Figurative language is the opposite of literal language. Unlike literal language, where words function strictly as defined, with figurative language the listener or reader must “figure out” the meaning intended by the speaker or writers. The four most used figurative language techniques are simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole. I will briefly define each one and offer ten examples.
Simile: compare two different things using the word “like” or “like” to make the comparison.
1. Blood gushed from the wound like tears.
2. It was as distant as a remote tropical island, uncivilized and beautiful.
3. Paul brought his science project to school as if he were transporting explosive glass.
4. The baby’s cry mixed with the house as much as the beach dweller did not notice the sound of the ocean.
5. She looked at me like she was speaking in a strange strange language.
6. The candidate’s acceptance speech was as awkward as a high school dance.
7. The town square hummed like a beehive.
8. Kelsey followed her dreams like most children would follow an older sister.
9. Martin’s in-laws carried throughout his life like a parade or funeral procession.
10. Kyle stared at the test with a look as blank as his notebook.
Metaphor: compare two different things without using the word “like” or “like”.
1. When Ninja Robots appeared on television, the children were glued to their seats.
2. Words are the weapons with which we hurt.
3. The test was a walk in the park.
4. He let such beautiful pearls of wisdom escape his mouth without even knowing it.
5. Executives had golden parachutes to land safely after the company crashed.
6. Don’t bother your peanut head for the problem.
7. She brought him down with her words.
8. They say that scars are the map of the soul.
9. The quarterback was throwing nothing but rockets and bombs on the field.
10. We are all shadows on the wall of time.
Hyperbola: use exaggeration for emphasis or effect.
1. Go to the park? That’s the best idea of all.
2. I would move mountains for it.
3. Tatiana never stops talking.
4. I can’t do anything right.
5. Janet worked her fingers to the bone.
6. Jack was thirsty enough to drink a dry river.
7. She is perfect in every way.
8. Your dad is the smartest boy in the world.
9. We tried everything we could.
10. I could listen to that song over and over again forever.
Personification: give human traits or qualities to an object or idea.
1. The smell of smoke gave away the offender.
2. The wind whispered the rumors of the forest.
3. The nervous hands of corruption orchestrated affairs in the city hall.
4. The still waters shook with the wind.
5. Those greedy weeds have starved the petunias.
6. A box of cupcakes can be quite lovely on an empty stomach.
7. The light of December is short and uncharitable.
8. This morning I had a friendly greeting for those who sleep easy.
9. The group died as soon as she left.
10. Light had conquered darkness.