What is Figurative Language? A type of descriptive language where the meaning of the phrase is not to be taken literally or word for word. The phrase has a deeper or more abstract meaning.

An example of figurative language is “The skier flew down the hill, cutting the snow like a razor.” An example of literal language is “The skier skied quickly down the hill.”

Which of these sentences involves figurative language? The river cut through the blanket of snow. I watched the river. Life is a river with many twists and bends before it finally runs free.

Types of Figurative Language

The sleeping child looked like an angel from above. The child slept peacefully. The baby’s cries pierced the air like a siren. The fog crept upon the countryside as quietly as a cat. Which of the examples below involves the use of a simile? A simile is a type of figurative language that involves a comparison between two objects using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’.

A metaphor is a type of figurative language that involves a comparison between two objects that is suggested, not specifically stated. Which of the examples below involves the use of a metaphor? Life can be full of obstacles we have to overcome. Life is a river with many twists and bends before it runs free.

A simile is a type of figurative language that involves a comparison between two objects using the words ‘like’ or ‘as’. A metaphor is a type of figurative language that involves a comparison between two objects that is suggested, not specifically stated. ‘Susan’s personality is like a ray of sunshine’ is an example of a ________. Be careful not to confuse similes and metaphors. Simile ‘Susan is a real ray of sunshine in my life’ is an example of a ________. Metaphor

A personification is a type of figurative language where an inanimate object is given living qualities or an animal is given human-like qualities. Which of the examples below involves the use of a personification? In Charlotte’s Web by E.B. White, Charlotte greets Wilbur with the word, “Salutations”. During the flood, the river gobbled up the houses along its bank. The child cried crocodile tears.

Go to a Power Point Presentation on Similes and Metaphors