Examples of figurative language

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 “discover” the meaning that the speaker or writers intended. The four most commonly used figurative language techniques are simile, metaphor, personification, and hyperbole. I will briefly define each and offer ten examples.

Similary: compare two different things using the word “like” or “like” to make the comparison.

1. Blood gushed out of the wound like tears.

2. It was as distant as a remote tropical island, uncivilized and beautiful.

3. Paul carried his science project to school as if he were transporting exploding glass.

4. The baby’s cry blended in with the house as much as the beach dweller is oblivious to the sound of the ocean.

5. He looked at me as if I were speaking in a strange alien language.

6. The candidate’s acceptance speech was as awkward as a high school dance.

7. The town square buzzed like a beehive.

8. Kelsey followed her dreams like most kids would follow an older sister.

9. Martin’s in-laws went through his life like a parade or a funeral procession.

10. Kyle looked at the test with a gaze as blank as his notebook.

Metaphor: compare two different things without using the word “like” or “as”.

1. When Ninja Robots appeared on TV, kids 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 slip out of his mouth without even knowing it.

5. Executives had golden parachutes to land safely after the company collapsed.

6. Don’t bother your little peanut head with 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 launching 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 her.

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 guy in the world.

9. We tried everything we could.

10. I could listen to that song on repeat forever.

Personification: give human traits or qualities to an object or idea.

1. The smell of tattered smoke on the offender.

2. The wind whispered the rumors of the forest.

3. The nervous hands of corruption orchestrated the affairs at City Hall.

4. The still waters shivered in the wind.

5. Those greedy weeds have starved the petunias to death.

6. A box of cupcakes can be quite lovely on an empty stomach.

7. The light of December is brief and uncharitable.

8. This morning he had friendly greetings for peaceful sleepers.

9. The party died as soon as she left.

10. The light had overcome the darkness.