Figurative LanguageWilson Middle School

Types ofFigurative Language

SimileMetaphorImageryAlliteration

Personification

Onomatopoeia

HyperboleIdiom

SimileA simile is a form of

expression using “as” or “like” where one thing is compared to another.

SimileLife is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you’re gonna get.

-Forrest Gump

Simile

Before you, Bella, my life was like a moonless night. -Edward Cullen

SimileIt’s so hot; I’m

melting like a popsicle on the fourth of July!

MetaphorSimilar to a simile but does not use “as” or “like” Directly compares two things

MetaphorThe team was so

nervous, they all had butterflies in their stomachs.

MetaphorThat

assignment was a breeze!

MetaphorI've been wandering the desert for a thousand days.-Selena Gomez

ImageryLanguage that appeals to the senses.

Descriptions of people or objects stated in terms to your senses.

ImageryPicture yourself in a boat on a river, with tangerine trees and marmalade skies.-The Beatles

ImageryThe sky looked like the untouched canvas of an artist.

ImageryThe ants began their daily marching drill.

AlliterationRepeated consonant sounds occurring at the beginning of words or within words.

AlliterationPeter Piper Picked a Pack of Pickled Peppers.

AlliterationCharlie’s cat clawed his couch, creating chaos.

AlliterationThrough three cheese trees three free fleas

flew.While these fleas flew, freezy breeze blew.Freezy breeze made these three trees freeze.Freezy trees made these trees' cheese freeze.That's what made these three free fleas sneeze.-Dr. Seuss

PersonificationA figure of speech which gives the qualities of a person to an animal, an object, or an idea

PersonificationUnder Sarah’s bed, there were more dust bunnies than boxes and dirty clothes!

PersonificationOreo: Milk’s favorite cookie.

OnomatopoeiaThe use of words that mimic sounds. They appeal to our sense of hearing and they help bring a description to life

Onomatopoeia"Bang! went the pistol,Crash! went the windowOuch! went the son of a gun.

OnomatopoeiaListen to the bees buzzing by!

OnomatopoeiaDave whoosed down the hill on his sled during the snow storm!

HyperboleAn exaggerated statement used to heighten effect. Not meant to mislead the reader but to strengthen a point.

HyperboleI told my mom a thousand times I would clean my room but I never do!

HyperboleI’m so hungry, I could eat a horse!

IdiomAn idiom is a natural manner of speaking to a native speaker of the language.

Idiom“You’re driving me up a wall!”“We knocked her socks off!”“I feel like a million bucks!”