Figures of Speech in the English Language
Reference Sheet
What is a figure of speech?
A figure of speech is an expression of our language intended to create a unique effect or meaning.
Why do we use figures of speech in our language?
Figures of speech make our language and culture more interesting.
What is figurative language?
It’s spoken or written language that includes figures of speech.
What is the difference between FIGURATIVE language and LITERAL language?
Figurative language often means something different than what is said on the surface. Literal language means exactly what it says. It’s intended to be understood literally.
May I see an example?
My brother is annoying. (literal)
My brother is like a mosquito in my ear. (figurative)
In this example, “annoying” is to be understood literally. In the second sentence
“like a mosquito in my ear” is a figure of speech. (simile) It’s figurative language!
Who uses figures of speech?
We all use figures of speech! In fact, they’re so common we often don’t even realize we’re using them. They can be found in our writing, in our conversations, in songs, in movies, and on television. Using figures of speech is part of what makes our language powerful.
Four commonly used figures of speech are similes, metaphors, personification, and hyperbole.
1) SIMILEScreatively compare two things using the words like, as, and than.
Teacher Example:I get happy as a clown when you work like little machines.
There are two examples of similes creating figurative language above. Comparing myself to a clown and you to machines helps make interesting comparisons. It’s more interesting than the literal version: I get happy when you work hard.
Student Example and Explanation:
2) METAPHORS also compare two things but don't use like, as, and than like similes do.
Teacher Example:Ron got shot down by Amy because he is such a snake.
There are two examples of metaphors creating figurative language above. Ron did not literally get shot by Amy! Also, Ron is not literally a snake! It’s more interesting than the literal version: Ron is not trustworthy, so Amy refused his offer of love.
Student Example and Explanation:
3) PERSONIFICATION is a human element put into something not human. When we use personification we make something like a PERSON.
Teacher Example:That pop machine just ate my money!
Personification creates figurative language above. Applying the human quality, eating, to a pop machine make the machine person like. It’s more interesting than the literal version: I inserted coin in the machine but did not receive my beverage.
Student Example and Explanation:
4) HYPERBOLE is exaggeration used to show emotion.
Teacher Example:I have a ton of homework, and I will just die if I don’t get it done.
There are two examples of hyperbole creating figurative language above. Claiming to have a ton of homework and potentially dying if it’s not finished is more interesting than the literal version: I have a lot of important homework.
Student Example and Explanation: