• Make writing more fun to read (it adds flavor and style).

• Help readers imagine things more clearly.

• Express feelings or ideas in a stronger way than plain words would.

Writers use figurative language to:

Types of Figurative Language

• Simile

• Metaphor

• Alliteration

• Hyperbole

• Imagery

• Onomatopoeia

• Personification

a comparison of two

seemingly unlike

things that uses like

or as

Example: Jane swims like a dolphin.

​​Simile

a comparison of two

seemingly unlike

things that implies

meaning without

stating it directly

Example: Seth is a Cheetah on the track.

Metaphor

repetition of

consonant or vowel

sounds at the

beginnings of non-

rhyming words

(common in poetry)

Example: The sly snake slither slowly on the sand.

Alliteration

an exaggeration used

to express a strong

emotion, make a

point, or create humor

Example: I am freezing.

Hyperbole

descriptive language

that appeals to one or more of the 5 senses: sight, hearing, touch,

taste, and smell

Example: The golden rays of the sun reflected on the water.

​​Imagery

a word or phrase that

imitates or suggests a

sound

Example: buzz

Onomatopoeia

gives human form or

characteristics to an

animal, object, force

of nature or idea

Example: The stars danced playfully in the sky.

Personification

​Remember the difference between a simile and a metaphor.

A simile compares 2 unalike things using the words "like" or "as".

A metaphor compares 2 unalike things but the meaning is hinted at without being said directly.