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