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

A simile is a type of metaphor that uses the words “like” or “as” to compare one object or idea with another to suggest they are alike. Example: He is as busy as a bee.

Mr. Sujka walks as slowly as a snail. Mrs. Shaw’s desk looks as messy as a pigpen. Mrs. Dillard eats like a bird. Miss Hill is as excited as a kid in a candy store.

The metaphor states a fact or draws a verbal picture by the use of comparison. A simile would say you are like something; a metaphor is more positive - it says you are something. Example: You are what you eat.

Miss Hill shot down the sidewalk. Mrs. Shaw’s hair is a bird’s nest. Mrs. Dillard is an angel. Mr. Sujka bombed the audition.

Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial letter, sound, or group of sounds in a series of words. Alliteration includes tongue twisters. Example: She sells seashells by the seashore.

Mrs. Shaw munched on many mini chocolate bars. Mrs. Dillard directed daring children in the school play. Mr. Sujka says serious students are superior at math! Miss Hill baked a big birthday cake yesterday.

A figure of speech in which human characteristics are given to an animal or an object. Example: My teddy bear gave me a hug.

My Siberian husky prances around like a princess when she is happy. I think that mosquito has evil intentions! That cat thinks he is king of our house. The wind screamed, kicking leaves around the yard.

An exaggeration that is so dramatic that no one would believe the statement is true. Tall tales are hyperboles. Example: He was so hungry, he ate that whole cornfield for lunch, stalks and all.

Miss Hill said she would die if she can’t have a chocolate cookie. Mrs. Shaw is older than the hills. Mr. Sujka gave us a ton of homework! Mrs. Dillard has a million things to do today.

According to Webster's Dictionary, an idiom is defined as: peculiar to itself either grammatically (as no, it wasn't me) or in having a meaning that cannot be derived from the conjoined meanings of its elements.

Miss Hill and Mr. Sujka are on the same page about giving homework to students. Mrs. Dillard said my writing was over the top. Mrs. Shaw really went to town with her Christmas decorations. The fourth graders pigged out at the pizza party.

The use of a word to describe or imitate a natural sound or the sound made by an object or an action. Example: snap crackle pop

Zip! My book bag was packed and I was ready for school. My teeth were chattering as I walked to school in the cold. I finished my project with the click of a mouse. The drip drip drip of the faucet was distracting.

Figurative language can enhance your writing if used correctly!