Name:__________________________________________________________

Figurative Language

Reference Sheet- Figurative Language: Types and Examples

The following are types of figurative language that can be found in literature, along with
definitions and examples. Use this sheet as a reference for future assignments.

Simile- a figure of speech that directly compares two objects using like or as.
Ex.

Her smile was as bright as the sun, and it lit up his life like nothing else.
His skin was like ice, and he froze everything he touched.

Metaphor- a figure of speech that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are
similar in one important way.
Ex.

Her smile was the sun; it lit up his life like nothing else.
His skin was ice and froze everything he touched.

Personification- a figure of speech in which an inanimate object or abstraction is given

human qualities or abilities
Ex.

Thunder grumbled and raindrops reported for duty.

The sunflowers nodded their agreement as the breeze blew through the field.

Hyperbole- a figure of speech that uses an exaggerated or extravagant statement used for
emphasis or effect. It is not intended to be taken literally.
Ex.

He is older than the hills.

I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

Onomatapoeia- a figure of speech in which a word that imitates the sound it represents.
Ex.

The birds chirped in the trees.

The steak was sizzling on the grill.

Name:__________________________________________________________

Figurative Language

Practice- Figurative Language: Types and Examples

Now that you have read and discussed what a few types of figurative language are, see if you
can locate any in the text.

1. Sentence from the text: _______________________________________________________

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2. Sentence from the text: _______________________________________________________

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Type of Figurative Language:_________________________________________

3. Sentence from the text: _______________________________________________________

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Type of Figurative Language:_________________________________________

4. Sentence from the text: _______________________________________________________

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Type of Figurative Language:_________________________________________

5. Sentence from the text: _______________________________________________________

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Type of Figurative Language:_________________________________________