For writing and speaking clearly, creatively and with expression. Figurative Language: language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. For writing and speaking clearly, creatively and with expression.

Simile A simile is a comparison between two different things using the word “like” or “as” to make the comparison.

Simile Examples 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.

Metaphor A metaphor is a comparison between two unlike things not using the word “like” or “as” to make the comparison.

Metaphor Examples She was fairly certain that life was a fashion show. The typical teenage boy’s room is a disaster area. What storms then shook the ocean of my sleep. The children were roses grown in concrete gardens, beautiful and forlorn. Kathy arrived at the grocery store with an army of children. Her eyes were fireflies.

Hyperbole Hyperbole is a figurative language technique where exaggeration is used to create a strong effect. 

Hyperbole Examples Charlie gazed hopelessly at the endless pile of bills stretching across the counter. That woman has no self-control. That was the easiest question in the world. Nothing can bother him. I can smell pizza from a mile away. I went home and made the biggest sandwich of all time. My dad is always working.

Personification Personification is a figurative language technique where an object or idea is given human characteristics or qualities.

Personification Examples Money is the only friend that I can count on. Jan ate the hotdog despite the arguments it posed to her digestive system. The world does not care to hear your sad stories. After freedom’s sweet kiss, she could never return to the doldrums of the factory. Peggy heard the last piece of cheesecake in the refrigerator calling her name. Drugs dragged him into this place and they wouldn’t let him leave alive. The buses can be impatient around here.

Alliteration Alliteration is a poetic technique in which the initial consonant sounds of words are repeated in close succession.

Alliteration Examples The child bounced the ball at the backyard barbeque. The captain couldn’t keep the men in the cabin. We sat around the campfire and chomped on chunks of charred chicken. That’s the first photo of France from the Moon. Juggling jack o’lanterns is my job. The ninjas gnashed their knives and nailed their targets

Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is when a word’s pronunciation imitates its sound. 

Onomatopoeia Examples The sheep went, “Baa.” The best part about music class is that you can bang on the drum. It is not unusual for a dog to bark when visitors arrive. Silence your cellphone so that it does not beep during the movie. Dad released a belch from the pit of his stomach. The bridge collapsed creating a tremendous boom. The large dog said, “Bow-wow!” Are you afraid of things that go bump in the night? My brother can burp the alphabet. Both bees and buzzers buzz.