Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language.

Word or phrase that does not have its normal, everyday , literal meaning. IT is used by the writer for the sake of comparison or dramatic effect

Alliteration Hyperbole Metaphor Onomatopoeia Personification Simile

Example:

Tiny Tommy Thomson takes toy trucks to Timmys on Tuesday.

Stan the strong surfer saved several swimmers on Saturday.

Hyperbole
Exaggerating to show strong feeling or effect. Examples

I will love you forever.

My house is a million miles from here.

 An expression that has meaning apart from its individual words

Metaphor
Two things are compared without using like or as. Examples All the world is a stage. Men are dogs. She has a stone heart.

 Words that are Sounds Example

Chug chug chug!!

Swish swish swish

Personification
Giving human traits to objects or ideas. Examples

The Earth coughed and choked in all of the pollution.

The flowers danced in the wind.

The friendly gates welcomed us.

Simile
Comparison of two things using like or as. Examples

You run like a rabbit.

She is as sweet as candy.

Important!
Using like or as doesnt make a simile. A comparison must be made. Not a Simile: I like pizza.

Simile: The moon is like a pizza.