1. Agriculture High School
Argiculture, Midsayap, Cotabato
Name : ________________________________ Score: _______________
Year and Section : _______________________ Date: ________________
Subject: English 3
Learning Target: To identify if the given sentence is literal of figurative.
Activity No. 43
Activity Title: LITERAL AND FIGURATIVE SENTENCES
Literal language refers to words that do not deviate from their defined meaning. In literal language the
words convey meaning exactly as defined. A literal usage is the "normal" meanings of the words. It
maintains a consistent meaning regardless of the context, with "the intended meaning corresponding
exactly to the meaning" of the individual words.
Ex.) 1. The students are reading a short story.
2. My parents will be attending a meeting in our school.
3. She is busy preparing for the said event.
4. My teacher instructed us to clean our area of responsibility.
5. Ben is the smartest student in the class.
Figurative language refers to words, and groups of words, that exaggerate or alter the usual meanings of
the component words. Figurative use of language is the use of words or phrases in a manner where the
literal meaning of the words is not true or does not make sense, but "implies a non-literal meaning
which does make sense or that could be true".
Ex.) 1. Bob’s new corner office was just the icing on the cake (metaphor).
2. After eating candy, Billy ran around like a chicken with his head cut off (simile).
3. The quarter back was running out of steam (metaphor).
4. That new car cost an arm and a leg (hyperbole).
5. Tom said that he changed but actions speak louder than words (personification).
TASK 1: Identify if the given sentence is LITERAL or FIGURATIVE. Write your answer on the space provided.
______________ 1. Alright, the sky misses the sun at night.
______________ 2. Christmas will never come.
______________ 3. The candle flame danced in the dark.
______________ 4. He pleaded for her forgiveness but Janet’s heart was cold iron.
______________ 5. The angry storm pounded the tin shelter.
______________ 6. The children are playing in the park.
______________ 7. I overheard the streets talking about you.
______________ 8. The bottle rolled off the table like a teardrop.
______________ 9. Among my students, Joshen has the best project presented.
______________ 10. These shoes are killing me.
______________11. The principal noticed the beautiful garden.
______________ 12. My heart swelled with a sea of tears.
______________ 13. Alan’s jokes were like flat soda to the children, surprisingly unpleasant.
______________ 14. My mother scolded me for coming home very late.
______________ 15. Old Mr. Johnson has been teaching here since the Stone Age.
______________ 16. I am residing near our school.
______________ 17. Sheen is a thoughtful daughter.
______________ 18. Arguing with her was like dueling with hand grenades.
__________19. Allie has a million pairs of shoes in her closet.
_______________ 20. Anessa was declared the winner in the contest.
_______________ 21. Her eyes were fireflies.
_______________ 22. David is a worm for what he did to Shelia.
_______________ 23. Her hair was a flowing golden river streaming down her shoulders.
_______________ 24. Jared was applauded because of his performance.
_______________ 25. The brown grass was begging for water.