Figurative language is a versatile tool that allows writers and speakers to transcend literal definitions. Instead of stating a fact directly, it uses comparisons, exaggerations, and creative phrasing to build vivid mental images and deeper emotional resonance.
What is figurative language?
At its core, figurative language uses figures of speech to make communication more persuasive and impactful. It intentionally deviates from the standard, literal meaning of words to provide fresh insights. According to the Purdue Online Writing Lab, these devices are essential for deeper literary analysis and effective storytelling.
Common types of figurative language
There are many ways we use figurative language in English. You can also click on the heading to learn more about each literary device. Be sure to click on each heading to learn more about each device.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds in a series of words. It is often used in poetry and branding to create a rhythmic effect.
- Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Allusion
An allusion is a brief, indirect reference to a person, place, event, or literary work that carries cultural or historical significance.
- Example: “He’s a real Romeo with the ladies” (referencing Shakespeare).
Hyperbole
Hyperbole uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis. It is not meant to be taken literally.
- Example: “I’ve told you a million times to clean your room.”
Idioms
Idioms are expressions where the collective meaning of the phrase differs entirely from the literal meaning of the individual words. You can find thousands of examples in the Oxford Learner’s Dictionary of Idioms to see how these phrases evolve over time.
- Example: “Break a leg” (meaning good luck).
Metaphor
A metaphor compares two unrelated things by stating that one thing is the other. It does not use “like” or “as.”
- Example: “The classroom was a zoo.”
Onomatopoeia
This device uses words that phonetically imitate the natural sounds of a thing.
- Example: The hiss of a snake or the bang of a drum.
Personification
Personification attributes human characteristics, emotions, or intentions to non-human entities or inanimate objects.
- Example: “The lightning danced across the sky.”
Simile
Similar to a metaphor, a simile compares two different things to create a new meaning, but it specifically uses the words “like” or “as.”
- Example: “He was as brave as a lion.”
Recommended reading: To see these devices in action, we recommend the classic “Owl Moon” by Jane Yolen, which is renowned for its beautiful use of similes and metaphors. For a fun, literal-vs-figurative comparison, “My Mouth is a Volcano” by Julia Cook is a fantastic resource for students and teachers alike.
At a glance: Comparing common literary devices
| Device | Purpose | Key Identifier |
| Simile | Compares two things | Uses “like” or “as” |
| Metaphor | Equates two things | States A is B |
| Hyperbole | Emphasizes a point | Uses exaggeration |
| Personification | Adds relatability | Gives human traits to objects |
Why should you use figurative language?
Using rhetorical devices isn’t just for novelists; it’s a vital part of effective communication. Here is why it works:
- Create vivid imagery: It helps your audience “see” your story rather than just reading it.
- Increase emotional impact: It triggers feelings, helping you build a stronger bond with your reader. Research in cognitive linguistics suggests that the brain processes figurative comparisons more deeply than literal statements, leading to better retention.
- Simplify complex ideas: By comparing a difficult concept to a familiar object, you make it easier to understand.
- Enhance engagement: It adds style and personality, preventing your prose from feeling “dry” or academic.
Recommended resources for mastering figurative language
If you’re looking to bring these concepts to life in a classroom or home study, here are a few highly-rated tools:
- Visual Aids: This Figurative Language Poster Set provides clear, permanent anchors for students to reference while writing.
- Interactive Learning: 100 Task Cards: Figurative Language by Carol Ghiglieri is a great “no-prep” way to boost reading comprehension.
- Writer’s Reference: For adults and serious students, The Elements of Style by Strunk & White remains the essential guide for elegant, effective writing.
Conclusion: Master the art of figurative language
Incorporating these literary devices into your daily communication transforms basic sentences into memorable experiences. Whether you are using a sharp simile to clarify a point or a well-placed idiom to add local flavor, figurative language is the secret to moving beyond literal description. By practicing these techniques, you can improve your creative writing and ensure your message resonates with any audience.
Join the conversation
We would love to hear from you! What is your favorite piece of figurative language? Is there a specific metaphor or hyperbole that you find yourself using all the time?
Drop a comment below and let’s discuss. If you found this guide helpful for your next writing project, please share it with a friend or colleague who wants to level up their English skills.
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