Figurative language uses comparisons between two unlike things through devices such as similes, metaphors, and personification. Similes directly compare two things using "like" or "as", while metaphors imply a comparison without using those words. Personification gives human traits to non-human objects. Other figures of speech include imagery, which creates mental pictures, and hyperbole, which exaggerates for effect.

1. Figurative Language

2. What is FL? Whenever you describe something by comparing it with something else, you are using figurative language. Any language that goes beyond the literal meaning of words in order to furnish new effects or fresh insights into an idea or a subject. The most common figures of speech are simile, metaphor, and alliteration.

3. Imagery Language creating a mental picture that makes readers see, hear, taste, or feel things in their imagination.

4. *Imagery Example* Which sentences uses imagery? The sun was shining brightly in the sky. The bright yellow sun beamed down on my shoulders, wrapping me in a blanket of sunshine.

5. Similes A figure of speech that makes a comparison of TWO unlike things. Similes use two words to compare: LIKE or AS

6. *Similes Example* The news Paulina received over the phone must have been terrible; she turned limp as a dishrag. The teacher was busy teaching, when suddenly, an obstinate student interrupted the lesson. The teacher’s face reddened like a hot iron.

7. Personification This is a device in which authors give human characteristics to non-human things. These non-human things could be: an animal, a piece of furniture, a stuffed animal…etc.

8. *Personification Example* Which uses personification? The car groaned as it climbed up the hill. The car made a sound as it went up the hill.

9. Hyperbole This is an exaggeration used for effect. It helps the reader to understand the extent of the emotion, attitude, or feeling.

10. *Hyperbole Example* I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse! Jan is so tired, she could sleep for a week! The rain that fell Thursday, fell for a million hours.

11. Metaphor Compares two basically unlike things, BUT it does not use the words like or as . A metaphor describes something as “it is”

12. *Metaphor Example* The contestant’s knees were jiggling jelly when she stepped forward to take her turn. The small blonde girl’s hair was silk.