FIGURES OF SPEECH

Figures of Speech an expression that uses figurative language with no literal meaning which provides emphasis, clarity and freshness of expression.

A direct comparison that always contains ‘as’ or ‘like’. SIMILE A direct comparison that always contains ‘as’ or ‘like’. A simile describes something by comparing it to something else. It always contains the words ‘as’ OR ‘like’ to make the comparison. He’s not a good example to the children. He smokes like a chimney, drinks like a fish, and swears like a trooper. He is as wealthy as Bill Gates. Her personality is like a bubble in a bottle of champagne. Life is like a box of crayons.

A direct comparison without ‘as’ or ‘like’. METAPHOR A direct comparison without ‘as’ or ‘like’. A metaphor describes one thing in terms of another, using a statement instead of a comparison. The comparison is implied rather than stated directly. We compare two unlike things that actually have something in common. He is a Bill Gates. She is a bubble in a bottle of champagne. Life is a journey.

Gives human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. PERSONIFICATION Gives human qualities to inanimate objects or abstract ideas. Personification describes the appearance or behaviour of an inanimate object by giving it a quality or characteristic of a living creature. Personification is similar to metaphors in that they are both indirect comparisons. Winter arrived in his coat of orange, red and gold. When opportunity knocks, grab it with both hands. Time waits for no man.

The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. ALLITERATION The repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words. Alliteration often highlights the expression of movement. Alliteration can create a mood of peace, harmony and order. Baby bounces the ball. She sells sea shells on the sea shore. She was wide-eyed and wondering while she waited for Walter to waken.

The repetition of vowel sounds. ASSONANCE The repetition of vowel sounds. Short vowel sounds may create a mood of speed, vitality, joy or suspense. Long vowel sounds slow down the pace and temper the mood. Eccentric Esther enthused her listeners. Clap your hands and stamp your feet. Girls in curls swirled around the stage.

The use of words that mimic sounds. ONOMATOPOEIA The use of words that mimic sounds. Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate and reproduce real-life sounds and actions. The sound effect heightens the visual effect. The firecracker made a loud ka-boom! The sky exploded with a crash, bang and a hissing of fireworks. ‘Snap, Crackle, Pop.’

Contradictory terms appear side by side. OXYMORON Contradictory terms appear side by side. Oxymoron places two seemingly contradictory words next to each other. On analysis, these words evoke a powerful image. When I walked into the room, I was greeted by a deafening silence. Free CD, on sale all week. The mother waved her son off to war with painful pride.

Implies the opposite of what is said. IRONY Implies the opposite of what is said. The essence of irony in all its forms is a gap between how things appear to be and how they really are. Verbal Irony = Say the opposite of what they really mean. Situational Irony = something is happening that ought not to be happening. Dramatic Irony = the audience knows more about what is happening than the characters. “I can’t wait for my detention on Friday afternoon.” A teacher may find herself learning from her students.

When one thing is said but something else is intended or understood. SARCASM When one thing is said but something else is intended or understood. Sarcasm is used with the express purpose of hurting, insulting or humiliating someone. “You must have worked very hard to be bottom of the class.” To someone who is being extremely slow: “No hurry, Desiree, just do it in your own good time.” “Haven’t I seen you somewhere before?” “You probably have – I’ve definitely been somewhere before.”

Deliberate exaggeration in order to make a point. HYPERBOLE Deliberate exaggeration in order to make a point. Hyperbole is an over-exaggeration , not meant to be taken literally. It aims to create humour or to emphasise a point. “I’ve told you a thousand times!” She made enough food to feed an army. I don’t like wearing this jacket, it weighs a ton.

5. Euphemism The substitution of a cultured or less offensive term for a harsh one. EXAMPLES: Eve passed away yesterday. (died) Where can I find a restroom? (toilet) Ten people lost their lives in that accident. (were killed)