Figurative Language simile personification metaphor Alliteration onomatopoeia

Figurative Language Figurative language is language that means more than what it says on the surface. It usually gives us a feeling about its subject. A writers tool It helps the reader visualize (see) what the writer is thinking It puts a picture in the readers mind

What is figurative language? Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Why use figurative language? The writer wants the reader to gain a deeper understanding of what they are writing about The writer wants to give an image to the reader as they are reading The writer wants the reader to make a connection and compare ideas The writer wants to make the words come alive to the reader

Types of Figurative Language Metaphor Simile Hyperbole Personification Alliteration Onomatopoeia Idiom

A comparison between 2 unlike things, using the words “like” or “as” Simile A comparison between 2 unlike things, using the words “like” or “as”

Example Similes I am hungry as a horse. You run like a rabbit.                                                                                                                                  She is happy as a clam. He is sneaky as a snake.

Metaphor a comparison between two unlike things

Example Metaphors Life is a highway. You’re a firework. Time is a river.

give human characteristics to something not human Personification give human characteristics to something not human (i.e., animals, objects, or ideas)

Personification The flowers danced in the wind.                                                              The friendly gates welcomed us. The winds yelled at me outside my window.

Alliteration repetition of the beginning sounds of words

Alliteration Alliteration: when the first sounds in words repeat. Examples Peter Piper picked a pickled pepper. Larry likes to leap. Make up an Alliteration using your first name….                                                             

Alliteration Examples                                                              Stan the strong surfer saved several swimmers on Saturday. Tiny Tommy Thomson takes toy trucks to Timmy’s on Tuesday.

Onomatopoeia: Words that are sounds

Onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia: When a word’s pronunciation imitates its sound. Examples Buzz Fizz Woof Hiss Clink Boom Beep Vroom Zip                                                

Onomatopoeia Examples The firecracker made a loud ka-boom!                                                 The ball went swish as it hit the net. I knew the car was going to break down because it went chuga chuga chug…

Hyperbole An exaggeration used for emphasis. Example: You have told me this a million times.

Idioms An idiom is an expression different from the ordinary meaning of the words. The context can help you understand what an idiom means. Example: “It is raining cats and dogs” means it is raining really hard. - It is not really raining cats and dogs out of the sky.

Idioms An expression that carries a different meaning because of the context in which it is used “slang” terms Examples of Idiom “Up the creek without a paddle” “On top of the world” “Fingers crossed” “Shake a leg” or “Break a leg” “Put a lid on it”