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Identify Figurative Language

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Figurative language is language that communicates ideas beyond the literal meaning of the
words. Writers use figurative language to develop descriptions and to explain unfamiliar or
difficult ideas. Figurative language may appear in both literary and nonfiction texts.

In literary texts, figurative language may contribute to mood, or the feeling or atmosphere
created by the writer. In nonfiction texts, figurative language may help establish the writer’s
tone, or attitude toward a subject.

Figurative Language Analysis

Fiction: The two old friends faced each By comparing their stares to icy glasses of
other, arms crossed, their stares as icy as water, the writer develops the description
the glasses of water that stood between of two angry friends, creating a tense,
them on the table. hostile mood.

Nonfiction: As news of the plague By comparing the behavior of people to

spread, people fled the towns. Like deer
sprinting away from the sound of
gunshots, they ran from their homes and
took shelter in barns across the
countryside.
that of panicking deer, the writer
illustrates and emphasizes a complex idea,
creating a terrified and disturbed tone.
Here are a few common types of figurative language.
Type Definition
Simile Similes compare two unlike
things using the words like or as.
Metaphor Metaphors compare two
different things by saying that
one thing is another, without
using like or as.
Personification Personification is a type of
figurative language in which an
object, an animal, or an idea is
given human qualities.
Idiom Idioms are common expressions
that have a meaning that is very
different from its individual
parts.
Hyperbole Hyperbole is the use of
Examples and Explanation
Having a cat is like having a best friend.
The comparison emphasizes the idea
that a cat can provide companionship
and love.
The internet, for people who have never
used it, is just a confusing maze of
twists and turns leading nowhere.
The comparison emphasizes the sense
of frustration and confusion people
may feel when first using the internet.
A dictionary quite happily assists
anyone who needs to know a word’s
meaning.
A dictionary doesn’t have human
emotions, and it doesn’t want to help
anyone. However, the use of
personification creates a friendly and
positive tone.
Sometimes it’s difficult for two people
to see eye to eye.
The expression see eye to eye has a
different meaning if you take it literally,
yet English speakers may hear it so
often that they no longer even notice it.
A few common idioms in English
include
 see eye to eye (agree)
 let the cat out of the bag (reveal
a secret)
 a piece of cake (easily done)
A bad comedy tries to create humor by
Type Definition Examples and Explanation

exaggeration for effect. having a character make millions and

millions of mistakes as the plot
develops.

The exaggeration emphasizes the idea

that comedies may rely on a character’s
foolish behavior far too often.
PRACTICE AND APPLY

As you read any type of text—a poem, a short story, an article, or an argument, for example—
look for and consider the meanings and effects of the figurative language it includes.

To practice, analyze both a literary text and a nonfiction text. For each text, begin by identifying
its title and genre, or type. Then note examples of figurative language that you discover, and
explain the meaning of each example.

Literary Text

Title: Enter title.

Genre: Enter genre.

Example Meaning

Simile Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Metaphor Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Personification Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Idiom Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Hyperbole Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Choose one example of figurative language you found and discuss how it helps convey the
literary text’s mood.
 Nonfiction Text

Title: Enter title.

Genre: Enter genre.

Example Meaning

Simile Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Metaphor Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Personification Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Idiom Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Hyperbole Enter an example. Explain meaning.

Choose one example of figurative language you found and discuss how it helps convey the
nonfiction text’s mood.