Figurative Language Metaphors, Similes, and Personification

Metaphors A metaphor is a figure of speech in which an implied comparison is made between two unlike things that actually have something in common. Metaphors are most common when comparing two things not using “like” or “as”.

Examples of Metaphors My father is a rock. This means he is a very strong or reliable person. He is compared to a rock because it is a hard, mineral material made of stone.

I'm not an angel, but I wouldn't behave like that. This means they are not a perfect person. They are compared to this because an angel is a spiritual being believed to be a messenger of God.

She was a graceful swan during her dance recital. This means the dancer moved gracefully. The dancer is compared to a swan because a swan moves gracefully.

We would have had more pizza to eat if Tammy hadn’t been such a hog. This means that Tammy ate a lot! She is compared to a hog because hogs eat a large amount without thinking about anyone but themselves.

Cindy was such a mule. We couldn’t get her to change her mind. This means she is a stubborn person. Mules are known for being stubborn.

Our old cat was a bolt of lightning when he caught his prey. The cat is very fast. The cat is compared to a bolt of lightening because it strikes quickly.

Similes A simile is a type of figurative language. A simile is the comparison of two unlike things using the word 'like' or 'as.'

Examples of Similes The girl swam like a fish in the water. The girl was a very good swimmer. She is compared to a fish because fish are natural swimmers.

The twins were like two peas in a pod. The twins were nearly identical. They are compared to peas in a pod because they look the same.

The fish I caught was as big as a whale! I caught a large fish. The fish is compared to a whale because it is the largest aquatice mammal.

My grandfather was as wise as King Solomon and often gave us advice. With the picture.. Should we say wise as an owl? I have a picture of an owl I took..we could use.. Grandfather is very wise. He is being compared to King Solomon because he was known for his wisdom.

The weight lifter was as strong as an ox. The weight lifter was strong! He was compared to an ox because oxen are known for their strength.

Personification Personification is a type of figurative language. Personification is giving human traits (qualities, feelings, action, or characteristics) to non-living objects (things, colors, qualities, or ideas).

Examples of Personification The car engine coughed when it started during the blizzard. The verb, cough, is a human action. The engine is a non-living thing.

The china danced on the shelves during the earthquake. The verb, danced, is a human action. The china is a non-living thing.

The snow whispered as it fell to the ground during the early morning hours. The verb, whispered, is a human action. The snow is a non- living thing.

Personification The video camera observed the whole scene. The verb, observed, is a human action. The video camera is a non-living thing.

The daffodils nodded their yellow heads at the walkers. The verb, nodded, is a human action. The daffodils are non- living things.