Figurative Language

. . . describing ordinary things in extraordinary ways . . .

ALLITERATION The repetition of the same consonant sound.

The beautiful bouquet blossomed in the bright sun.

The candy was killing my cavity.

Simile A comparison using “like” or “as”

Her eyes were shining like stars.

After the race, Bryan panted like a dog in hot weather.

A comparison of two unlike objects by saying one thing is the other. METAPHOR A comparison of two unlike objects by saying one thing is the other.

“Freddy is a pig when he eats.” Both Freddy and a pig are sloppy eaters.

Her face seemed to be a firecracker, exploding with embarrassment.

HYPERBOLE A deliberate exaggeration used to make a point.

She cried an ocean of tears.

From “The Adventures of Pinocchio” “He cried all night, and dawn found him still there, though his tears had dried and only hard, dry sobs shook his wooden frame. But these were so loud that they could be heard by the faraway hills…” The crying of Pinocchio all night until his tears became dry is an example of hyperbole.

Giving objects and animals human characteristics Personification Giving objects and animals human characteristics

The book was so popular, it flew off the shelves.

My flowers were begging for water.

IMAGERY Words or phrases that appeal to the 5 senses; used to help the reader experience the action more fully.

becomes . . . “The tired runner won the race.” Watch what happens when you include imagery in your writing. . . “The tired runner won the race.” becomes . . .

Dripping with sweat, the runner dragged himself exhausted across the finish line. Every muscle throbbed as he slowly forced one foot in front of the other.

When he collapsed onto the rough pavement of the track, he suddenly heard the tumultuous roar of thousands of voices from the stands. Only then did he realize he had crossed the finish line first.

Using words which imitate the sound they describe. ONOMATOPOEIA Using words which imitate the sound they describe.

“The sack fell into the river with a splash”

“It went zip when it moved and bop when it stopped, And whirr when it stood still. I never knew just what it was and I guess I never will.” From “The Marvelous Toy” by Tom Paxton

IDIOM A phrase that has a hidden, different meaning beyond the actual words.

The homework was over his head. (The homework was too hard.)

My little sister drives me up the wall sometimes. (My little sister irritates me sometimes.)

She hit the nail on the head. (She has the right answer.)

Oxymoron A phrase using two contradictory words: pretty ugly, alone in a crowd, bitter sweet, organized chaos.

Jumbo Shrimp Living Dead Seriously Funny Minor Crisis