good figurative language for essays

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How to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

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Figurative language is a great way to make your essays more engaging and interesting for your readers. Not only does it add depth and nuance to your writing, but it also makes your arguments more persuasive.

However, many students don't know how to use figurative language effectively when writing essays.

In this post, we'll explore some of the best ways to use figurative language in your essays . We'll also look at a few specific examples of how to use good figurative language for essays to help you get started. So if you want to add some punch to your writing, keep reading!

What is Figurative Language in Writing

A figurative language is a form of writing that uses words or expressions in a non-literal way to add interest. The terms used in figurative language are not to be taken literally. In other words, it's a literary device that adds deeper meaning to your essay and makes your writing more engaging.

Why do authors use figurative language?

Authors use figurative language to make their stories more interesting to the readers. They also use them to evoke emotional reactions so they can connect deeply with the readers and hold their attention.

Can you use figurative language in academic writing?

Yes. You can use figurative language in academic writing if you are tactical enough to use it well. Academic writing is not always flowery, and using many figures of speech may look like fluff. Therefore, you should use them sparingly.

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Importance of figurative language in essays.

Why resort to dull writing when you can use literary devices to help you express better, write impactfully and drive the message home? Here’s how you can take your writing to the next level by adding good figurative language for essays.

Makes essays interesting

Let's face it—plain, literal writing can be pretty boring. However, your essay becomes more enjoyable and interesting when you add a few well-chosen metaphors or similes. For instance, compare these two sentences:

Sentence 1: The wind was howling.

Sentence 2: The wind was like a wolf, howling at the moon.

While sentence 1 is not incorrect and reads fine, the second one is interesting and evocative.

Evokes emotions

In addition to making your essay more intriguing, figurative language makes it more evocative. This means that it can create an emotional reaction, which helps you connect better with your readers.

For example, if you're describing a sunset, you could say it was "red and orange." But if you want to evoke an emotional reaction, you could say, "The sunset was like a giant fireball, sinking slowly into the horizon."

Makes a persuasive argument

Finally, figurative language is also helpful when making a persuasive argument as in an argumentative essay . You can use them to communicate complicated ideas more clearly than in literal language.

For example, let's say you're trying to argue that somebody is acting selfishly. Instead of simply saying they're "selfish," you can drive your point home by saying, "She's acting like the world revolves around her!".

What are the 5 Main Types of Figurative Language

Now that you know what figurative language is and the importance of using them in essays, let’s take a look at the five main types of figurative language you can use, along with some examples.

A simile is a figure of speech that uses words "like" or "as" to compare two things that are not actually alike. Similes are often used in poetry and song lyrics to create imagery and help the reader visualize what the writer is saying.

For example, when you say, "My heart was like a rock tumbling down a mountainside," you are painting a vivid picture of how your heart reacted to a situation.

5 examples of a simile:

• As sweet as sugar;
• As strong as an ox;
• Swam like a fish;
• Busy as a bee;
• Cool as a cucumber.

2. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two, unlike things without using the words "like" or "as." For example, you might say, "Love is a rose." to mean that love is beautiful and special, but it can also have thorns that can hurt you.

Metaphors are often used to make complex ideas more relatable and easier to understand.

5 examples of a metaphor:

• Life is a roller coaster ride;
• All the world is a stage;
• She lit up the room;
• He is the apple of my eye;
• John was a fish out of water in his new office.

3. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or comic effect. It's often used in fiction and advertising to grab attention and make an impact.

5 examples of hyperbole:

• I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse;
• She slept for a thousand years;
• It’s raining cats and dogs;
• My work is killing me;
• This essay is going to take years.

4. Personification

Personification is a figurative language that gives human characteristics to nonhuman objects or concepts. It makes descriptions more vivid and interesting by making them relatable to human experiences.

5 examples of personification:

• Flowers danced in the breeze;
• The cameras loved her;
• London is calling;
• The plants were begging for water;
• Life passed me by.

5. Symbolism

Symbolism is when an object or action represents something else, usually something abstract, like an emotion or quality.

For instance, the color black often symbolizes death or darkness, while white might represent purity or innocence. In literature, authors often use symbolism to give their stories more depth and meaning.

Want to learn more about symbolism in writing? Check out this video by Reedsy .

4 Ways to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

Figurative language can turn a simple description into a vivid work of art. However, it can be tough to know where to start if you've never used figurative language before. Here are some practical ways to add them to your essays.

Use hyperbole to reveal character traits

Hyperbole is an excellent tool to reveal the character traits of characters in your essay. You can use them to express how a particular character thinks, acts, feels, or behaves.

An exaggerated speech can show precisely how they feel about a situation. For instance, when a character says: "I tried calling you a million times!" This can reveal that the character is young, dramatic, and impatient.

Use metaphors to describe situations and settings

Similes and metaphors are the best figures of speech for describing situations or settings.

For instance, you could say, "Life is a journey" to describe the ups and downs of life's experiences. Or, you can say, "She was as angry as a hornet" to describe someone who was very angry.

Create some humor

You can use figurative language like hyperbole or personification to create a little humor in your essay. The exaggeration that comes with hyperbole can make your writing humorous and exciting to read.

For instance, when describing a disastrous date you went on, you might write: "He was chewing with his mouth open the whole time, and I was sure I saw something moving around in there. I don't think I've ever been so disgusted in my life."

By exaggerating the grossness of the situation, you add humor and a gross-out factor to your story, which will keep your readers entertained.

Use symbolism to give more meaning to objects

Make your readers think critically by giving more profound meaning to objects, animals, or characters with a symbolic meaning.

• Animals often symbolize various aspects of human nature. For example, the coyote is often seen as a trickster figure, while the bear often symbolizes strength.
• Colors often symbolize different ideas or emotions. For instance, white often represents purity or innocence, while black represents death or evil.

What is an example of a figurative language paragraph?

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare writes, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun."

Shakespeare uses a simile to compare Juliet to the sun in this instance. He is saying that just as the sun brings light to the dawn, Juliet brings light into Romeo's life.

5 Tips To Use Figurative Language Effectively In Essays

When adding figurative language to your essays, you have to be tactical so they don't distort the meaning or disrupt the natural flow of your writing. Here are five tips on how to use figurative language effectively in essays.

Understand your goal

Before using any figurative language in your essay, know why you want to use them and whether they fit into the content. Also, understand whether they match the tone and style of your writing before adding them to the essay.

Use metaphors and similes sparingly

While metaphors and similes can make your essays interesting, they can become cliche and lose meaning if overused. When writing your essays, use them sparingly and only when they genuinely impact your writing.

Choose your words carefully

Figurative language is all about using words in new and interesting ways. When choosing your words and phrases, don't be afraid to experiment. Try out different figures of speech until you find the best fit for your essay context and message.

Strike a good balance

It's essential to strike a balance when using figurative language. Too much and it will become confusing and difficult to follow; too little and it will have no impact.

Find a middle ground that allows you to effectively communicate your ideas without overwhelming the reader.

Know the meaning

Finally, avoid flushing figures of speech into your essay just because you've heard them or read them somewhere. If you're unsure of the meaning, research and understand it first, and see if it fits your essay before ambiguously fixing words and phrases.

Final thoughts

Figurative language is a powerful tool that can add depth and dimension to your essays. Since they are diverse and dynamic, you must choose your words and phrases carefully to find the ones that work best for your essay.

Once you understand how to effectively use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, and symbolism, you can create vivid images, emphasize important points, and set the tone for your story.

Now that you know how to add good figurative language for essays, don't hesitate to use them in your next essay writing assignment — you may be surprised by how striking and captivating your essay comes out.

At Writers Per Hour , we have expert writers who are aware of different literary devices such as figurative language and know how to use them to takes essays to the next level.

What’s more, apart from writing essays from scratch, we also provide editing and proofreading services and give your essays that final finishing touch that can help you get the grades you desire.

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Figurative Language

Figurative Language Definition

What is figurative language? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

Figurative language is language that contains or uses figures of speech . When people use the term "figurative language," however, they often do so in a slightly narrower way. In this narrower definition, figurative language refers to language that uses words in ways that deviate from their literal interpretation to achieve a more complex or powerful effect. This view of figurative language focuses on the use of figures of speech that play with the meaning of words, such as metaphor , simile , personification , and hyperbole .

Some additional key details about figurative language:

• Figurative language is common in all sorts of writing, as well as in spoken language.
• Figurative language refers to language that contains figures of speech, while figures of speech are the particular techniques. If figurative speech is like a dance routine, figures of speech are like the various moves that make up the routine.
• It's a common misconception that imagery, or vivid descriptive language, is a kind of figurative language. In fact, writers can use figurative language as one tool to help create imagery, but imagery does not have to use figurative language.

Figurative Language Pronunciation

Here's how to pronounce figurative language: fig -yer-uh-tiv lang -gwij

Figures of Speech and Figurative Language

To fully understand figurative language, it's helpful to have a basic understanding of figures of speech. More specifically, it's helpful to understand the two main types of figures of speech: tropes and schemes .

• Tropes are figures of speech that play with and shift the expected and literal meaning of words.
• Schemes are figures of speech that involve a change from the typical mechanics of a sentence, such as the order, pattern, or arrangement of words.

Put even more simply: tropes play with the meaning of words, while schemes play with the structure of words, phrases, and sentences.

The Different Things People Mean When They Say Figurative Language

When people say figurative language, they don't always mean the precise same thing. Here are the three different ways people usually talk about figurative language:

• Dictionary definition of figurative language: According to the dictionary, figurative language is simply any language that contains or uses figures of speech. This definition would mean that figurative language includes the use of both tropes and schemes.
• Much more common real world use of figurative language: However, when people (including teachers) refer to figurative language, they usually mean language that plays with the literal meaning of words. This definition sees figurative language as language that primarily involves the use of tropes.
• Another common real world use of figurative language: Some people define figurative language as including figures of speech that play with meaning as well as a few other common schemes that affect the rhythm and sound of text, such as alliteration and assonance .

What does all that boil down to for you? If you hear someone talking about figurative language, you can usually safely assume they are referring to language that uses figures of speech to play with the meaning of words and, perhaps, with the way that language sounds or feels.

Common Types of Figurative Language

There are many, many types of figures of speech that can be involved in figurative language. Some of the most common are:

• Metaphor : A figure of speech that makes a comparison between two unrelated things by stating that one thing is another thing, even though this isn't literally true. For example, the phrase "her lips are a blooming rose" obviously doesn't literally mean what it says—it's a metaphor that makes a comparison between the red beauty and promise of a blooming rose with that of the lips of the woman being described.
• Simile : A simile, like a metaphor, makes a comparison between two unrelated things. However, instead of stating that one thing is another thing (as in metaphor), a simile states that one thing is like another thing. An example of a simile would be to say "they fought like cats and dogs."
• Oxymoron : An oxymoron pairs contradictory words in order to express new or complex meanings. In the phrase "parting is such sweet sorrow" from Romeo and Juliet , "sweet sorrow" is an oxymoron that captures the complex and simultaneous feelings of pain and pleasure associated with passionate love.
• Hyperbole : Hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration of the truth, used to emphasize the importance of something or to create a comic effect. An example of a hyperbole is to say that a backpack "weighs a ton." No backpack literally weighs a ton, but to say "my backpack weighs ten pounds" doesn't effectively communicate how burdensome a heavy backpack feels.
• Personification : In personification, non-human things are described as having human attributes, as in the sentence, "The rain poured down on the wedding guests, indifferent to their plans." Describing the rain as "indifferent" is an example of personification, because rain can't be "indifferent," nor can it feel any other human emotion.
• Idiom : An idiom is a phrase that, through general usage within a particular group or society, has gained a meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. The phrase "it's raining cats and dogs" is known to most Americans to mean that it's raining hard, but an English-speaking foreigner in the United States might find the phrase totally confusing.
• Onomatopoeia : Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which words evoke the actual sound of the thing they refer to or describe. The “boom” of a firework exploding, the “tick tock” of a clock, and the “ding dong” of a doorbell are all examples of onomatopoeia.
• Synecdoche : In synecdoche, a part of something is used to refer to its whole . For example, "The captain commands one hundred sails" is a synecdoche that uses "sails" to refer to ships—ships being the thing of which a sail is a part.
• Metonymy : Metonymy is a figure of speech in which an object or concept is referred to not by its own name, but instead by the name of something closely associated with it. For example, in "Wall Street prefers lower taxes," the New York City street that was the original home of the New York Stock Exchange stands in for (or is a "metonym" for) the entire American financial industry.
• Alliteration : In alliteration, the same sound repeats in a group of words, such as the “ b ” sound in: “ B ob b rought the b ox of b ricks to the b asement.” Alliteration uses repetition to create a musical effect that helps phrases to stand out from the language around them.
• Assonance : The repetition of vowel sounds repeat in nearby words, such as the " ee " sound: "the squ ea ky wh ee l gets the gr ea se." Like alliteration, assonance uses repeated sounds to create a musical effect in which words echo one another.

Figurative Language vs. Imagery

Many people (and websites) argue that imagery is a type of figurative language. That is actually incorrect. Imagery refers to a writers use of vivid and descriptive language to appeal to the reader's senses and more deeply evoke places, things, emotions, and more. The following sentence uses imagery to give the reader a sense of how what is being described looks, feels, smells, and sounds:

The night was dark and humid, the scent of rotting vegetation hung in the air, and only the sound of mosquitoes broke the quiet of the swamp.

This sentence uses no figurative language. Every word means exactly what it says, and the sentence is still an example of the use of imagery. That said, imagery can use figurative language, often to powerful effect:

The night was dark and humid, heavy with a scent of rotting vegetation like a great-aunt's heavy and inescapable perfume, and only the whining buzz of mosquitoes broke the silence of the swamp.

In this sentence, the description has been made more powerful through the use of a simile ("like a great-aunt's..."), onomatopoeia ("whining buzz," which not only describes but actually sounds like the noise made by mosquitoes), and even a bit of alliteration in the " s ilence of the s wamp."

To sum up: imagery is not a form of figurative language. But a writer can enhance his or her effort to write imagery through the use of figurative language.

Figurative Language Examples

Figurative language is more interesting, lively, beautiful, and memorable than language that's purely literal. Figurative language is found in all sorts of writing, from poetry to prose to speeches to song lyrics, and is also a common part of spoken speech. The examples below show a variety of different types of figures of speech. You can see many more examples of each type at their own specific LitChart entries.

Figurative Language Example: Metaphor

Metaphor in shakespeare's romeo and juliet.

In Shakespeare's Romeo and Juliet , Romeo uses the following metaphor in Act 2 Scene 2 of Romeo and Juliet , after sneaking into Juliet's garden and catching a glimpse of her on her balcony:

But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks? It is the east, and Juliet is the sun.

Romeo compares Juliet to the sun not only to describe how radiantly beautiful she is, but also to convey the full extent of her power over him. He's so taken with Juliet that her appearances and disappearances affect him like those of the sun. His life "revolves" around Juliet like the earth orbits the sun.

Figurative Language Example: Simile

In this example of a simile from Slaughterhouse-Five , Billy Pilgrim emerges from an underground slaughterhouse where he has been held prisoner by the Germans during the deadly World War II firebombing of Dresden:

It wasn't safe to come out of the shelter until noon the next day. When the Americans and their guards did come out, the sky was black with smoke. The sun was an angry little pinhead. Dresden was like the moon now , nothing but minerals. The stones were hot. Everybody else in the neighborhood was dead.

Vonnegut uses simile to compare the bombed city of Dresden to the moon in order to capture the totality of the devastation—the city is so lifeless that it is like the barren moon.

Figurative Language Example: Oxymoron

These lines from Chapter 7 of Ernest Hemingway's For Whom the Bell Tolls describe an encounter between Robert Jordan, a young American soldier fighting in the Spanish Civil War, and his lover María.

She held herself tight to him and her lips looked for his and then found them and were against them and he felt her, fresh, new and smooth and young and lovely with the warm, scalding coolness and unbelievable to be there in the robe that was as familiar as his clothes, or his shoes, or his duty and then she said, frightenedly, “And now let us do quickly what it is we do so that the other is all gone.”

The couple's relationship becomes a bright spot for both of them in the midst of war, but ultimately also a source of pain and confusion for Jordan, as he struggles to balance his obligation to fight with his desire to live happily by Maria's side. The contradiction contained within the oxymoron "scalding coolness" emphasizes the couple's conflicting emotions and impossible situation.

Figurative Language Example: Hyperbole

Elizabeth Bennet, the most free-spirited character in Pride and Prejudice , refuses Mr. Darcy's first marriage proposal with a string of hyperbole :

From the very beginning, from the first moment I may almost say, of my acquaintance with you, your manners impressing me with the fullest belief of your arrogance, your conceit, and your selfish disdain of the feelings of others, were such as to form that ground-work of disapprobation, on which succeeding events have built so immoveable a dislike; and I had not known you a month before I felt that you were the last man in the world whom I could ever be prevailed on to marry.

Elizabeth's closing statement, that Darcy is the "last man in the world" whom she would ever marry, is an obvious hyperbole. It's hard to believe that Elizabeth would rather marry, say, an axe murderer or a diseased pirate than Mr. Darcy. Even beyond the obvious exaggeration, Austen's use of hyperbole in this exchange hints at the fact that Elizabeth's feelings for Darcy are more complicated than she admits, even to herself. Austen drops various hints throughout the beginning of the novel that Elizabeth feels something beyond mere dislike for Darcy. Taken together with these hints, Elizabeth's hyperbolic statements seem designed to convince not only Darcy, but also herself, that their relationship has no future.

Figurative Language Example: Personification

In Chapter 1 of The Scarlet Letter , Nathaniel Hawthorne describes a wild rose bush that grows in front of Salem's gloomy wooden jail:

But, on one side of the portal, and rooted almost at the threshold, was a wild rose-bush, covered, in this month of June, with its delicate gems, which might be imagined to offer their fragrance and fragile beauty to the prisoner as he went in, and to the condemned criminal as he came forth to his doom, in token that the deep heart of Nature could pity and be kind to him.

In the context of the novel's setting in 17th century Boston, this rose bush, which grows wild in front of an establishment dedicated to enforcing harsh puritan values, symbolizes those elements of human nature that cannot be repressed, no matter how strict a community's moral code may be: desire, fertility, and a love of beauty. By personifying the rosebush as "offering" its blossoms to reflect Nature's pity (Nature is also personified here as having a "heart"), Hawthorne turns the passive coincidence of the rosebush's location into an image of human nature actively resisting its constraints.

Figurative Language Example: Idiom

Figurative language example: onomatopoeia.

In Act 3, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's The Tempest , Caliban uses onomatopoeia to convey the noises of the island.

Be not afeard. The isle is full of noises, Sounds, and sweet airs that give delight and hurt not. Sometimes a thousand twangling instruments Will hum about mine ears, and sometime voices...

The use of onomatopoeia makes the audience feel the sounds on the island, rather than just have to take Caliban's word about there being noises.

Figurative Language Example: Synecdoche

In Act 4, Scene 3 of Shakespeare's Macbeth , an angry Macbeth kicks out a servant by saying:

Take thy face hence.

Here, "thy face" stands in for "you." Macbeth is simply telling the servant to leave, but his use of synecdoche makes the tone of his command more harsh and insulting because he uses synecdoche to treat the servant not as a person but as an object, a body part.

Figurative Language Example: Metonymy

In his song "Juicy," Notorious B.I.G. raps:

Now I'm in the limelight 'cause I rhyme tight

Here he's using "limelight" as a metonymy for fame (a "limelight" was a kind of spotlight used in old theaters, and so it came to be associated with the fame of being in the spotlight). Biggie's use of metonymy here also sets him up for a sweet rhyme.

Figurative Language Example: Alliteration

In his song "Rap God," Eminem shows his incredible lyrical dexterity by loading up the alliteration :

S o I wanna make sure, s omewhere in this chicken s cratch I S cribble and doodle enough rhymes T o maybe t ry t o help get s ome people through t ough t imes But I gotta k eep a few punchlines Just in c ase, ‘ c ause even you un s igned Rappers are hungry l ooking at me l ike it's l unchtime…

Why Do Writers Use Figurative Language?

The term figurative language refers to a whole host of different figures of speech, so it's difficult to provide a single definitive answer to why writers use figurative language. That said, writers use figurative language for a wide variety of reasons:

• Interest and beauty: Figurative language allows writes to express descriptions, ideas, and more in ways that are unique and beautiful.
• Complexity and power: Because figurative language can create meanings that go beyond the literal, it can capture complex ideas, feelings, descriptions, or truths that cause readers to see things in a new way, or more closely mirror the complex reality of the world.
• Visceral affect: Because figurative language can both impact the rhythm and sound of language, and also connect the abstract (say, love) with the concrete (say, a rose), it can help language make an almost physical impact on a reader.
• Humor: By allowing a writer to layer additional meanings over literal meanings, or even to imply intended meanings that are the opposite of the literal meaning, figurative language gives writers all sorts of options for creating humor in their writing.
• Realism: People speak and even think in terms of the sorts of comparisons that underlie so much figurative language. Rather than being flowery, figurative language allows writers to describe things in ways that match how people really think about them, and to create characters who themselves feel real.

In general, figurative language often makes writing feel at once more accessible and powerful, more colorful, surprising, and deep.

Other Helpful Figurative Language Resources

• The dictionary definition of figurative : Touches on figurative language, as well as some other meanings of the word.
• Figurative and Frost : Examples of figurative language in the context of the poetry of Robert Frost.
• Figurative YouTube : A video identifying various forms of figurative language from movies and television shows.
• Wikipedia on literal and figurative language : A bit technical, but with a good list of examples.

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• Writing Tips

Figurative Language – Definition and Examples

3-minute read

• 13th April 2023

In this article, you’ll learn about figurative language: what it is, how to use it, and lots of examples to inspire your everyday speech and descriptive writing .

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation. It is often used to create imagery, evoke emotion, or emphasize a point in a way that literal language cannot. Think of it as painting a picture with words in the minds of your audience – for example, “She was as light as a feather while dancing.”

5 Types of Figurative Language

Below, we’ll look at five types of figurative language – metaphor, idiom, simile, hyperbole, and personification – that you can use in an essay, poem , speech, or conversation.

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two things by stating that one thing is another, without using “like” or “as.” Metaphors are used to create imagery, evoke emotions, and help readers or listeners to understand an idea or concept in a new and interesting way.

Here are some examples of metaphors:

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning that is different from the literal meaning of the words. Idioms are often used in informal or conversational language to add color or humor.

Here are some examples of idioms:

If you want to include idioms in your everyday speech or writing, make sure you fully understand the figurative meaning before using them. If used incorrectly, they can cause confusion for your audience.

A simile is a figure of speech that compares two things using “like” or “as.” They are a great writing technique to create vivid imagery and a memorable comparison.

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Here are some examples of similes:

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggeration for emphasis or effect. It is mostly used to emphasize a point in a funny or memorable way. Hyperbole is great to use in everyday language or writing, but it’s important to use it in moderation – otherwise, it can come across as insincere or unbelievable.

Here are some examples of hyperbole:

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or animal is given human-like qualities or characteristics. This technique is mostly used in poetry or descriptive writing to create vivid imagery.

Here are some examples of personification:

Figurative language is a great addition to your everyday speech and is frequently used in literature and poetry. It can add depth and richness to language, making it more interesting and expressive. However, it can also be confusing if the reader or listener does not understand the intended meaning of the figurative language. Therefore, it is important to have a basic understanding of figurative language in order to fully appreciate and understand written and spoken communication.

Interested in learning more about how use descriptive language and vivid imagery? Check out our Writing Tips blog to learn more.

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How To Use Figurative Language To Enhance Your Writing

• What Is Figurative Language?
• Figurative Language Vs. Literary Devices
• Using Figurative Language
• Take The Quiz

In writing, we use a lot of different figures of speech. In your own writing, you have likely used a simile in a sentence such as It was as hot as the sun. Or perhaps you like creating clever puns such as She brought the planks of wood to the board meeting. Both of these popular types of wordplay are examples of figurative language . Not only is figurative language fun, but it can also really spice up your writing if used effectively. 

In this article, we will:

• explain what figurative language is
• give examples of different types of figurative language
• offer tips for using figurative language creatively

You probably use figurative language already, but learning a bit more about it will ensure that your metaphors, similes, puns, idioms, and hyperbole shine like diamonds . Without any further ado, let’s cut to the chase and learn all we can about figurative language.   

What is figurative language ?

Figurative language is language that uses creative wordplay, expressions, and figures of speech to mean something beyond the literal definition of words. 

Figurative language can be described as the opposite of literal language. When we use words literally, their meaning is usually the same as the meaning that appears in the dictionary. For example, the sentence I went to the grocery store literally means that you traveled to a place that sells food. 

When we use words figuratively, on the other hand, they mean something beyond the definitions of the words themselves. Often, we use figurative language to inspire colorful mental images or make our writing and speech more exciting. 

Let’s look at the sentence It was raining cats and dogs . If we read this sentence literally, it says that cats and dogs fell from the sky. If we recognize it as figurative language, we know that the sentence is actually saying that it was raining a lot. As you can see, figurative language requires us to go beyond the literal meanings of words to understand the intent behind them. 

Examples of figurative language

Figurative language includes many different figures of speech and types of wordplay. The following list gives some popular examples of figurative language but is not exhaustive.

A simile is “a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared.” Typically, similes make comparisons using the word like or as .

Example: She ran as fast as lightning. 

2. metaphor

A metaphor is another form of comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: I am a sloth in the morning until I drink my coffee. 

Learning the difference between a metaphor and a simile can be a walk in the park and as easy as pie!

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its elements.

Example: You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

4. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The dish exploded into a million pieces.

Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

Example: I failed my exams and lost my wallet, so it has been a fantastic day so far. 

6. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The cymbals crashed, and the drums boomed.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The article on fishing lures made by secret societies looked interesting, but it turned out to be clique bait.

When they’re not formal and serious, words are perfect for playful linguistic shenanigans, antics, and amusement!

8. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The leaves danced gracefully in the wind.  

9. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

10. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: She saw a lot of familiar faces at the party.

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Figurative language vs. literary devices

A literary device is an element, like a metaphor, that draws us into a story . Some consider literary devices to be the building blocks of literature. When used correctly and effectively, literary devices give writers a way to infuse their work with detail and hint at larger themes, ideas, and meaning.

Some forms of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, are considered to be types of literary devices. However, common literary devices may make use of figurative language, literal language, or both to accomplish whatever goal an author has in mind. 

Elevate your writing by getting to know some of the most common types of literary devices.

For example, foreshadowing is a commonly used literary device. When establishing foreshadowing , an author may use actual events to hint at something that will happen later in a story. For example, a heroine may repeatedly see a black cat wandering around before she discovers that the evil sorcerer disguises himself as a black cat.  

Alternatively, a literary device such as symbolism may use figurative language to express meaning to a reader. For example, a group of knights in a story may wear clothing with lions on them, and the author may refer to them as lions in the narrative. In this case, the author is using symbolism; the knights are not literal lions. The author compares them to lions using figurative language in order to emphasize their courage, pride, and ferociousness. 

Often, figurative language and literary devices are used together by writers in order to draw readers in with clever and imaginative use of words, themes, and plots. 

How to use figurative language

Using figurative language in your writing is a great way to catch a reader’s attention and make your text more creative and exciting. However, there are some important tips to keep in mind when using figurative language. 

Arguably the most important part of figurative language is ensuring that your reader understands what you are saying. If you use an expression your reader doesn’t know or make a comparison that your reader doesn’t understand, you have unnecessarily made your writing worse. As a writer, you must always keep your audience in mind. So if you’re unsure who your audience is, it is best to stick to common expressions and make your wordplay easy to understand. 

For example:

❌ Confusing: The pickpocket was a hyena among oryx; it was like shooting fish in a bucket. 

✅ Better: The pickpocket was a wolf among sheep; it was like taking candy from a baby. 

The second example shows how to use figurative language effectively. It relies on common, well-known animals in a simple metaphor and also uses a common expression. Even if a reader hasn’t heard the expression like taking candy from a baby , it is pretty clear from the context that it is referring to easily committing a crime. 

Another thing to keep in mind before using figurative language is the type of writing you are doing. Specifically, are you engaging in formal writing or informal writing? Figurative language is more likely to be used in informal writing. While formal writing does usually allow for figurative language, it is often a lot more difficult to use figurative writing effectively in formal writing. 

In formal writing, lighthearted figurative language such as puns, hyperbole, and whimsical similes will often come across as distracting, unprofessional, and inappropriate. In formal settings, it is best to stick to serious uses of figurative language that don’t detract from the tone or professionalism of the writing. 

❌ Informal language: The senator had to get out while the getting was good because he knew his argument wasn’t going to cut the mustard. 

✅ More formal: The senator had to cut his losses because he knew his argument didn’t hold water. 

Think you’re one smart cookie? Take the quiz!

If you’re confident you’ve got a good grasp on figurative language, try blowing us out of the water, knocking our socks off, and showing us you’re quick as a whip by acing our figurative language quiz .

Give your writing even more of a leg up by learning some rhetorical devices.

Ways To Say

Synonym of the day

Figurative Language

Figurative language definition.

Figurative language uses figures of speech to be more effective, persuasive, and impactful.

Figures of speech such as metaphors , similes, and allusions go beyond the literal meanings of the words to give readers new insights. On the other hand, alliterations, imageries, or onomatopoeias are figurative devices that appeal to the senses of the readers.

Figurative language can appear in multiple forms with the use of different literary and rhetorical devices . According to Merriam Webster’s Encyclopedia, the definition of figurative language has five different forms:

• Understatement or Emphasis
• Relationship or Resemblance
• Figures of Sound
• Verbal Games

Types of Figurative Language

The term figurative language covers a wide range of literary devices and techniques, a few of which include:

Personification

• Onomatopoeia

Alliteration

• Understatement

Short Examples of Figurative Language

• His friend is as black as coal.
• He has learned gymnastics, and is as agile as a monkey.
• When attacked in his home, he will fight like a caged tiger.
• Can you dance like a monkey?
• Even when he was told everything, he was acting like a donkey.
• My Friend is a Shakespeare when in English class.
• He was a roaring lion in anger, though now he is silent.
• They seem like jackals when running in fear.
• Kisses are roses in the spring .
• This world is a sea of anonymous faces.
• The house stood half-demolished and abandoned.
• He left with his haunted and spell-bound face.
• He did not like the odorless and colorless shape of water.
• His friend was looking at spooky glissando twangs.
• Zigzag fissures in the land made him look for snakes .
• The light on the site did not let him see the sight.
• He heard the sound of the fire, like wire striking the air.
• This artificial stream is going to flow to the downtown of the town.
• Please set the kite right.
• Might of the fright seems greater than the actual fear.
• He lets the pink ball fall with a tall man.
• They have not learned how to catch the cat.
• Get a seat with a treat in our local hall.
• Calling the cow an ox is like putting the cart before the horse.
• He saw the pink kite floating past the tall trees .
• He is dying with his untrustworthy belief.
• Sharply blunt razor cannot do anything to you.
• Kindly cruel treatment made him flabbergasted.
• Please, watch with closed eyes and you will see the heaven.
• Creatively dull person cannot do anything in his life.
• The Pentagon is located in Washington in the United States.
• The Hollywood is a home of English movies.
• 10 Downing Street is located in London .
• Buckingham Palace is world’s oldest symbol of democracy.
• The White House.
• He does not know how to behave with the special people.
• He is looking at his own grey hair and his agility.
• They saw a fleet of fifty.
• At this time, he owns nine head of cattle.
• The new generation is addicted to the use of plastic money.

Examples of Figurative Language from Literature

Example #1: the base stealer (by robert francis).

Poised between going on and back, pulled Both ways taut like a tight-rope walker, Now bouncing tiptoe like a dropped ball, Or a kid skipping rope, come on, come on! … Taunts them, hovers like an ecstatic bird, He’s only flirting, crowd him, crowd him,

The similes and word choice of this poem makes it a masterpiece. The poet use similes between the lines to depict his scattered thoughts before taking action, and makes comparison as, “ like a tight-rope ,” “ like a dropped ball ,” and “ hovers like an ecstatic bird .”

Example #2: I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings (By Maya Angelou)

But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cage Can seldom see through his bars of rage His wings are clipped and his feet are tied The caged bird sings with a fearful trill … And his tune is heard on the distant hill for The caged bird sings of freedom.

The entire poem is rich with metaphor as a bird in a cage represents a group of people who are oppressed and cannot get freedom. The cage represents physical barriers, fear, addiction, or society; while the song of the bird represents true self yearning for something greater in life.

Example #3: She Sweeps with Many-Colored Brooms (By Emily Dickinson)

She sweeps with many-colored Brooms And leaves the Shreds behind Oh Housewife in the Evening West Come back, and dust the Pond!

Dickinson uses personification of a housewife to describe the sunset in the very first line of this poem. She is using a sweeping housewife who does her daily work, likewise the rays of the setting sun sweep away beneath the horizon.

Example #4: The Raven (By Edgar Allen Poe)

O nce upon a midnight dreary w hile I pondered w eak and w eary ; r are and r adiant maiden; And the s ilken s ad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain … D eep into that d arkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, D oubting, d reaming d reams no mortal ever d ared to d ream before.

Poe uses alliteration by repeating the /w/ sound to emphasize the weariness of the narrator , and then /r/ and /s/ sounds in the second and third lines respectively. In the last two lines, the /d/ sound highlights the narrator’s hopelessness.

Example #5: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (By Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks Had I from old and young ! Instead of the cross , the Albatross About my neck was hung.

In these lines, the albatross symbolizes a big mistake, or a burden of sin, just like the cross on which Christ was crucified. Therefore, all people on the ship agreed to slay that bird.

Example #6: The Bluest Eyes (By Toni Morrison)

Personification, consonance, and simile.

She ran down the street, the green knee socks making her legs look like wild dandelion of stems that had somehow lost their heads. The weight of her remark stunned us.

This excerpt uses different devices that make language figurative. There is a good use of simile , “legs look like wild dandelion;” and personification, “lost their heads;” and use of consonance in “stunned us,” where the /s/ is a consonant sound.

Example #7: The Week of Diana (By Maya Angelou)

Metaphor, consonance, personification.

“The dark lantern of world sadness has cast its shadow upon the land. We stumble into our misery on leaden feet.”

in just these two lines, Maya Angelou has used a metaphor of the dark lantern, consonance of the /s/ sounds, and personification of misery.

Example #8: The Negro Speaks of River (By Langston Hughes)

Consonance, simile.

“I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

This prince of the Harlem Renaissance has beautifully used a different type of consonance with the /l/ sound and a simile of “my soul.”

Example #9: Musée des Beaux Arts (By W. H. Auden)

Personification, consonance.

That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot Where the dogs go on with their doggy W. H. Auden life and the torturer’s horse Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.

W. H. Auden has used a personification of the “dreadful martyrdom,” and consonances of “some untidy spot,” with the /s/ sound, and “dogs go on with their doggy life,” with the /d/ and /g/ sounds.

Function of Figurative Language

The primary function of figurative language is to force readers to imagine what a writer wants to express. Figurative language is not meant to convey literal meanings, and often it compares one concept with another in order to make the first concept easier to understand. However, it links the two ideas or concepts with the goal of influencing the audience to understand the link, even if it does not exist.

Poets and prose writers use this technique to bring out emotions and help their readers form images in their minds. Thus, figurative language is a useful way of conveying an idea that readers cannot understand otherwise, due to its complex and abstract nature. In addition, it helps in analyzing a literary text.

Related posts:

•   Examples Of Figurative Language In Poetry
• Examples of Figurative Language in Rap Songs
• Examples Of Figurative Language In Popular Songs
• Examples Of Figurative Language In Children’s Poetry and Rhymes
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Figurative Language: Why and How You Should Use It

Zara Altair

Color Your Writing with Figurative Language

22 examples of figurative language, use figurative language wisely by avoiding clichés, figurative language is the spice of writing.

Figurative language means using literary devices, techniques, and figures of speech to heighten sensory response and add meaning, clarity, or impact to your writing.

Figures of speech color your prose, giving a sense of immediacy to readers. They evoke a strong emotional reaction.

Just like a figure in a drawing, figurative language creates an image in your reader’s mind. Figurative language calls on the reader’s senses through sounds, scents, tastes, images, and touch to make an idea accessible.

You probably use figurative language in your everyday speech without thinking twice about it. Here are some examples:

It’s a million degrees outside today.

Alice is busy as a bee .

His smile was a mile wide .

The chair groaned with his weight.

I can help you with your HTML—it’s a piece of cake .

It’s not really a million degrees outside. Alice isn’t a bee. Configuring code is not cake. But that’s how figurative language works. The images (figures) create an immediate impression.

Figurative language has been around as long as people have been telling stories. Over time, writers have come up with many ways to use figurative language. The world is your oyster (see what I did there?) when it comes to choosing figurative ways to express yourself.

When you want your writing to connect with readers and give them an emotional punch, figurative language can create an immediate response. Perk up your writing using figurative elements.

Here’s an introduction to 22 different ways of how to use figurative language.

A simile compares two things that are unlike each other by using “as” or “like” to establish equivalency. You are saying that the two things are similar.

The imagery is what connects the comparison to the thing you describe. The two things are not related in the world, but the image in the simile describes the state of the item.

Simile examples:

She was like a fish out of water at the prom.

He slept like a dog .

Her eyes sparkled like diamonds .

Figuratively, the man is like a sleeping dog, or the eyes are like diamonds. The figurative language connects the two.

2. Metaphor

A metaphor takes figurative language a step further. There is no comparison; the item described is the image of the metaphor even though it is not literally the object. The figure represents the thing described.

Metaphor examples from everyday speech:

The valley is covered in a blanket of snow.

She has a heart of stone .

He’s the black sheep of the family.

Use metaphors in both prose and poetry to create an emotional connection with your reader.

3. Metonymy

Metonymy means “change of name.” As a literary device, one word is used to replace another closely associated word. Use metonymy to avoid repeating the same word. The representative word allows you to vary expressions or to use a word to express a concept.

Examples of metonymy:

Hollywood : the film industry

Press : journalism and news organizations

Academics : school, college, university, studies

Management : administration, leadership

Metonymy helps keep your writing concise.

4. Synecdoche

A synecdoche uses a part of something to represent the whole. Just like metonymy, it keeps you from overusing a particular word. You’ll expand your reader’s understanding of your topic.

Examples of synecdoche:

Green thumb : a talent for raising plants

Stars and stripes : the American flag

Suit : signifying someone who is in business

5. Personification

Personification attributes human qualities to inanimate objects or the representation of an abstract quality in human form. The best way to understand is to look at some examples.

Examples of personification:

Jim heard the last piece of pie calling his name .

The door protested on its rusty hinges.

The headlights winked as the truck drove through the forest.

Personification makes inanimate objects relatable. It is used in advertising to make a product more approachable. Think of Goldfish crackers: the snack that smiles back .

6. Onomatopoeia

With onomatopoeia, the word itself sounds like the sound you’re describing. Just like a visual figure of speech, the sound of the word makes a vivid connection with the reader.

Examples of onomatopoeia:

The steak sizzled on the fire.

The avalanche boomed across the valley.

The bee and the doorbell buzzed at the same time.

Onomatopoeia is fun figurative language, giving your reader a sensory sizzle and making the scene come alive.

7. Oxymoron

You’ve heard it said that opposites attract. Oxymoron is figurative language that connects two opposite feelings. The words are self-contradicting but build sensory response in your reader by enhancing the concept.

Examples of oxymoron :

Managing the conference was controlled chaos .

One job qualification for our team is serious fun .

After the party, Kendra found the kitchen in a fine mess .

If you want your oxymoron to hit home, choose your own original opposites. Here’s one from Andy Warhol: "I am a deeply superficial person."

8. Hyperbole

Hyperbolic figurative language goes over the top as an exaggeration for the sake of emphasis, humor, or effect. People use hyperbole often in casual speech.

Examples of hyperbole:

If I hear that one more time, I’m going to die .

After that hike, I am so hungry I could eat a horse .

9. Allusion

An allusion is a brief reference to a person, place, thing, event, or literary/poetic work that the writer assumes the reader knows. Poet T. S. Elliot and novelist James Joyce both wrote using allusions.

Examples of allusion:

Aila’s Achilles’ heel is her squeaky voice when presenting.

Following up with the conference attendees was a Herculean effort .

The cottage by the creek was a perfect Eden .

Be careful using allusions. Match them to your audience. Just because you know something doesn’t mean it is general knowledge, or even knowledge specific to your audience.

An idiom is an expression using two or more words to refer to something, but the words mean something other than the literal meaning of the words used in the idiom.

Idiomatic phrases can be national or regional. Sometimes even groups or families create their own internal idiomatic expressions.

Example of idiom:

Kirk: “If we play our cards right , we may be able to find out when those whales are being released.” Spock: “How will playing cards help?”

(Dialogue between characters Captain James T. Kirk and Spock in Star Trek IV: The Voyage Home , 1986)

They are not playing cards. Spock, who takes everything literally, doesn’t understand the idiomatic expression.

Be careful when using idioms—they often don’t translate well to non-native speakers (like Spock).

ProWritingAid’s Clichés Report highlights idioms in your writing so you can make sure you’re saying what you really mean.

Some similes and metaphors have become so commonplace that they are now cliché. Use the Clichés Report to find and replace stale words and phrases with fresher ideas.

Ready to freshen up your writing?

11. Imagery

Imagery creates pictures (images) with words. But the imagery is not limited to the visual. Imagery can refer to all five senses and internal emotions.

Examples of touch, taste, and smell imagery:

The rabbit’s fur felt like velvet .

Her lips tasted as sweet as sugar .

The kids rushed inside because the house smelled like chocolate .

Imagery elicits an immediate sensory response in your reader by providing familiar references to help them connect to what you’re saying. Varying the senses you appeal to in your writing makes for a more engaging reader experience.

Use ProWritingAid’s Sensory Report to highlight all of the sensory words in your writing. It will also tell you how many of each type of word you have used so you can make sure you’ve got a good balance.

12. Symbolism

A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else to evoke additional emotional meaning. A symbol can be a word, object, action, character, or concept. Literary novels often use symbolism to express a theme, like a river representing life.

Examples of symbolism:

Green traffic light: symbolizes “go”

Dollar sign: symbolizes money, wealth, earnings

Shopping cart icon: symbolizes online purchase

You can use anything to symbolize a concept in writing. Just make sure the symbol is one your audience understands.

13. Consonance

Consonance uses consonants in quick repetition. They can appear anywhere in the word—beginning, middle, or end. Consonance not only brings attention to the phrase but makes it easy to remember.

Examples of consonance:

Fuddy duddy

Jay-Z uses consonance in “Brooklyn’s Finest,” combining the similar sounds of S and Z.

Peep the style and the way the cops sweat us The number one question is, can the Feds get us?

Consonance intensifies the language, building an emotional connection with the reader.

14. Alliteration

Alliteration is the use of consonant sounds at the beginning of words close together in a sentence to evoke sensory feelings related to the sound. For example, P and hard C represent excitement, while S represents softness. It isn’t based on the letter but on the sound of the consonant.

Examples of alliteration:

Tonka Trucks

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers…

As a subset of consonance, use alliteration to call attention to an important point and/or make your point memorable.

15. Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in words close to each other. Unlike alliteration, where the word starts with a consonant at the beginning, the vowel sound can be inside the word.

Examples of assonance:

Stranger danger

Cock of the walk

Eyes on the prize

Once again, it’s the sound that’s important—not the letter used. And assonance works in the same way as alliteration to make your statement memorable or call attention to it.

Irony is a contradictory statement that expresses a reality different from what appears as truth. It points at a different perspective. In literature, it can be an unforeseen event that changes a character’s expectation or some unanticipated behavior different from what was expected.

Verbal irony is an unanticipated response; situational irony is an unexpected outcome.

Irony examples:

Telling a silent group, “don’t everyone speak at once.” (Verbal irony.)

Marriage counsellor divorcing her third husband. (Situational irony.)

Burglarized police station. (Situational irony.)

Irony also works as a plot device.

Hansel and Gretel (oral tradition): the witch burns in her own oven

Oedipus Rex, Sophocles: Oedipus searches for the murderer, who is himself

17. Sarcasm

Sarcasm is an ironic statement intended to mock. You say something different from what you literally mean. Sarcasm can portray the speaker’s true feelings even though it is veiled in humor. In order for sarcasm to work in writing, you must make sure the context is clear, otherwise the reader will misunderstand.

Examples of sarcasm:

I’d agree with you, but then I’d be wrong.

Ask me if I care.

Aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.

18. Litotes

Litotes is a literary device that states an affirmative without using an affirmative word, usually with negative terms. Often used as understatement or negation to express a contrary meaning.

Examples of litotes:

You’re not wrong.

His decision was not the worst.

Your effort has not gone unnoticed.

A pun is a literary device that plays on the sound of words. The words have identical sounds but the meaning is different. Puns are generally intended to be humorous.

Examples of common puns:

The librarian is a bookkeeper.

I need to spend more thyme in the garden.

“The road to success is always under construction.” (Lily Tomlin)

20. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. It is figurative language that's especially effective in speeches. It functions to emphasize words and ideas. Use it to evoke emotion, highlight an idea, and create urgency.

Examples of anaphora:

“ Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done / Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung / Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game” ( All You Need is Love , Paul McCartney and John Lennon)

You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.

21. Tautology

In figurative language, tautology is the use of two words or phrases that say the same thing. Used well, it emphasizes a point.

But, be careful because tautology can also feel wordy. For example, ProWritingAid will signal tautologies as unnecessary words to keep your writing succinct.

Examples of tautology:

The morning sunrise is beautiful.

“With malice toward none , with charity for all , with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right.” (Abraham Lincoln)

She was a dark-haired brunette .

22. Understatement

Understatement intentionally makes a statement less important than it seems or is. It functions as the opposite of hyperbole.

Examples of understatement:

“I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.” ( Catcher in the Rye , J. D. Salinger)

It’s not too bad. (When your borrowed jacket is returned with an indelible stain.)

It’s O.K. I guess. (Describing an incredible result.)

Figurative language colors your writing to call attention to a passage. Images, word use, sounds, and wordplay are all ways to spice up your writing whether it’s an article, speech, fiction, or poetry.

Here you have 22 examples as ideas to use when your writing is feeling flat. Match the figurative language to the mood, tone, audience, and intended outcome. You’ll transform the seemingly ordinary into significant writing.

Take your writing to the next level:

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Zara Altair writes traditional mysteries set in ancient Italy under Ostrogoths rule in The Argolicus Mysteries. She teaches mystery screenwriters and novelists at Write A Killer Mystery. She creates semantic web content for a select clientele.

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Reading Skills

Interpreting figurative language and poetic devices.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: August 11, 2023

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language can be described as the secret sauce in the recipe of literature. It’s a way of using words that steps beyond their literal meanings and presents ideas or feelings in an imaginative and thought-provoking way. You might find this a bit complex, but in reality, you’ve come across figurative language often. Have you heard expressions like “it’s raining cats and dogs” or “I could eat a horse”? These are examples of idioms and hyperbole, which are forms of figurative language.

Figurative language’s goal is to break away from the everyday and ordinary, and to invite readers into a vibrant world of meaning. It enhances writing by creating layers of depth, constructing vivid imagery, stirring emotions, and offering a unique viewpoint.

Figurative language comes in many shapes. Similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, symbolism, and idioms are some of the common types. For example, a metaphor like “life is a roller coaster” draws a comparison between life and a roller coaster, suggesting that life, much like a roller coaster, is full of ups and downs, and twists and turns.

By learning to understand and interpret figurative language, we can dive deeper into the layers of a text and fully appreciate the richness of the author’s vision.

Why Do Authors Use Figurative Language?

Authors use figurative language because it helps them express big ideas in exciting and creative ways. It’s similar to how a painter uses different colors and brush strokes to make an unforgettable painting. Here’s why authors often use figurative language:

• Building Pictures: Figurative language helps create strong images in the reader’s mind. Saying “the forest was so quiet you could hear a leaf drop” is much more powerful than simply saying “the forest was quiet.”
• Sharing Tough Ideas: Figurative language can make tricky or abstract ideas easier to understand. For example, saying someone has a “heart of stone” tells us quickly that they’re cold and don’t show their feelings.
• Sparking Feelings: Figurative language can stir up strong feelings in readers, making them feel more connected to what they’re reading.
• Making Writing Fun: Just like spices make food tastier, figurative language makes writing more fun to read and more memorable.
• Showing Creativity: Figurative language lets authors show their creativity by putting their own spin on how they describe people, places, and things.

The next time you read a book or a poem, look for examples of figurative language. Think about what the author might be trying to say with these expressions and how they add to the story. This can help you enjoy what you’re reading even more and appreciate the skill that goes into writing.

Examples of Figurative Language

To understand the different types of figurative language better, let’s look at some examples you might see in books, songs, or even in everyday conversation:

A simile is a comparison between two different things that share some common aspect. In the simile “She’s as busy as a bee,” we’re comparing a person (in this case, “she”) to a bee.

Bees are known for their constant activity; they are always moving, flying from flower to flower, collecting nectar, pollinating plants, and producing honey. Because of this, we often use bees as a symbol of busyness or industriousness. When we say “she’s as busy as a bee,” we mean that she is very active and hard-working, similar to how a bee is always working.

So, the simile “She’s as busy as a bee” is saying that the person is extremely busy, just like a bee. The words “as…as” are used to make the comparison, which is a classic way similes are formed. It’s a great example of how figurative language can help us express ideas in a more colorful and imaginative way.

Metaphors compare two things without using “like” or “as.”

Walt Whitman’s poem “O Captain! My Captain!” is filled with metaphors. It is an extended metaphor where the journey of a ship is compared to the journey of a nation.

Here’s an example from the poem:

“But O heart! heart! heart! O the bleeding drops of red, Where on the deck my Captain lies, Fallen cold and dead.”

In these lines, Whitman is referring to the ship’s deck where the Captain (Abraham Lincoln) lies “fallen cold and dead.” The deck of the ship and the fallen captain serve as metaphors for the United States and the assassination of President Lincoln. The “bleeding drops of red” symbolize the suffering and loss the nation endures due to Lincoln’s death.

This metaphor not only presents a poignant image, but it also enables Whitman to express deep national grief and the end of a significant era in American history.

Personification

Personification is when we give human traits to non-human things, like animals, objects, or ideas. It’s a cool way to make descriptions more lively or help express big feelings or thoughts.

Take the phrase, “The stars danced in the night sky.” Here, we’re using personification. Stars can’t dance like humans – they’re objects in space. But when we say “the stars danced,” we’re imagining the stars having this human ability to dance.

This does a couple of neat things. It helps the reader picture the scene more clearly – it’s not just “the stars were in the sky,” but the stars are moving and twinkling like dancers. Personification also adds a sense of fun or magic. Finally, it can make the reader feel closer to the stars, by linking them with a familiar human activity, like dancing.

So, personification helps to make writing more memorable, emotional, and deep, making stories or poems richer and more fun to read.

Hyperbole is a figurative language technique where you exaggerate something a lot to make a point or show that something is really important. It’s like using a giant magnifying glass to focus on something specific.

You may have come across someone saying, “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room!” Of course, the speaker didn’t actually give the instruction a million times. It’s an exaggeration to show that they’ve repeated the request many times and are frustrated or annoyed.

Here’s another example: “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.” Obviously, someone isn’t literally going to eat a horse, but this phrase exaggerates hunger to a great degree. It’s an extreme way of saying that they’re extremely hungry.

Both of these examples use big, over-the-top numbers or scenarios to make a point. It helps the listener or reader understand just how strong the speaker’s feelings are about the subject. It’s not meant to be taken literally; instead, it’s a fun, dramatic way to express a point of view or an emotion. So, when you come across a hyperbole in your readings, try to understand the emotion or emphasis the writer is trying to convey through this exaggeration.

Symbols can be things, people, or colors that stand for bigger ideas or feelings.

In the book To Kill a Mockingbird , Harper Lee talks a lot about a bird called a mockingbird. But she’s not just talking about a bird. The mockingbird is a symbol, or a sign, for something bigger. It stands for innocence, or not knowing about the world’s troubles. In the story, some characters are like the mockingbirds. They’re good people, but others treat them badly. This makes us feel sad, just like we would if someone hurt a harmless mockingbird.

Now, let’s think about another book you might know – Animal Farm by George Orwell. In this story, farm animals are symbols too. The pigs in the story are like bosses or leaders in real life. And there’s a windmill that stands for new tools and machines. Orwell uses these symbols to tell a bigger story about power and how it can be misused.

Both these books show us that symbols are not just things, people, or colors in a story. They can represent bigger ideas or feelings. So, when you’re reading a book, try to spot these symbols. Ask yourself, what could this thing or person really mean? This can make reading even more fun and interesting.

Idioms are like secret codes or special language that you might not understand just by looking at the words. They have a hidden meaning different from the literal definition of the words used.

Take the phrase “break a leg,” for instance. You might think, “Why would I want to break my leg? That sounds painful!” But don’t worry, it’s just a quirky way of saying “good luck,” especially before someone goes on stage for a performance.

How about “the ball is in your court”? Does it mean that there’s a ball game going on? Nope! This idiom is usually used in conversations to mean it’s now your turn to take action or make a decision.

Or consider “let the cat out of the bag.” Nobody’s really keeping cats in bags! This fun phrase is used when someone reveals a secret or a surprise by accident.

And lastly, you may have heard “butterflies in my stomach.” Of course, we don’t have real butterflies fluttering inside us! This phrase is used to describe the nervous, fluttery feeling we get in our tummies when we’re excited or scared about something.

Idioms can be really fun once you get to know them. They add spice to our language and make everyday conversations more colorful and interesting. So next time you come across an odd phrase, it might just be an idiom!

Analyzing Figurative Language in Poetry

Poetry, with its rhythmic verses and expressive language, is a playground for figurative language. Poets use these techniques to convey emotion, depict vivid imagery, or bring a fresh perspective. Analyzing figurative language in poetry can often lead to a deeper understanding and appreciation of the poet’s message. Here’s how you can do it:

Identify Figurative Language

The first step is to identify instances of figurative language in the poem. Look for metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, or any other forms we’ve discussed. Mark them and note what they’re comparing or representing.

Understand the Comparison or Representation

Once you’ve identified a figurative phrase, try to understand what it’s comparing or representing. For instance, if a poet describes a person’s eyes as “deep pools of water,” think about what characteristics of water might apply to the person’s eyes. Depth? Mystery? Calmness? 

Interpret the Meaning

After understanding the comparison, try to interpret what the poet is trying to communicate through this use of figurative language. Using the same example, the poet might be suggesting that the person has a deep or mysterious nature, which can be inferred from their eyes.

Consider the Effect on the Poem

Lastly, consider how the use of figurative language impacts the overall poem. Does it add depth or emotion? Create a vivid image? Contribute to the poem’s tone or theme?

For example, let’s consider the famous line by Robert Frost: “Two roads diverged in a yellow wood.” The roads here are a metaphor for choices in life. The use of this metaphor adds depth to the poem, making it more than just a simple tale about a walk in the woods. Instead, it becomes a reflection on life choices and their far-reaching consequences.

Remember, analyzing poetry is like being a detective. It requires a keen eye, patience, and an open mind. But the reward — understanding a poem’s richness and depth — is undoubtedly worth the effort!

What Are Poetic Devices?

Now that we’ve covered the dynamic world of figurative language, let’s dive into another crucial part of literary interpretation – poetic devices. These tools, while encompassing figurative language, stretch even further, offering poets a variety of ways to enhance their work.

Just as a painter uses different brushes and colors to bring their canvas to life, a poet uses these devices to paint vibrant images, stir emotions, and engage readers in unique and compelling ways. Figurative language is a part of this toolkit, but poetic devices go beyond that. They incorporate elements of sound, structure, rhythm, and more to make poetry resonate with readers. With this understanding, let’s explore what poetic devices are and how they add depth and beauty to a poem.

Here are some common poetic devices that poets often use:

 Rhyme is when the end or final sound in two or more words or lines of poetry chime together. It gives a poem structure, musicality, and a pleasing sound. An example is: “The cat sat on the mat.”

Alliteration

This is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in a line of poetry. It often creates a rhythmic effect. A well-known example is the tongue twister: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close to each other. It can create internal rhyming within phrases or sentences. For instance, in the phrase, “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plains,” the repetition of the “ai” sound is assonance.

Onomatopoeia

This refers to words that sound like their meanings. Words like ‘buzz,’ ‘pop,’ ‘sizzle,’ or ‘click’ all reflect the sounds they represent. 

Repetition involves the intentional reuse of words, phrases, or entire lines in a poem, often to highlight an important point, or to establish a rhythmic pattern.

A great example of repetition is from “The Hill We Climb” by Amanda Gorman where repeats the phrase “we will rise” multiple times throughout her poem.

Gorman’s repetition of “we will rise” reinforces her message of hope and resilience. Each time she says “we will rise”, it acts like a drumbeat, driving home the conviction that no matter where in the country we come from or what challenges we face, we have the strength to rise above them. This not only emphasizes her message, but also gives the poem a strong, rhythmic pulse that keeps the audience engaged.

This is when a sentence or phrase runs over from one line to the next without a pause or punctuation. It can be used to speed up the rhythm of a poem or to link thoughts together.

Understanding these poetic devices and how they’re used in a poem can provide insights into the poem’s structure, its mood, and the poet’s intent. Just like appreciating the subtle notes in a symphony, recognizing these devices can significantly enhance your enjoyment and understanding of poetry.

Interpreting Figurative Language in “A Poison Tree” by William Blake

“A Poison Tree” is a powerful poem by William Blake that uses vivid and metaphorical language to explore themes of anger, deceit, and revenge. Here are some step-by-step instructions to guide you through the process of analyzing the figurative language in this poem:

1. Read the Poem

Start by reading the poem in its entirety to get a general understanding. Notice the overarching themes and emotions expressed in the poem.

2. Identify Figurative Language

 Read through the poem again, this time looking specifically for examples of figurative language. In “A Poison Tree,” you’ll find metaphor is heavily used. For instance, the “poison tree” in the title is not a literal tree but a metaphor for the speaker’s growing anger.

3. Understand the Comparison or Representation:

Analyze each instance of figurative language to understand what is being compared or represented. For example, in the lines “And my foe beheld it shine, And he knew that it was mine,” the shining “fruit” of the tree can be interpreted as the harmful consequences of the speaker’s anger, which the foe recognizes.

4. Interpret the Meaning

Consider the meaning of each metaphor or figurative phrase in the context of the entire poem. What does the “poison tree” suggest about the speaker’s anger? How does the “fruit” reveal the outcome of that anger?

5. Consider the Effect on the Poem

Finally, think about how the use of figurative language impacts the overall understanding and interpretation of the poem. Does it emphasize the destructive nature of repressed anger? Does it create a vivid image of deceit and its consequences?

Through this analysis, we see that Blake effectively uses figurative language to communicate a powerful message about the toxic effects of harboring anger and the tragic results that can come from it. The “poison tree” is not just a metaphor for anger, but a symbol of the dangerous allure of vengeance.

Remember, when analyzing a poem, it’s okay if you don’t get everything on the first try. Poetry analysis is a skill that develops over time. So keep practicing, and soon you’ll find that you can read and interpret poetry like a pro!

Mastering the art of understanding figurative language and poetic devices can seem tricky at first. But like cracking a code or solving a mystery, once you get the hang of it, it becomes an exciting part of reading.

When we learn how to interpret figurative language and recognize poetic devices, our reading experience becomes much richer. We gain the ability to see the creativity of authors and poets and appreciate the effort and thought put into every word.

Remember, words in literature are not just their dictionary definitions. They can be like colors in a painting or notes in a song, creating vivid images, stirring up emotions, and expressing big ideas. This is the beauty of figurative language and the enchantment of poetry.

Practice Makes Perfect

Albert provides many helpful questions for you to practice interpreting figurative language and poetic devices. Our Poetry course is perfect for analyzing similes and metaphors or checking out how rhyme scheme impacts a poem’s overall message. For more practice, check out our  Essential Readings in Literature  course which provides opportunities to analyze figurative language in short stories commonly taught in high school.

Albert’s rigorous questions combined with instant feedback and detailed explanations help your students grasp essential close reading skills. Start practicing today!

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75+ Examples of Figurative Language

• Figurative Language
• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

•   shares

Figurative language makes writing – and even speaking – more expressive and easier to understand. When done well, it lends style to your writing.

More resources on figurative language:

• What is figurative language? The resource covers how figurative language improves writing, dos and don’ts while writing figuratively, and more.
• Exercises on figurative language

(Note that key parts of each figure of speech have been underlined for you to easily follow them and that my comments accompanying examples are in square brackets.)

Examples of using different types of figurative language on a given topic

When writing on a topic, it’s convenient to first brainstorm and write variety of figures of speech on that topic, and then incorporate them in your piece. This is probably a better way to polish your figurative language. Here are multiple figures of speech on two topics. Give a try yourself first and see how many you can write.

1. Cold weather

Fetching grocery in the cold was a death sentence . [Metaphor]

The snowstorm left behind a thick blanket of snow in most parts of the state, government declaring emergency , people staying indoors , air traffic grounding , and power failing in some areas . [Metaphor/ Parallelism (absolute phrases)]

The predawn snowfall smothered our chances of having an outdoor game. [Personification/ Metaphor]

The cold wind pierced my bones. [Personification/ Metaphor]

Fetching grocery in the cold was like a death sentence . [Simile]

It was a frigid night, freezing blood in my veins . [Hyperbole/ Alliteration]

“When will the weather improve?” the old man moaned . [Onomatopoeia]

The dog yelped as the gust of cold wind struck his face. [Onomatopoeia]

2. Nervous while waiting for the result

My heart skipped few beats while waiting for the result. [Idiom]

My heart failed few times while waiting for the result. [Hyperbole/ Alliteration (2)]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Metaphor]

While waiting for the result, my heart requested me to take a stroll and stop thinking about the worst. [Personification/ Metaphor]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was like an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Simile]

While waiting for the result, my heart pounded like a set of drums in a music event . [Onomatopoeia/ Simile]

Examples of each of 8 figurative languages

1. alliteration.

The dog sprinted across the field to fetch the ball.

The virulent virus has disrupted lives and deflated economies.

In these troubled times , travel has come down to a trickle .

The iguanas make deep dives in the ocean to feed on marine algae.

The shark surfaced to breathe.

The slow sloth inched up the tree trunk .

The business centre is buzzing with activity.

The deafening downpour has resulted in flash floods .

More resources on alliteration:

• More than 150 alliteration examples on 7 topics
• What is alliteration and how to write one?

2. Hyperbole

I felt as abandoned as a used Kleenex .

During probation period, I felt like a bug under the microscope .

The movie went on for what seemed like  an eternity .

The leaping catch by the fielder took my breath away .

Your decrepit furniture seems to be from Jurassic era .

My new shoes, little bit tight, are killing me.

Kids are so overloaded these days. Just look at their bags; they weigh a ton .

The food was so delicious that I almost ate my fingers .

More resources on hyperbole:

• More than 100 examples of hyperbole
• What is hyperbole and how to write one?

The scandal proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the mayor.

Some of the bank employees have been allegedly working hand in glove with business owners to sanction loans without proper due diligence.

I jumped the gun by sending the proposal to the client without first showing it to my manager.

I’ve made the request few times in the past, but it has always fallen on deaf ears .

The boss cut that arrogant guy to size in no time.

I spent two hours cooling my heels in the waiting room while the CFO was busy in a meeting.

I was left out in the cold in the annual promotions in the company.

The IP for our key technology has been leaked, and many in my team, including the manager, are under a cloud .

More resources on idiom:

• More than 200 idioms with meaning and use
• What are idioms and why non-natives should learn them?

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4. Metaphor

During the moments before the result was declared, I was a tax payer who had just received an audit notice from the IRA : extremely nervous.

My loans are a millstone around my neck , keeping me tied to my 9-to-5 job.

My night shift is a graveyard : not a soul in sight, complete silence, and an occasional howl from the street dogs.

Journalism is literature in hurry . Matthew Arnold

The world is a stage , but the play is badly cast. Oscar Wilde

Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it . Albert Smith

Jonah Lomu, a rampaging bull with the ball , is widely recognized as one of the greatest of the game. [An appositive acting as a metaphor]

His fortress of a house was finally breached by the intelligence agencies. [Implied metaphor]

More resources on metaphor:

• More than 100 examples of metaphors
• Metaphor examples for kids
• What is metaphor and how to write one?

5. Onomatopoeia

Nervous, I babbled my way through the first few minutes of the interview.

Finding the sheep at her mercy, the witch cackled before waving her wand.

I caught my head on the door and howled in pain.

The car screeched to a stop.

I was taken aback by the dog’s snarl ; a moment earlier, he seemed so friendly.

I was chomping my chicken piece unconcerned by the reaction of others around.

Don’t slurp the soup! It’s bad manners.

The race car turned the curve and then vroomed on the home stretch.

More resources on onomatopoeia:

• Examples of 140+ onomatopoeic words (with meaning and use)
• What is onomatopoeia and its common errors?

6. Parallelism

Many accidents could be attributed to human errors, but faulty road design , absence of street lights , lack of dividers , and potholes on roads also contribute to such incidents. Source [Noun phrases in parallel]

Cheetah hunts impalas and rabbits , lives in coalition and singly , and communicates through variety of sounds . [Verb phrases in parallel]

Usain Bolt was quick off the blocks , fast in the middle , and exceptional at the finish . [Adjective phrases in parallel]

Located at the end of the street and protected by a sturdy fence , the house has had no occupants in nearly two years. [Past participial phrases in parallel]

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant . Robert Louis Stevenson [Prepositional phrase in parallel]

Live in the sunshine , swim the sea , drink the wild air . Ralph Waldo Emerson [Clauses in parallel. Note that you don’t see a subject here because it’s an imperative sentence.]

Joe’s dress was better than that of Mac . [Parallelism when comparing]

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t , you’re right. Henry Ford [Parallelism with correlative conjunction]

More resources on parallelism:

• More than 80 examples of parallelism
• How to write parallel sentences that make writing impactful?

7. Personification

Covid-19 stalked continent after continent with no remorse.

My first novel got crucified .

Chocolate frog, a new species of frog found, has been shying away from mankind for time immemorial.

The kettle hissed and bellowed steam.

Saying they were last polished two weeks back, the shoes begged for a polish.

The lock shrieked in pain as I rattled the wrong key in it.

The carved pumpkin sat on the table, smiling and observing Halloween preparations.

The ball, after being hit hard, sailed over the boundary line and landed in the third tier of the stadium

More resources on personification:

• More than 180 examples of personification
• What is personification and how to write one step-by-step?

Investing in such junk bonds is like carrying water in a sieve .

I had grand dreams, but, when faced with reality, they went down, much like how Titanic went down after colliding with the iceberg .

The vagabond roamed the streets like a tin can swept by wind .

Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake . Sylvester Stallone

The hackers made off with millions of dollars from the bank, taking advantage of their lax security which was as strong as the one provided by our street dog drunk on a liter of beer .

Public speaking is as easy for me as putting toothpaste back in tube .

The seal couldn’t escape from the shark’s vice-like grip . [An adjective acting as simile]

His concern for building a career was no more than the concern of well-fed lions for the next meal . [Similes formed through comparison words other than like and as ]

More resources on simile:

• More than 120 examples of similes
• Simile examples for kids
• What is simile and how to write one?

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

How To Master Similes And Metaphors In Your Writing – Part 2

• by Robert Wood
• January 22, 2020
• No Comments

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In part 1 of this article (available here ), I talked about what similes and metaphors are, how they differ, and how to choose between them in your writing. In this, part 2, we’ll be discussing how to really master these examples of figurative language; how to write better similes and metaphors, how to adopt figurative language into your writing style, and how to avoid the pitfalls that come with writing something other than the literal.

Let’s begin, then, with the first thing you have to get right: actually using similes and metaphors in your writing.

Adopting figurative language

Some writers automatically reach for similes and metaphors at the first opportunity, while others don’t have the instinct to involve figurative language unless prompted by an outside force. Neither side is better than the other, and while similes and metaphors are valuable tools, it’s worth noting that, like all tools, they need to be used in the right circumstances. A boring detail expanded via metaphor just stretches out the boredom, and a complex idea that isn’t actually simplified by its simile is likely to become even harder to follow.

There are also those authors who tend to only use metaphors or only use similes. This is a natural tendency – the preference for saying that a thing is like something else or that a thing is something else comes from deeper instincts for how ideas are expressed – but it’s a tendency you can unlearn, giving yourself more choice in your figurative language.

The first step in taking more control over your use of metaphor and simile is to understand their individual strengths. Happily, we already covered that in part 1:

So, metaphors tend to be better for significant comparisons, since they land with a bang and will stick around long enough to explore beyond the immediate moment. Similes, meanwhile, tend to be better for comparisons that you want to fade quickly, and they’re clearer when not used as the focus of a sentence or paragraph.

The next step is to start looking for opportunities to use similes and metaphors. For similes, this will usually be places of outright description: character introductions, setting descriptions, and especially character interactions, where attitudes, modes of speech, and gestures can be made more compelling by imaginative comparisons.

Find such sections and identify where you would put a simile if you had to. Add it in, reworking it until it’s in its best form. Mark it in some way that will make it easy to find later and then, after a week or so, examine whether you prefer the section with or without it. Given the freedom to add similes without having to keep them, you’ll find a lot of places where a simile unnecessarily expands a simple point, but you’ll also find a few places where figurative writing clarifies or enlivens your scene.

With metaphors, things are a little different, but musicals may help you identify where this type of figurative language belongs. In good musicals, songs aren’t there to fill a space or enliven a dull scene, but rather to expand the focus on a juicy moment. In most musicals, the musical numbers are where characters belt out their thoughts, their desires, their personal motivations – songs aren’t developed randomly, but rather to serve those moments that reward scrutiny.

Metaphors work in a similar way, and thinking of them like musical numbers could help develop your instincts for where they belong. Do you drop a musical number into a boring moment, just to liven things up? No – the solution there is to rewrite the moment. Do you use a musical number to offer new viewpoints on a relatively simple idea? No – don’t waste the reader’s time just to show off. Do you use musical numbers to expand and simplify complex ideas and/or add energy to necessary exposition? Ding ding ding.

Learn to reach for metaphors in those moments where you’re getting ready to write something that you either don’t know how to explain or aren’t excited about putting to paper. Got two characters where one knows the other’s secret but is keeping quiet for now? That could take some explaining, but if you describe them as Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, you can buy the reader’s interest and good will while you do the necessary work. Need to describe a basement in detail that’ll be relevant later? Describe it as a troll’s bolthole and maintain the reader’s interest by revisiting the metaphor as needed – ‘numerous cupboards and shelves, perfect for stacking the bones of goats snatched from bridges.’

Of course, the more you use these techniques, the more skilled you’ll become, so it’s worth digging out old projects and applying the logic above, rather than just waiting for new opportunities to come along.

Avoiding the pitfalls of figurative language

Similes and metaphors draw the reader’s attention so, like any writing device, they hurt your writing when they fail. A poor or confusing comparison will drag your reader out of the story and set them on a parallel track where, for a little while, they’re not working in concert with your storytelling. That’s not ideal, but it’s also not a huge problem. These are the risks of any writing device, and while a misjudged simile or metaphor isn’t great, you’ll find examples of both in even the most popular books.

With this in mind, learning to use similes and metaphors is worth the risks of a rocky start, especially if you can identify and avoid some common pitfalls.

The first of these is that figurative language ages with lightning speed. Metaphors and similes invite the reader to scrutinize comparisons, but as soon as those comparisons are out of date, they become ludicrous.

I mounted into the window-seat: gathering up my feet, I sat cross-legged, like a Turk. – Charlotte Brontë, Jane Eyre

Unless you’re writing something that doesn’t need to age well, comparisons to public figures or current technology are risky. Some references can be made more satisfying by the necessity of research, but if you’re relying on a cultural mood or general societal understanding, you may be hanging your imagery on something that future readers just won’t appreciate.

Another pitfall that fells many writers is ignoring the fact that metaphors and similes are mostly used on the conceptual level. When the Brothers Grimm describe Snow White as having, ‘Skin white as snow, lips red as blood, and hair black as ebony,’ the description is more about communicating her extreme qualities than painting a literal picture. It’s more important that the reader thinks of Snow’s skin as ‘very white’ as opposed to ‘exactly like snow’ (in fact, Neil Gaiman’s short story ‘ Snow, Glass, Apples ’ is based on the premise that if you take this description literally, Snow White starts to sound an awful lot like a vampire). In this way, a figure of speech is designed to effectively evoke an intended feeling rather than make an accurate comparison.

If, for example, an author described a character as having ‘eyes as white as bone,’ the intent would be to point out that their eyes are noticeably white, but mostly to tie them to imagery of death and horror. The intent is not for the reader to think about the exact shade of white they’d expect bone to be and to add this to an exacting mental picture.

This becomes an issue when authors decide that figurative language is there to enhance the literal accuracy of description rather than to plant thematic links and establish tone. For example, an author might describe a fictional beast as ‘as large as a 1939 Ford Anglia.’ This might paint a totally accurate picture, but the reader didn’t need that much accuracy, and so (unless you’re deliberately poking fun) there’s nothing to justify the clunky phrasing.

This may sound like a problem you’ll naturally avoid, but when you’re desperate to paint a totally faithful picture, it’s easy to start asking too much of metaphors. Choose your figurative language according to how you want the reader to feel, not what you want them to picture.

Finally, as you shape your metaphors and similes, be sure to ask what the reader understands and what will happen if they’re confused. Metaphors are a great way to nail a point home, but it’s common for a writer who already understands their own point to become so engrossed in an engaging, accurate, unique metaphor that they fail to make a comprehensible point. For the reader who doesn’t yet know what you’re trying to say, an overly showy metaphor isn’t just unclear, it makes it harder to go back and understand the original point, since now they’re trying to match it to imagery they don’t understand.

“There are a lot of rabbits running around claiming to be the very best bunny, but the president hasn’t yet decided which set of fuzzy tails he’ll use,” said one official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity. – Rachael Bade, Carol D. Leonnig and Josh Dawsey, ‘ GOP leaders spar over adding House members to Trump’s impeachment defense team ’, The Washington Post

This isn’t just a case of making a point clearly, but of asking how your figurative language could be misread. Fiction allows you to create any kind of reality, which means there’s a lot more potential uncertainty behind anything but the clearest language. If you’re going to employ metaphor successfully, especially in something like genre fiction, you need to assess the parameters of what the reader currently understands. The extract below is from early in a short story which has already included a caterpillar-like robot, published in a collection featuring elves, killer butterflies, shapeshifting aliens, and golden-skinned mutants.

Standing in the street entrance, Edward Ackers listened to the voice. During the last half hour the voice had taken on a carping, nagging whine; sinking almost to inaudibility, it plodded along, mechanically turning out its message of complaint. “You’re tired,” Ackers said. “Go home. Take a hot bath.” “No,” the voice said, interrupting its tirade. The locus of the voice was a large illuminated blob on the dark sidewalk, a few yards to Ackers’ right. – Philip K. Dick, ‘ The Unreconstructed M ’, The Golden Man

So, what is this ‘blob’ creature? It’s just a human. Describing it as a blob is a very basic metaphor, but in a sci-fi story set in an unfamiliar world, the reader isn’t as able to tailor the limits of their assumptions. After the odd, detached description and the unclear metaphor, it’s entirely possible they’ll end this passage thinking that the character is, as described, some kind of sentient, glowing blob.

The risk here isn’t solely that the reader will carry their misunderstanding into the rest of the story. That’s the worst-case scenario, but it’s more common that they’ll be pulled out of the story while they adjust, harming their suspension of disbelief . The person who confusedly thinks the character is a blob isn’t the real loss; the real loss is the much larger group of readers who had to re-read that paragraph to straighten out what was happening and consequently didn’t experience it as fiction. As I said earlier, writing good figurative language is worth the risk, but consider this when you get the urge to indulge in a metaphor or simile just because; is the risk to clarity worth the gain in presentation?

Writing amazing similes and metaphors

If you avoid the pitfalls above and put in some practice, you’ll be on the right track to writing effective similes and metaphors, but let’s end by taking things just a little bit further.

The key to writing truly amazing similes and metaphors is to give the reader something they recognize as true but which they’ve never seen before. The first step here is to always, always, always be specific.

In part 1 , I offered the scene where a character is waiting to hear news about the health of their child and says, ‘This is torture.’ That’s a poor metaphor not because it isn’t powerful but because it’s been overdone – it’s cliché. If, on the other hand, the character was previously a prisoner of war and says something like, ‘I never thought I’d feel this way again. I swear, I’m back in Cambodia,’ we can bring new life to the same basic metaphor just by making it specific.

The more instantly the reader understands the sentiment you’re expressing, the more powerful the moment will be, so temper your specificity with accessibility. With the example above, the moment will be more powerful if the reader understands what the character went through during their confinement, but they can be expected to make some accurate assumptions. If this was a fantasy story about a fictional war, the parameters of expectation would be different, and the reader might need more information to really tune into the character’s suffering.

Finally, you can improve your similes and metaphors by always going ‘one floor higher.’ Once you have an image you like, try to get even more specific. Take a recognizable emotional truth and add something to make it unique. The goal is to find a fresh way of saying something that everyone understands.

For example, consider the extract below. The author begins with a solid metaphor – being washed away by sand – but by adding the child, they make the scene realer, decorating it with a little specificity. The metaphor is no longer general because it is implied to happen in a specific time and place, and that makes it all the more striking.

Time has not stood still. It has washed over me, washed me away, as if I’m nothing more than a woman of sand, left by a careless child too near the water. – Margaret Atwood, The Handmaid’s Tale

A common refrain from those dealing with grief is shock or discomfort that the rest of the world keeps on turning. W.H. Auden basically owns this sentiment, having set it down so accurately that the poem in question is one of the most popular to read at funerals.

Stop all the clocks, cut off the telephone, Prevent the dog from barking with a juicy bone, Silence the pianos and with muffled drum Bring out the coffin, let the mourners come. Let aeroplanes circle moaning overhead Scribbling on the sky the message He Is Dead, Put crepe bows round the white necks of the public doves, Let the traffic policemen wear black cotton gloves. – W.H. Auden, ‘ Stop all the clocks ’

This sentiment wasn’t cliché when it was written, and it’s still intensely moving, but it’s now the established expression of this emotion, so how do you say the same thing in a unique way? You go one floor higher, finding the details that, again, set this metaphor in a specific time and place – the thing that makes it a personal expression of a universal emotion.

In the extract below, the author accomplishes this not by out-miserabling Auden, but by adding small, humorous touches that bring the moment alive. Porter’s glow-in-the-dark equipment, like Auden’s dog, takes things one floor higher; past the bedrock of real emotion and up to where you find personal emotion.

Where are the fire engines? Where is the noise and clamor of an event like this? Where are the strangers going out of their way to help, screaming, flinging bits of emergency glow-in-the-dark equipment at us to try and settle us and save us? There should be men in helmets speaking a new and dramatic language of crisis. There should be horrible levels of noise, completely foreign and inappropriate for our cosy London flat. – Max Porter, Grief is the Thing with Feathers

A simile is like a metaphor, but a metaphor is not a simile

Metaphors and similes are basic tools that can be enhanced to surprising levels with enough insight and practice. If you’re looking to work on your figurative language, be sure to start by getting comfortable with both similes and metaphors, giving you the variety you need in your work. Once you’ve done that, start working on going one floor higher, finding unique ways to express recognizable ideas.

Accomplish that while prizing clarity and choosing the right moments to try something different and you’ll have truly mastered the use of metaphor and simile. Of course, mastery isn’t the only acceptable state; just being a little more comfortable with these types of figurative language should be your goal for now.

What’s your favorite literary metaphor and/or simile, and what figurative language have you written that fills you with pride? Let me know in the comments, and check out Your Quick And Easy Guide To Theme, Allegory And Symbolism and Why More Authors Should Harness The Power Of Conceit for more great advice on this subject.

• Characters , Description , setting , Writing tools

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7 Figurative Language

• Published: June 2015
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Chapter 7 presents two theories of figurative language and argues in favor of Sperber and Wilson’s view that figurative language is no different from supposedly non-figurative language as far and the brain’s interpretive mechanisms are concerned. The chapter looks specifically at Wallace Stevens’s poem “The Emperor of Ice Cream” to demonstrate how even a master poet can get tangled up in his own metaphors.

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Why Authors Use Figurative Language (Explained)

By: Author Paul Jenkins

Posted on Published: January 11, 2022  - Last updated: March 25, 2022

Categories Writing , Creativity , Storytelling

Figurative language is an important aspect of writing. It is used in every good piece of writing, regardless of whether it is fiction or non-fiction. It provides your work with a lot more depth, allowing you to be imaginative and creative.

What Is Figurative Language

Figurative language is a way that writers create a word picture, using figures of speech – specific types of figurative expressions that convey meanings different from the literal meanings of the words.

It allows authors to paint a vivid mental picture in their writing, in a way that non-figurative language – literal language – can struggle to do.

The inclusion of figures of speech in writing also can add depth, meaning, and color to the text. Figurative language helps writers make a point or describe an image that a normal sentence couldn’t.

It’s an essential skill to develop in creative writing.

Figurative language, deftly used, incites emotions in the reader, according to the intentions of the author. Extending the experience of the reader beyond the mere literal meaning. William Shakespeare was a master of this, among many other authors.

To be, or not to be: that is the question: Whether ’tis nobler in the mind to suffer The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune, Or to take arms against a sea of troubles, And by opposing end them? William Shakespeare

Notice the mental image this verse elicits. ‘The slings and arrows of outrageous fortune’ bring to mind a multiplicity of woes and ones that cause harm.

Authors use various types of figurative language as literary devices to enhance their story and make it more interesting, including similes, metaphors, onomatopoeia, hyperbole, and personification. We’ll dig into these below.

Figurative language is present in most types of writing, including poems, screenplays, and even academic texts.

Examples of Figurative Language in Writing

Some examples of figurative language in sentences would be:

“The mountains soared like an eagle in the sky.”

“His eyes glistened like the stars in the sky.”

“The sun was like a red ball floating in the sky”

“Her eyes were like the sea at sunrise”

“I felt like a broken record”

“I can’t stop thinking about that girl.”

“The money was burning a hole in his pocket”

“She was a breath of fresh air”

“I was homesick.”

“You’re a dog.”

“The room is filled with warmth.”

“The sky is a sea of black ink with stars for driftwood.”

“This heat will kill me!”

The Role of Figurative Language in Writing

Most authors try to appeal to the reader and elicit emotion in multiple ways.

Authors use figurative language in their writing to help make the story more interesting, and more memorable, by giving it a deeper meaning than what is on the surface.

Figurative language makes the story more enjoyable to read while also allowing the reader to have a better understanding of what the author is trying to convey.

It does this by injecting emphasis, comparisons, and humor into your writing. It can even play a role in adding musicality and rhythm to a piece of writing.

Figurative language has the power to give writing flair so that you acquire and retain the reader’s attention.

Can you imagine if life was flat and literal? So too with writing: figurative writing gives the means to portray and intensify inner and outer worlds.

How Figurative Language Is Used In Storytelling

Figurative language is an important literary device for anyone who wants to make a point or tell a story. It adds color, depth, and understanding.

It provides a human element to storytelling. This can be especially important when a story is set in an unfamiliar setting because it helps the reader to relate to the characters or the plot.

For example, an author might use figurative language to explain an abstract idea by comparing it to a familiar scenario.

This helps the reader to understand and absorb the concepts better.

Figurative language helps people to learn, remember, and understand. This can be very powerful when using stories to help teach children, for example.

Familiar images and ideas can help the child to relate to the story and follow along.

Also with adults – as when using inspirational quotes in speeches.

Related: The Essential Elements of Storytelling

The Connection Between Figurative Writing and Imagery

Figurative writing can be used to create imagery in a piece of writing, but it is not an essential component.

Imagery means the way that you paint a picture for a reader. It’s what makes a reader feel like they can see what you’re describing and understand it as you’re describing it.

It allows the reader to see characters, places, and actions in their mind.

Figurative Language and Humor

One of the ways that figurative language can work well for a writer in humorous texts is by understating or grossly overstating the situation or setting.

So, for example, in Terry Pratchett’s The Light Fantastic we have:

Rincewind wasn’t certain about what happened to you after you really died, the authorities were a little unclear on the subject; a swarthy sailor from the Rimward lands had said that he was confident of going to a paradise where there was sherbet and houris. Rincewind wasn’t certain what a houri was, but after some thought he came to the conclusion that it was a little liquorice tube for sucking up the sherbet. Anyway, sherbet made him sneeze. TERRY PRATCHETT

Bringing Characters Alive With Figurative Language

Hyperbole (exaggerated statements) can be used to good effect to give your characters an extra boost by giving color to their actions or traits.

Again, from Terry Pratchett:

Galder Weatherwax, Supreme Grand Conjuror of the Order of the Silver Star, Lord Imperial of the Sacred Staff, Eighth Level Ipsissimus and 304th Chancellor of Unseen University, wasn’t simply an impressive sight even in his red nightshirt with the hand-embroidered mystic runes, even in his long cap with the bobble on, even with the Wee Willie Winkie candlestick in his hand. He even managed to very nearly pull it off in fluffy pompom slippers as well. TERRY PRATCHETT, THE LIGHT FANTASTIC

Creating a Compelling Setting Using Similes and Metaphors

Here’s how Dan Brown describes the Guggenheim Museum:

The Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao, Spain, looked like something out of an alien hallucination-a swirling collage of warped metallic forms that appeared to have been propped up against one another in an almost random way. Stretching into the distance, the chaotic mass of shapes was draped in more than thirty thousand titanium tiles that glinted like fish scales and gave the structure a simultaneously organic and extraterrestrial feel, as if some futuristic leviathan had crawled out of the water to sun herself on the riverbank. DAN BROWN, ORIGIN

See how the line ‘glinted like fish scales’ and the idea of an alien leviathan brings images to mind, and makes the setting more vivid?

How Figurative Language Works in Poetry

In poetry, the effect of figurative language is to expand the range of emotions expressed by the poet. It adds more color, depth, and vividness to the poem.

Poets often exhibit a greater sensibility to beauty and a deeper appreciation of art and nature. Their use of figurative language illustrates these qualities.

Figurative language is used by poets to is used to enhance the music and rhythm of their poetry, as well as the imagery.

Importantly, it provides layers of meaning to the poem.

Good examples would be:

I wandered lonely as a cloud That floats on high o’er vales and hills, When all at once I saw a crowd, A host, of golden daffodils; Beside the lake, beneath the trees,… And dances with the daffodils. William Wordsworth

In Xanadu did Kubla Khan A stately pleasure-dome decree: Where Alph, the sacred river, ran Through caverns measureless to man Down to a sunless sea. So twice five miles of fertile ground With walls and towers were girdled round; And there were gardens bright with sinuous rills, Where blossomed many an incense-bearing tree; And here were forests ancient as the hills, Enfolding sunny spots of greenery. SAMUEL COLERIDGE

Types and Examples of Figurative Language

There are many types of figurative language used in writing and in everyday speech.

Some common types that authors use, and examples of them, include:

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that is an intentional exaggeration to a humorous or emphatic effect. It is a commonly used method of humor and is often found in satirical and comedic writing.

Hyperboles are usually positive, but can also be negative, to the effect of poking fun at something or someone.

It is a way to emphasize something by being extreme. An example would be: “This book weighs a ton!!”

Metaphors and Similes

A metaphor is a figure of speech where one thing is used to describe or illustrate another.

It can be used to describe a characteristic or quality of something by comparing it to something else.

For example, “Life is a roller coaster” or “He is a rock.”

A simile, on the other hand, is when an interstitial word is used to illustrate the comparison. For example, “The tree swayed in the breeze like it was dancing.”

A synecdoche is a figure of speech that uses a part of something to represent the whole thing. It can be used in a number of ways, including naming a specific part of something to represent the whole thing.

For example, “Seat of power” or “All hands on deck.”

A metonymy is a figure of speech where a thing or concept is not named directly but is instead referred to by another name associated with that thing or concept.

For example, “The crown” or “The pen is mightier than the sword,” the word “pen” is used to represent writing, and “sword” is used to represent fighting.

Alliteration

Alliteration is a figure of speech, in which the initial consonants of consecutive words are repeated.

It is a way to help the reader remember and associate names or phrases with something else.

It can be used to create a musical flow or rhythm to the writing.

For example, “Day by day, dollar by dollar,” or “The bee buzzed with the busyness of bees.”

Assonance is a figure of speech, in which words with similar vowel sounds are used near one another.

For example, “I am sick of this silly hat” or “She could not stop the sigh that rose up in her throat.”

An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two normally contradictory terms are put together in a sentence.

For example, “Pretty ugly,” “Bitter sweet” or “Deafening silence.”

Personification

Personification is a figure of speech where something that is non-human is given human characteristics.

For example, “The air was pregnant with expectation.”

It’s especially effective in storytelling because it allows the reader to relate to the inanimate object by dint of its ascribed human qualities, which can make the story more interesting.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech that describes a person, place, thing, or sound, in a way that imitates the way it sounds – usually for dramatic effect.

Onomatopoeia can be used to add rhythm, emphasis, and humor to a text.

Examples of onomatopoeia would be: “The music goes thrum-thrum-thrum”, “The birds cheeped in the wood” or The squeak of the chalk as the teacher writes on the board.”

What Is Figurative Language In Writing & Screenwriting? Ultimate Guide

Figurative language is the spice that flavors our writing and screenwriting, transforming ordinary text into a vivid sensory experience.

It’s a tool we use to convey emotions and ideas in ways that literal words can’t quite capture.

Understanding Figurative Language

Figurative language serves as the paint on a canvas that is the script or manuscript.

It’s what turns the black and white text into a riot of color in the reader’s mind.

Screenwriters use it to add depth to their scenes, creating memorable dialogue and moments that resonate.

A well-placed metaphor or a clever bit of symbolism can be the difference between a line that fades into the background and one that pops off the page and stays with the audience long after they’ve left the theater.

Recognizing the numerous types of figurative language is crucial for us as writers or screenwriters.

Knowing when and how to use them effectively is a skill honed over time.

Some of the most commonly employed forms include:

• Metaphors – comparing two things by stating one thing is another,
• Similes – comparing two things using “like” or “as”,
• Personification – giving human characteristics to non-human entities,
• Hyperbole – using extreme exaggeration for effect,
• Symbolism – using symbols to signify ideas and qualities.

In film, visuals and dialogue work together to convey the story.

Hence, our use of figurative language needs to cater to both aspects.

The ship in Titanic not only represents a historical tragedy but also serves as a symbol for the hubris of mankind.

When characters in The Great Gatsby speak of the green light, we understand it’s not just a physical object but a representation of Gatsby’s yearning.

Also, subtext is often rooted in figurative speech, which is especially potent in film.

What characters say versus what they actually mean can create tension, humor, and drama.

The famous line “I’ll make him an offer he can’t refuse” from The Godfather uses inference, suggesting danger and power without stating it outright.

Understanding the balance and subtleties of figurative language is a journey.

One learns to pick the right moment for a flourish of metaphor or a sprinkling of personification, ensuring each scene or chapter is engaging to its fullest potential.

Different Types Of Figurative Language

Figurative language is a vital tool in both writing and screenwriting.

It enhances the written word beyond its literal meaning and imbues the narrative with depth and creativity.

Metaphors And Similes

Metaphors and similes draw comparisons that help readers and viewers perceive a situation or emotion in a new light.

When Forrest Gump famously compares life to a box of chocolates, the comparison isn’t just sweet; it’s profound.

Similes do similar work but use “like” or “as” to highlight the similarities.

They’re like the brush strokes that add texture to a painter’s canvas – essential in the art of storytelling.

Personification And Anthropomorphism

We give life to inanimate objects or ideas through personification.

It can be as simple as a talking car in a children’s film or as complex as the embodiment of death in a fantasy novel.

Anthropomorphism takes it a step further by attributing human characteristics to animals or objects.

The cinematic world of Toy Story wouldn’t be nearly as captivating without toys that move, talk, and feel.

Hyperbole And Understatement

Hyperbole is our way of amplifying a message.

It adds excitement or drama.

An understatement, on the other hand, can create a comedic effect or highlight a point through irony.

These tools are as ancient as storytelling itself and remain just as effective in screenplays.

They capture attention and leave a lasting impression on audiences.

Symbolism And Allegory

Films often use symbols or represent broader themes through characters, objects, or events.

The Matrix is rich with symbolic and allegorical elements, allowing for various levels of interpretation and discussion.

Allegories can be entire stories that run parallel to a different narrative or political context.

They challenge viewers to look beyond the surface and find deeper meaning in the story.

Examples Of Figurative Language In Writing

To grasp the power of figurative language, let’s jump into some tangible examples.

Metaphors and similes are the most frequently wielded styles, painting vivid images that stick with the reader long after the story ends.

The Great Gatsby uses metaphors to symbolize the elusive American Dream.

The green light Gatsby observes is more than a simple beacon; it represents his insatiable yearning for Daisy and the greater aspiration of society.

Similes, on the other hand, directly compare two disparate ideas to draw a striking parallel.

In To Kill A Mockingbird, Harper Lee writes “The house was as still as a tomb,” invoking an eerie stillness and a sense of foreboding.

• Hyperbole emphasizes points through exaggeration: “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”,
• Understatement generates humor or emphasizes a point subtly: “Deserts are sometimes a bit dry.”.

Anthropomorphism gives human characteristics to animals or inanimate objects in literature and film.

The sword in the stone speaks of grand destiny with a blade that only the worthy can wield, bestowing it with near-human qualities.

Personification is smilar, attributing human traits to anything non-human.

Autumn leaves dance across the pavement, in a whimsical ballet choreographed by the wind.

Screenwriting employs these devices too, though visual cues often accompany the dialogue.

In Forrest Gump, life is compared to a box of chocolates; the message is both comforting and unpredictable as the treats inside.

Symbolism in film describes a deeper layer of meaning behind the physical events taking place.

The recurring motif of birds flying in Shawshank Redemption symbolizes the yearning for freedom, a poignant element that resonates with the protagonist’s journey.

Finally, allegory can shape an entire narrative, creating a dual layer of meaning.

The Matrix serves as a complex allegory for reality and illusion, questioning the very fabric of human perception.

Our understanding of figurative language in writing and screenwriting enriches not just our grasp of the art form but our aptitude for engaging storytelling.

As we uncover more layers, nuances become clear and our appreciation for literature and film deepens.

Incorporating Figurative Language In Screenwriting

• Use metaphor s and similes to reveal character traits and relationships.
• Apply hyperbole to amplify emotional exchanges or comedic moments.
• Employ personification to make environments express moods or themes. When crafting our screenplays, we look for natural insertion points for figurative expressions. They must fit the characters’ voices and the screenplay’s tone to avoid jarring the audience out of the story. Films like The Matrix and Forrest Gump use allegory and symbolism masterfully. They weave in these devices to add depth to their narratives and characters. Figurative language is a powerful weapon in a screenwriter’s arsenal. It should be used to reinforce the film’s overarching message and themes. By choosing the right moments and expressions, we can elevate our screenwriting from good to unforgettable. To engage viewers, always consider the visual possibilities of figurative language. Screenwriting isn’t just about words; it’s about the potential for those words to spring to life on screen. In selecting the appropriate figurative language, we aim for a delicate balance. This ensures the storytelling remains relatable and grounded, while also allowing flights of fancy where appropriate. Remember, the goal in screenwriting is not just to tell a story. It’s to craft an experience that viewers can taste, touch, and feel through the screen. That’s the true magic of incorporating figurative language into our work.

The Impact Of Figurative Language In Writing And Screenwriting

The power of figurative language lies in its ability to transform the mundane into the extraordinary.

In writing and screenwriting, it’s the spark that ignites a reader’s imagination, allowing them to visualize scenarios beyond their own experiences.

Through its use, writers can craft dialogues and narrations that are not only engaging but memorable.

In the cinematic world, strategic deployment of figurative speech can tether emotions to the screen, making them almost tangible.

Take the chilling atmosphere in The Shining – the hotel itself becomes a character, with descriptions that paint it as looming and alive.

Such personifications heighten tension and create a rapport between the setting and the viewer, an effect often amplified by the visual nature of the medium.

Stirring dialogue often employs metaphor and allegory to convey complex themes and ideologies.

These are not just words delivered by characters but are keys to unlocking deeper understandings.

For instance, the titular character in Forrest Gump delivers lines that resonate with viewers long after the credits roll, imparting wisdom and insights through simple, yet profound metaphors about life and destiny.

Here are a few ways figurative language can impact writing and screenwriting:

• Elevates narrative richness,
• Enhances emotional engagement,
• Enriches character development,
• Encapsulates themes succinctly.

Embracing these elements ensures that stories transcend the limitations of literal language.

As we’ve highlighted previously, when used judiciously, figurative language can reveal character traits and motivations in a way that feels organic and believable.

It’s a tool that, when mastered, can turn a good narrative into a timeless one.

Mastering Figurative Language In Writing And Screenwriting – Wrap Up

Harnessing the power of figurative language, we’ve seen how it breathes life into narratives across both literature and film.

It’s not just a tool for embellishment—it’s a conduit for depth and resonance within a story.

By thoughtfully weaving metaphors and allegories into dialogue and description, we can craft experiences that linger long after the page is turned or the credits roll.

Whether we’re writers or screenwriters, our goal is the same: to leave a lasting impact.

Let’s continue to use figurative language to unveil the unseen, to speak the unspoken, and to turn our tales into art that stands the test of time.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the role of figurative language in writing.

Figurative language adds depth and vivid imagery to writing, transforming simple descriptions into captivating text that engages the reader’s senses and imagination.

How Does Figurative Language Enhance Screenwriting?

In screenwriting, figurative language helps establish an emotional connection, adding nuance and layers to the storytelling that resonate with the audience beyond the visual elements .

Can Figurative Language In Dialogue Convey Complex Themes?

Yes, figurative language like metaphor and allegory used in dialogue can effectively communicate complex themes and ideologies, enriching the narrative.

Why Is Figurative Language Important For Character Development?

Figurative language reveals character traits and motivations organically, providing insight into their psyche and making them relatable, thus enriching character development.

How Does Figurative Language Affect Narrative Quality?

When used skillfully, figurative language can elevate a story’s quality from good to timeless by enhancing narrative richness and emotional engagement.

What Is Metalepsis In Writing? Blending Reality & Narrative

What Are Love Triangles In Fiction? Tension & Character Growth

Matt Crawford

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Simile examples for intermediate readers.

• “Food?”  Chris inquired, popping out of his seat like a toaster strudel.
• Grandpa lounged on the raft in the middle of the pool like an old battleship.
• If seen from above the factory, the workers would have looked like clock parts.
• The truth was like a bad taste on his tongue.
• The people who still lived in the town were stuck in place like wax statues.
• Cassie talked to her son about girls as though she were giving him tax advice.
• Alan’s jokes were like flat soda to the children, surprisingly unpleasant.
• My mother’s kitchen was like a holy place: you couldn’t wear your shoes, you had to sit there at a certain time, and occasionally we’d pray.
• The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop.
• The handshake felt like warm laundry.
• She hung her head like a dying flower.
• Arguing with her was like dueling with hand grenades.
• The classroom was as quiet as a tongue-tied librarian in a hybrid car.
• Janie’s boyfriend appreciated her as an ape might appreciate an algebra book.
• The clouds were like ice-cream castles in the sky.
• The shingles on the shack shook in the storm winds like scared children.
• When he reached the top of the hill, he felt as strong as a steel gate.
• When the tree branch broke, Millie fell from the limb like a robin’s egg.
• She swam through the waters like she was falling through a warm dream.
• They children ran like ripples through water.
• Mikhail scattered his pocket change in front of the beggars like crumbs of bread.
• Her hair was as soft as a spider web.
• Each dollar bill was a like a magic wand to cast away problems.
• The man held the blanket like a memory.
• The ice sculptor’s hands fluttered like hummingbird wings.
• I’m about as awesome as a flying giraffe.
• You are soft as the nesting dove.
• Andre charged down the football field like it was the War of 1812.
• The stars looked like stupid little fish.
• Her laughter was like a warm blanket or a familiar song.
• The river flows like a stream of glass
• Blood seeped out of the wound like red teardrops.
• Paul carried his science project to school like he was transporting explosive glass.
• She looked at me like I was speaking in some strange alien tongue.
• The town square was buzzing like a beehive.
• Kelsey followed her dreams like most kids would follow a big sister.
• Kyle looked at the test with a stare as blank as his notebook.
• The robins are as thick today as flakes of snow were yesterday,
• Her eyes are like the eyes of statues.
• The gray moss drapes us like sages.
• The music burst like a bent-up flood.
• The curtains stir as with an ancient pain.
• But now her hands like moonlight brush the keys with velvet grace.
• I flitted like a dizzy moth.
• The flowers were as soft as thoughts of budding love.
• The gray of the sea, and the gray of the sky, / A glimpse of the moon like a half-closed eye.
• Yes, the doors are locked and the ashes are white as the frost.
• A mist about your beauty clings like a thin cloud before a star.
• She went like snow in the springtime on a sunny hill.
• Then I knew those tiny voices, clear as drops of dew.

Simile Examples for Advanced Readers

• I dream of silent verses where the rhyme glides noiseless as an oar.
• Though they knew it not, their baby’s cries were lovely as jeweled butterflies.
• He kissed her as though he were trying to win a sword fight.
• The paparazzi circled like vultures above a tottering camel.
• She was as distant as a remote tropical island, uncivilized, unspoiled.
• Our hearts, though stout and brave, still, like muffled drums, are beating funeral marches to the grave.
• He had hidden his wealth, heaped and hoarded and piled on high like sacks of wheat in a granary.
• Pieces of silver and of gold / Into the tinkling strong-box fell / Like pebbles dropped into a well;
• The cabin windows have grown blank as eyeballs of the dead.
• What passing-bells for these who die as cattle?
• Each face was like the setting sun, / As, broad and red.
• Barefooted, ragged, with neglected hair, she was a thin slip of a girl, like a new moon.
• A fatal letter wings its way across the sea, like a bird of prey.
• I will sing a slumberous refrain, and you shall murmur like a child appeased.
• For she knows me! My heart, clear as a crystal beam / To her alone, ceases to be inscrutable.
• Leaf-strewing gales utter low wails like violins,
• He spit out his teeth like stones.
• Talk of your cold: through the parka’s fold it stabbed like a driven nail.
• Dawn breaks open like a wound that bleeds afresh.
• Like winged stars the fire-flies flash and glance, / Pale in the open moonshine.
• The breath of her false mouth was like faint flowers, / Her touch was as electric poison.
• Then, as a hunted deer that could not flee, I turned upon my thoughts and stood at bay, wounded and weak and panting;
• There are thick woods where many a fountain, rivulet, and pond are as clear as elemental diamond.
• Years heap their withered hours, like leaves, on our decay.
• The ripples wimple on the rills, like sparkling little lasses.
• She was like a modest flower blown in sunny June and warm as sun at noon’s high hour.
• And the face of the waters that spread away / Was as gray as the face of the dead.
• As in depths of many seas, my heart was drowned in memories.
• Then like a cold wave on a shore, comes silence and she sings no more.
• And shout thy loud battle-cry, cleaving the silence like a sword.
• My soul is lost and tossed like a ship unruddered in a shoreless sea.
• The clouds like crowds of snowy-hued and white-robed maidens pass
• Dreams, like ghosts, must hide away; / ‘Tis the day.
• The evening stretches before me like a road.
• I would have hours that move like a glitter of dancers.
• Toby manipulated the people in his life as though they were chess pieces.
• And only to think that my soul could not react, but turned on itself like a tortured snake.
• There are strange birds like blots against a sky.
• She goes all so softly like a shadow on the hill, a faint wind at twilight.
• The horse-chestnuts dropped their buds like tears.
• They walk in awful splendor, regal yet, wearing their crimes like rich and kingly capes.
• Death is like moonlight in a lofty wood that pours pale magic through the shadowy leaves.
• I was sick of all the sorrow and distress that flourished in the City like foul weeds.
• As I read it in the white, morning sunlight, the letters squirmed like snakes.
• Oh, praise me not the silent folk; / To me they only seem / Like leafless, bird-abandoned oak.
• The windflowers and the lilies were yellow striped as adder’s tongue.
• I have seen old ships sail like swans asleep.
• For the world’s events have rumbled on since those days like traffic.
• And dance as dust before the sun, light of foot and unconfined.
• The fishes skim like umber shades through the undulating weeds.
• Gather up the undiscovered universe like jewels in a jasper cup.

Common Core State Standards Related to Simile

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.R.4 – Interpret words and phrases as they are used in a text, including determining technical, connotative, and figurative meanings, and analyze how specific word choices shape meaning or tone. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.CCRA.L.5 – Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships, and nuances in word meanings.

ELA Standards: Literature

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.3.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.4.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including those that allude to significant characters found in mythology (e.g., Herculean). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.5.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative language such as metaphors and similes. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.6.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of a specific word choice on meaning and tone. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.7.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of rhymes and other repetitions of sounds (e.g., alliteration) on a specific verse or stanza of a poem or section of a story or drama. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.8.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including analogies or allusions to other texts. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.9-10.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the cumulative impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone (e.g., how the language evokes a sense of time and place; how it sets a formal or informal tone). CCSS.ELA-Literacy.RL.11-12.4 – Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in the text, including figurative and connotative meanings; analyze the impact of specific word choices on meaning and tone, including words with multiple meanings or language that is particularly fresh, engaging, or beautiful. (Include Shakespeare as well as other authors.)

ELA Standards: Language

CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.3.5 – Demonstrate understanding of figurative language, word relationships and nuances in word meanings. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5a – Explain the meaning of simple similes and metaphors (e.g., as pretty as a picture) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.4.5b – Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5a – Interpret figurative language, including similes and metaphors, in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.5.5b – Recognize and explain the meaning of common idioms, adages, and proverbs. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.6.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., personification) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.7.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., literary, biblical, and mythological allusions) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.8.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g. verbal irony, puns) in context. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.9-10.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., euphemism, oxymoron) in context and analyze their role in the text. CCSS.ELA-Literacy.L.11-12.5a – Interpret figures of speech (e.g., hyperbole, paradox) in context and analyze their role in the text.

163 Comments

I like similes….! am sober like a judge

I need a simile describing something negative at school

Esther Owate

I need similies that start with as

as cool as a cucumber

Patricia Wills-Obong

This Similie are awesome

Shiloh Jones

hey guys i need a simile thats about a blank white word document…. like ummmm

the blank white page stared at me like ….?

The blank. White page stared at me like as if there was something on my face

Delony Hamilton

Thank you it helped me with English and even helped me wrote a song.

she was screaming like a donkey and the donkey was screaming like my sister

Friendship is as sweet as ice-cream.

The clear water semmed like as if diamonds were melted into the water.

The clear water was like millions of melted diamonds.

It really helps this because we have assignment and I research for it about similes sentence ty

Abeeha Qadri

Is this sentence of metaphor is right: My sister’s memory is a camera that remembers everything we see

I need to write some similes for describing a hospital

Please help me with this…Write the similes of the following words- sold,tea,teach,reach,take,leave,fence,hear,son,earth please I need help with this words

Pls I need the following similes for… The clear water was like a…. The sick man was as …..as a child. The crafty man got his own way, he is a….

As anxious as…

so enlightening thanks its really good

the kittens fur was like velvet.

bill joy the 2nd

the banana was as yellow as the sun

I love dis. It helped me in doing my English assignment.

Plz help me out. I want to make sentences using both similies in a sentence. Plz help me plz at least five sentences I want

1.The true friendship is as sweet as ice cream 2.Honesty and laughter in a friendship are like bricks that support a building. 3. Friendship is like a circle that never end.s. 4.The heart of the person is like untracked nut. 5.The child is brave like lion.

Thanks for helping with my homework.

my head was aching like the downfall of ten thousand bombs

I am very happy to learn this topic

I’m so stuck with my English homework and I don’t know much about English language, so I need some help for these sentences to create a simile please:

1. A petrol bomb exploding 2. A military jail

Susan de la Vergne

Try freshening up your comparisons. Instead of “eyes blue as the sky” try “eyes blue as a shallow tropical lagoon at dawn.” One danger of similes is using cliches. Writing (and speaking) is much better without cliches.

My pillow was as hard as steel.

Martha Snyder

Help me with this. Write a simile to compare. A person’s eyes to the sky

eyes as blue as the sky or eyes as soft as the clouds

I need a simile The cellphone is like a The boy is small like a

A still pond is like Autumn leaves are like A volcano is like A poppy is like

I like this

i like this similes

Quite informative

this the thing that want and i got it now

please may you email some of your similies please

Why? They are here on this page.

i need a simile His golden fur was like…

Acre7227277272727272

His golden fur was like a candle in a dark room against the darkness behind him

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Pope Francis writing meditations for Good Friday Way of the Cross

By Deborah Castellano Lubov

Each year for the annual tradition of the Via Crucis, presided over by Pope Francis in Rome's Colosseum on the evening of Good Friday, different individuals are entrusted with writing the meditations.

However, this year, the Holy Father has decided to write them himself, the Holy See Press Office disclosed to journalists on Tuesday.

"In prayer with Jesus on the Way of the Cross" is the theme of the reflections that will accompany the fourteen stations at the Colosseum. 

The traditional Way of the Cross celebration at Rome’s Colosseum will begin at 9:15 pm Friday evening.

According to the Press Office, this gesture is "an act of meditation and spirituality," with Jesus at the centre, in the context of the Year of Prayer proclaimed by the Pope.

It will be focused, he noted, on Christ who makes the Way of the Cross and allows one to walk alongside Him.

"It is all centered on what Jesus experiences in that moment, and it is clear that it also enlarges on the theme of suffering," with a broad, but indirect reference to current events.

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