Have you ever read a poem or a story and thought, "Wow, that really was something extraordinary?” If you have, you probably came across figurative language. Figurative language is an important part of writing for students since it makes their stories more convincing and can substantially improve their readers’ engagement. The hardest part for many is to know how to use these literary devices in their writing. In this guide, we will break down eight types of figurative language - similes, metaphors, oxymorons, and more - offering practical tips and recommendations on how to add each of them to your work.
What is Figurative Language?
In a nutshell, figurative language means using words or phrases that suggest meanings beyond the literal. It adds flavor to writing and releases imagination, emotions, and empathy. Here's why it matters:
- Figurative language makes stories creative and captivating
- It can convey abstract concepts and relatable emotions.
- Colorful imagery and vivid comparisons provoke the readers and hook them into the story.
- Figurative language helps explain complex things and make them easier to understand by relating them to common experiences.
8 Common Types of Figurative Language Explained
Understanding the different types of figurative language is crucial for effective writing. Here are some key types:
Simile
A simile is a literary device that compares two unlike things and uses the words "like" or "as." Something is like or as something else. A simile helps the reader make a clear connection between the two things being compared.
For example,
Kira is always busy like a bee.
This way, we help the reader imagine how busy Kira is.
Her face was as red as a tomato.
We literally painted a vivid picture in the reader's mind by simply using a few words.
Practical tip: Stop reading and think about two unlike things. Then make a comparison between them using "like" or "as."
Metaphor
While a simile compares two things using "like" or "as," metaphors state that something is something else. Importantly, metaphors only make sense when the reader understands the connection between the two things.
For instance,
My friend is a walking dictionary.
This statement compares one’s friend to a dictionary, but it doesn't literally mean that this person is a dictionary, of course. The comparison here is made between one’s friend and the dictionary to show that an individual knows the definition of many words, just like the dictionary.
She cried a river.
Tears and a river don't have anything in common except that both relate to water that flows. So this metaphor helps the reader look at the girl crying from a different point of view. She has so many tears on her face that they look like a river.
Practical tip: Think about two unlike things that could share something similar. Write that down, but remember not to use "like" or "as." Something is something else.
Personification
Personification is a literary device in which human qualities are given to animals, objects, or even ideas. Let's explore some examples:
The ocean danced in the moonlight.
Obviously, the ocean can't dance, so personification here is used to give the ocean human qualities - dancing skills.
My alarm yells at me every morning.
Here, we gave the alarm human qualities - yelling - to grab the reader's attention and to evoke the reader's emotions. Personification adds a deeper meaning in writing.
Practical tip: Think of an object or an idea and give it human attributes. You will find it enjoyable to make a thing act like a human.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia uses words that imitate the natural sounds associated with objects or actions they refer to. It is used to strengthen sensory experience in writing. Adding onomatopoeia can help make your writing especially captivating because it appeals to a different sense - hearing. You can add this literary device to your writing to help readers better understand what you are trying to describe and to engage them in your words and emotions.
For instance,
The bees buzzed around the garden.
Ring ring. Somebody's calling.
The audience clapped when they heard the speech.
The wind was howling in the darkness.
I heard a loud crack.
Practical tip: Close your eyes and listen to what is around you. What can you hear? How can this sound be compared to something natural? Write down your observations.
Oxymoron
Oxymoron is an interesting type of figurative language aimed at combining two contradictory terms to create a new expression. In most cases, it is used to craft a unique or thought-provoking statement.
For example,
The deafening silence after the storm made us realize the destruction around us.
Practical tip: Think of something you usually do daily, like running, sleeping, watching Netflix, reading, etc. Imagine two characteristics of this process that contradict one another. For instance, running is joyful, but it can hurt too. Create an oxymoron that can sound like this: "Running makes me feel a joyful pain.”
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is exaggerated language used for emphasis or humor. For example,
I’m so hungry I could eat dirt
or
I’ve asked you a million times to clean your room.
It doesn’t mean the readers take these exaggerations literally, but you can use them to intensify an image or emotion.
Practical tip: Remember your last conversation. Undoubtedly, someone utilized hyperbole. Try to recall and write them down.
Idiom
Idioms are phrases that don’t mean exactly what the words say. For example, if something is too expensive, we can say
it costs an arm and a leg.
Or if a subject seems too easy for you, it’s definitely called
a piece of cake.
Other common idioms include "the cat is out of the bag" (a secret is revealed) and "you’re pulling my leg" (someone is joking with you).
Practical tip: Create a document with a list of idioms. Add those you know and find out more. When writing, refer to this list and find relevant expressions.
Alliteration
The repetition of similar sounds at the beginning of words. Example:
She sells sea shells by the sea shore.
Aliteration is often used by brands to improve recognition. For instance, Coca-Cola, Krispy Kreme, Best Buy, Dunkin’ Donuts, PayPal, TikTok, etc.
Practical tip: Search for alliteration examples in literature (Shakespeare, Poe, Dickens). Use similar approaches as the unique stress patterns to create moments of comical relief, moody gloom, witty comebacks, gravity, melodious and musical declarations, or flowery and interesting dialogue. Let these come from the characters or flow from the situation.
Apparently, each type of figurative language we described above serves a unique purpose in writing, helping convey different emotions or ideas.
Literal vs. Figurative Language
Understanding the difference between literal and figurative language is essential. While literal language means exactly what it says, figurative language adds layers of meaning. Here’s how you can leverage both to make your writing no less than perfect:
First, try to use literal language for clarity when you want to convey straightforward information. It will make your readers understand exactly what is going on in your story.
Second, incorporate figurative language to evoke emotions or create vivid images that resonate with your readers. This way, you will make your readers more engaged and evoke their empathy.
Third, practice to balance both types of language to improve your writing, bringing emotions but not confusing your audience.
4 Steps to Use Figurative Language Effectively
It is more interesting to read stories if the writer uses figurative language. There is no doubt that literal language is used in legal documents, professional communication, and academic papers, however, figurative language is the heart of creative writing. Its literary devices help elaborate on complex and abstract concepts by comparing them to something simpler or more concrete.
Figurative language is particularly effective when you need to describe things. By giving readers comparisons to something they know, they get a vivid understanding of how a person, place, or thing looks, feels, smells, and the general vibe of the situation when depicting them.
After you know the eight types of figurative language, which we explained above, you can start recognizing them in the text and conversations. Incorporating figurative language in your writing effectively requires practice. Here are four useful tips to help you:
- Balance figurative language with literal descriptions.
While using figurative language will imbue your narrative with beauty and depth, too much of it may result in confusion and clunkiness. The various metaphors, analogies, and similes will run into each other and confuse one another. Make sure every figure of speech is grounded in something literal that the reader can actually envision. - Avoid clichés and overused comparisons.
Seek to make your metaphors, similes, and analogies feel unique rather than overdone. Some popular metaphors that have been overused and are now considered clichés include:
Bite the bullet.
Turn a blind eye.
Give the cold shoulder.
Comparing tears and rain.
Comparing life to a journey.
Laughter is the best medicine.
- Experiment with figurative language to enhance your writing.
Don’t be afraid to think outside of the box. (A cliché). Don’t be afraid to melt a box of crayons together and write with a whole new color. Better? However, writing like this is harder than it looks. - That’s why the most important step is to: Practice, practice, practice.
In fact, the only way to get better at using figurative language is to practice doing it.
Figurative Language Practice: Exercise to do
As far as you know what metaphors, similes, and analogies are, it’s time to put them to use! Write a passage describing an activity you know well and do often. For example, maybe you’re a runner. What does it feel like to run? Describe the activity from start to finish, purposefully using as many metaphors, similes, and analogies as you can. Don’t worry that the final piece may feel overwrought with figurative language - it’s a good way to get the creative juices flowing and see what original comparisons you can come up with.
You can also practice using figurative language with AI. For example, at JustDone, we have over 130 unique AI tools designed to help you brainstorm ideas, rewrite texts, and improve your content. If you’re ever unsure about how to express an idea, our chat feature can assist you, making the writing process smoother and more enjoyable.
In conclusion, figurative language is a powerful tool that can elevate your writing and engage your readers on a deeper level. By understanding its types and how to use them effectively, you can improve your storytelling and communication skills. Embrace the creativity that figurative language offers and watch your writing transform. Start experimenting today!
