were like ice-cream castles in the sky.
• The shingles on the shack shook in the storm winds like scared children.
• When he reached the top of the hill, he felt as strong as a steel gate.
• When the tree branch broke, Millie fell from the limb like a robin’s egg.
• She swam through the waters like she was falling through a warm dream.
• They children ran like ripples through water.
• Mikhail scattered his pocket change in front of the beggars like crumbs of bread.
• Her hair was as soft as a spider web.
• Each dollar bill was a like a magic wand to cast away problems.
• The man held the blanket like a memory.
• The ice sculptor’s hands fluttered like hummingbird wings.
• I’m about as awesome as a flying giraffe.
• You are soft as the nesting dove.
• Andre charged down the football field like it was the War of 1812.
• The stars looked like stupid little fish.
• Her laughter was like a warm blanket or a familiar song.
• The river flows like a stream of glass
• Blood seeped out of the wound like red teardrops.
• Paul carried his science project to school like he was transporting explosive glass.
• She looked at me like I was speaking in some strange alien tongue.
• The town square was buzzing like a beehive.
• Kelsey followed her dreams like most kids would follow a big sister.
• Kyle looked at the test with a stare as blank as his notebook.
• The robins are as thick today as flakes of snow were yesterday,
• Her eyes are like the eyes of statues.
• The gray moss drapes us like sages.
• The music burst like a bent-up flood.
• The curtains stir as with an ancient pain.
• But now her hands like moonlight brush the keys with velvet grace.
• I flitted like a dizzy moth.
• The flowers were as soft as thoughts of budding love.
• The gray of the sea, and the gray of the sky, / A glimpse of the moon like a half-closed eye.
• Yes, the doors are locked and the ashes are white as the frost.
• A mist about your beauty clings like a thin cloud before a star.
• She went like snow in the springtime on a sunny hill.
• Then I knew those tiny voices, clear as drops of dew.

Simile Examples for Advanced Readers

• I dream of silent verses where the rhyme glides noiseless as an oar.
• Though they knew it not, their baby’s cries were lovely as jeweled butterflies.
• He kissed her as though he were trying to win a sword fight.
• The paparazzi circled like vultures above a tottering camel.
• She was as distant as a remote tropical island, uncivilized, unspoiled.
• Our hearts, though stout and brave, still, like muffled drums, are beating funeral marches to the grave.
• He had hidden his wealth, heaped and hoarded and piled on high like sacks of wheat in a granary.
• Pieces of silver and of gold / Into the tinkling strong-box fell / Like pebbles dropped into a well;
• The cabin windows have grown blank as eyeballs of the dead.
• What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
• Each face was like the setting sun, / As, broad and red.
• Barefooted, ragged, with neglected hair, she was a thin slip of a girl, like a new moon.
• A fatal letter wings its way across the sea, like a bird of prey.
• I will sing a slumberous refrain, and you shall murmur like a child appeased.
• For she knows me! My heart, clear as a crystal beam / To her alone, ceases to be inscrutable.
• Leaf-strewing gales utter low wails like violins,
• He spit out his teeth like stones.
• Talk of your cold: through the parka’s fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
• Dawn breaks open like a wound that bleeds afresh.
• Like winged stars the fire-flies flash and glance, / Pale in the open moonshine.
• The breath of her false mouth was like faint flowers, / Her touch was as electric poison.
• Then, as a hunted deer that could not flee, I turned upon my thoughts and stood at bay, wounded and weak and panting;
• There are thick woods where many a fountain, rivulet, and pond are as clear as elemental diamond.
• Years heap their withered hours, like leaves, on our decay.
• The ripples wimple on the rills, like sparkling little lasses.
• She was like a modest flower blown in sunny June and warm as sun at noon’s high hour.
• And the face of the waters that spread away / Was as gray as the face of the dead.
• As in depths of many seas, my heart was drowned in memories.
• Then like a cold wave on a shore, comes silence and she sings no more.
• And shout thy loud battle-cry, cleaving the silence like a sword.
• My soul is lost and tossed like a ship unruddered in a shoreless sea.
• The clouds like crowds of snowy-hued and white-robed maidens pass
• Dreams, like ghosts, must hide away; / ‘Tis the day.
• The evening stretches before me like a road.
• I would have hours that move like a glitter of dancers.
• Toby manipulated the people in his life as though they were chess pieces.
• And only to think that my soul could not react, but turned on itself like a tortured snake.
• There are strange birds like blots against a sky.
• She goes all so softly like a shadow on the hill, a faint wind at twilight.
• The horse-chestnuts dropped their buds like tears.
• They walk in awful splendor, regal yet, wearing their crimes like rich and kingly capes.
• Death is like moonlight in a lofty wood that pours pale magic through the shadowy leaves.
• I was sick of all the sorrow and distress that flourished in the City like foul weeds.
• As I read it in the white, morning sunlight, the letters squirmed like snakes.
• Oh, praise me not the silent folk; / To me they only seem / Like leafless, bird-abandoned oak.
• The windflowers and the lilies were yellow striped as adder’s tongue.
• I have seen old ships sail like swans asleep.
• For the world’s events have rumbled on since those days like traffic.
• And dance as dust before the sun, light of foot and unconfined.
• The fishes skim like umber shades through the undulating weeds.
• Gather up the undiscovered universe like jewels in a jasper cup.

Common Core State Standards Related to Simile

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 – Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.5 – Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

ELA Standards: Literature

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

ELA Standards: Language

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5 – Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5a – Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5b – Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5a – Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5b – Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

163 Comments

I like similes….! am sober like a judge

I need a simile describing something negative at school

Esther Owate

I need similies that start with as

as cool as a cucumber

Patricia Wills-Obong

This Similie are awesome

Shiloh Jones

hey guys i need a simile thats about a blank white word document…. like ummmm

the blank white page stared at me like ….?

The blank. White page stared at me like as if there was something on my face

Delony Hamilton

Thank you it helped me with English and even helped me wrote a song.

she was screaming like a donkey and the donkey was screaming like my sister

Friendship is as sweet as ice-cream.

The clear water semmed like as if diamonds were melted into the water.

The clear water was like millions of melted diamonds.

It really helps this because we have assignment and I research for it about similes sentence ty

Abeeha Qadri

Is this sentence of metaphor is right: My sister’s memory is a camera that remembers everything we see

I need to write some similes for describing a hospital

Please help me with this…Write the similes of the following words- sold,tea,teach,reach,take,leave,fence,hear,son,earth please I need help with this words

Pls I need the following similes for… The clear water was like a…. The sick man was as …..as a child. The crafty man got his own way, he is a….

As anxious as…

so enlightening thanks its really good

the kittens fur was like velvet.

bill joy the 2nd

the banana was as yellow as the sun

I love dis. It helped me in doing my English assignment.

Plz help me out. I want to make sentences using both similies in a sentence. Plz help me plz at least five sentences I want

1.The true friendship is as sweet as ice cream 2.Honesty and laughter in a friendship are like bricks that support a building. 3. Friendship is like a circle that never end.s. 4.The heart of the person is like untracked nut. 5.The child is brave like lion.

Thanks for helping with my homework.

my head was aching like the downfall of ten thousand bombs

I am very happy to learn this topic

I’m so stuck with my English homework and I don’t know much about English language, so I need some help for these sentences to create a simile please:

1. A petrol bomb exploding 2. A military jail

Susan de la Vergne

Try freshening up your comparisons. Instead of “eyes blue as the sky” try “eyes blue as a shallow tropical lagoon at dawn.” One danger of similes is using cliches. Writing (and speaking) is much better without cliches.

My pillow was as hard as steel.

Martha Snyder

Help me with this. Write a simile to compare. A person’s eyes to the sky

eyes as blue as the sky or eyes as soft as the clouds

I need a simile The cellphone is like a The boy is small like a

A still pond is like Autumn leaves are like A volcano is like A poppy is like

I like this

i like this similes

Quite informative

this the thing that want and i got it now

please may you email some of your similies please

Why? They are here on this page.

i need a simile His golden fur was like…

Acre7227277272727272

His golden fur was like a candle in a dark room against the darkness behind him

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