Figurative Language:
uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful.
Types of Figures of Speech
1. Metaphor
When you use a metaphor, you make a statement that doesn’t make sense literally, like “time is a
thief.” It only makes sense when the similarities between the two things become apparent or
someone understands the connection between the two words.
2. Simile
A simile compares two things like a metaphor; but, a simile uses the words “like” and “as.”
3. Personification
Personification gives human characteristics to inanimate objects, animals, or ideas. This can
really affect the way the reader imagines things. This type of figurative language is often used in
children’s books, poetry, and fictional literature.
4. Hyperbole
A hyperbole is an outrageous exaggeration that emphasizes a point, and can be ridiculous or
funny. Hyperboles can be added to fiction to add color and depth to a character.
5. Symbolism
Symbolism occurs when a word which has meaning in itself but is used to represent something
entirely different.
6. Alliteration
is a sound device. It is the repetition of the first consonant sounds in several words. Some good
examples are:
7. Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia is also a sound device. It uses words that sound like their meaning, or mimic
sounds. They add a level of fun and reality to writing.
8. Irony – is a literary device that relies on the difference between expectation and
outcome.
TYPES OF IRONY
a. Verbal irony is the use of language to express the opposite sentiment than what is
expected.
The most recognizable form of verbal irony is sarcasm, where the speaker says
the opposite of what they mean, often for comedic effect.
b. Situational Irony is when the exact opposite of what you expect to happen
happens.
c. Dramatic Irony is when a playwright or a novelist creates an ironic situation that
only the viewer or reader knows about.
9. Litotes – is a deliberate sarcasm used to affirm by negating its opposite.
10. Metonymy – is a figure of speech that replaces the name of a thing with the name
of something else with which it is closely associated.
11. Oxymoron – is putting together two opposite ideas in one statement.
12. Paradox – is a phrase or statement that seems to be impossible or contradictory
but is nevertheless true, literally or figuratively.
