how to write a essay on figurative language

11. Imagery

Imagery creates pictures (images) with words. But the imagery is not limited to the visual. Imagery can refer to all five senses and internal emotions.

Examples of touch, taste, and smell imagery:

The rabbit’s fur felt like velvet .

Her lips tasted as sweet as sugar .

The kids rushed inside because the house smelled like chocolate .

Imagery elicits an immediate sensory response in your reader by providing familiar references to help them connect to what you’re saying. Varying the senses you appeal to in your writing makes for a more engaging reader experience.

Use ProWritingAid’s Sensory Report to highlight all of the sensory words in your writing. It will also tell you how many of each type of word you have used so you can make sure you’ve got a good balance.

12. Symbolism

A symbol is something that stands for or suggests something else to evoke additional emotional meaning. A symbol can be a word, object, action, character, or concept. Literary novels often use symbolism to express a theme, like a river representing life.

Examples of symbolism:

Green traffic light: symbolizes “go”

Dollar sign: symbolizes money, wealth, earnings

Shopping cart icon: symbolizes online purchase

You can use anything to symbolize a concept in writing. Just make sure the symbol is one your audience understands.

13. Consonance

Consonance uses consonants in quick repetition. They can appear anywhere in the word—beginning, middle, or end. Consonance not only brings attention to the phrase but makes it easy to remember.

Examples of consonance:

Fuddy duddy

Jay-Z uses consonance in “Brooklyn’s Finest,” combining the similar sounds of S and Z.

Peep the style and the way the cops sweat us The number one question is, can the Feds get us?

Consonance intensifies the language, building an emotional connection with the reader.

14. Alliteration

Alliteration is the use of consonant sounds at the beginning of words close together in a sentence to evoke sensory feelings related to the sound. For example, P and hard C represent excitement, while S represents softness. It isn’t based on the letter but on the sound of the consonant.

Examples of alliteration:

Tonka Trucks

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers…

As a subset of consonance, use alliteration to call attention to an important point and/or make your point memorable.

15. Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in words close to each other. Unlike alliteration, where the word starts with a consonant at the beginning, the vowel sound can be inside the word.

Examples of assonance:

Stranger danger

Cock of the walk

Eyes on the prize

Once again, it’s the sound that’s important—not the letter used. And assonance works in the same way as alliteration to make your statement memorable or call attention to it.

Irony is a contradictory statement that expresses a reality different from what appears as truth. It points at a different perspective. In literature, it can be an unforeseen event that changes a character’s expectation or some unanticipated behavior different from what was expected.

Verbal irony is an unanticipated response; situational irony is an unexpected outcome.

Irony examples:

Telling a silent group, “don’t everyone speak at once.” (Verbal irony.)

Marriage counsellor divorcing her third husband. (Situational irony.)

Burglarized police station. (Situational irony.)

Irony also works as a plot device.

Hansel and Gretel (oral tradition): the witch burns in her own oven

Oedipus Rex, Sophocles: Oedipus searches for the murderer, who is himself

17. Sarcasm

Sarcasm is an ironic statement intended to mock. You say something different from what you literally mean. Sarcasm can portray the speaker’s true feelings even though it is veiled in humor. In order for sarcasm to work in writing, you must make sure the context is clear, otherwise the reader will misunderstand.

Examples of sarcasm:

I’d agree with you, but then I’d be wrong.

Ask me if I care.

Aim at nothing, you’ll hit it every time.

18. Litotes

Litotes is a literary device that states an affirmative without using an affirmative word, usually with negative terms. Often used as understatement or negation to express a contrary meaning.

Examples of litotes:

You’re not wrong.

His decision was not the worst.

Your effort has not gone unnoticed.

A pun is a literary device that plays on the sound of words. The words have identical sounds but the meaning is different. Puns are generally intended to be humorous.

Examples of common puns:

The librarian is a bookkeeper.

I need to spend more thyme in the garden.

“The road to success is always under construction.” (Lily Tomlin)

20. Anaphora

Anaphora is the repetition of a word at the beginning of successive clauses, phrases, or sentences. It is figurative language that's especially effective in speeches. It functions to emphasize words and ideas. Use it to evoke emotion, highlight an idea, and create urgency.

Examples of anaphora:

“ Go back to Mississippi, go back to Alabama, go back to South Carolina, go back to Georgia, go back to Louisiana, go back to the slums and ghettos of our northern cities, knowing that somehow this situation can and will be changed.” (Martin Luther King Jr.)

“There’s nothing you can do that can’t be done / Nothing you can sing that can’t be sung / Nothing you can say, but you can learn how to play the game” ( All You Need is Love , Paul McCartney and John Lennon)

You’re damned if you do and you’re damned if you don’t.

21. Tautology

In figurative language, tautology is the use of two words or phrases that say the same thing. Used well, it emphasizes a point.

But, be careful because tautology can also feel wordy. For example, ProWritingAid will signal tautologies as unnecessary words to keep your writing succinct.

Examples of tautology:

The morning sunrise is beautiful.

“With malice toward none , with charity for all , with firmness in the right as God gives us to see the right.” (Abraham Lincoln)

She was a dark-haired brunette .

22. Understatement

Understatement intentionally makes a statement less important than it seems or is. It functions as the opposite of hyperbole.

Examples of understatement:

“I have to have this operation. It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.” ( Catcher in the Rye , J. D. Salinger)

It’s not too bad. (When your borrowed jacket is returned with an indelible stain.)

It’s O.K. I guess. (Describing an incredible result.)

Figurative language colors your writing to call attention to a passage. Images, word use, sounds, and wordplay are all ways to spice up your writing whether it’s an article, speech, fiction, or poetry.

Here you have 22 examples as ideas to use when your writing is feeling flat. Match the figurative language to the mood, tone, audience, and intended outcome. You’ll transform the seemingly ordinary into significant writing.

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Figurative Language

Figurative language definition, types of figurative language, short examples of figurative language, examples of figurative language from literature, example #1: the base stealer (by robert francis).

Poised between going on and back, pulled Both ways taut like a tight-rope walker, Now bouncing tiptoe like a dropped ball, Or a kid skipping rope, come on, come on! … Taunts them, hovers like an ecstatic bird, He’s only flirting, crowd him, crowd him,

Example #2: I Know Why the Cage Bird Sings (By Maya Angelou)

But a BIRD that stalks down his narrow cage Can seldom see through his bars of rage His wings are clipped and his feet are tied The caged bird sings with a fearful trill … And his tune is heard on the distant hill for The caged bird sings of freedom.

Example #3: She Sweeps with Many-Colored Brooms (By Emily Dickinson)

Personification.

She sweeps with many-colored Brooms And leaves the Shreds behind Oh Housewife in the Evening West Come back, and dust the Pond!

Example #4: The Raven (By Edgar Allen Poe)

Alliteration.

O nce upon a midnight dreary w hile I pondered w eak and w eary ; r are and r adiant maiden; And the s ilken s ad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain … D eep into that d arkness peering, long I stood there wondering, fearing, D oubting, d reaming d reams no mortal ever d ared to d ream before.

Example #5: The Rime of the Ancient Mariner (By Samuel Taylor Coleridge)

Ah ! well a-day ! what evil looks Had I from old and young ! Instead of the cross , the Albatross About my neck was hung.

Example #6: The Bluest Eyes (By Toni Morrison)

Personification, consonance, and simile.

She ran down the street, the green knee socks making her legs look like wild dandelion of stems that had somehow lost their heads. The weight of her remark stunned us.

Example #7: The Week of Diana (By Maya Angelou)

Metaphor, consonance, personification.

“The dark lantern of world sadness has cast its shadow upon the land. We stumble into our misery on leaden feet.”

Example #8: The Negro Speaks of River (By Langston Hughes)

Consonance, simile.

“I’ve known rivers: I’ve known rivers ancient as the world and older than the flow of human blood in human veins. My soul has grown deep like the rivers.”

Example #9: Musée des Beaux Arts (By W. H. Auden)

Personification, consonance.

That even the dreadful martyrdom must run its course Anyhow in a corner, some untidy spot Where the dogs go on with their doggy W. H. Auden life and the torturer’s horse Scratches its innocent behind on a tree.

Function of Figurative Language

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How to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

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Figurative language is a great way to make your essays more engaging and interesting for your readers. Not only does it add depth and nuance to your writing, but it also makes your arguments more persuasive.

However, many students don't know how to use figurative language effectively when writing essays.

In this post, we'll explore some of the best ways to use figurative language in your essays. We'll also look at a few specific examples of how to use good figurative language for essays to help you get started. So if you want to add some punch to your writing, keep reading!

What is Figurative Language in Writing

A figurative language is a form of writing that uses words or expressions in a non-literal way to add interest. The terms used in figurative language are not to be taken literally. In other words, it's a literary device that adds deeper meaning to your essay and makes your writing more engaging.

Why do authors use figurative language?

Authors use figurative language to make their stories more interesting to the readers. They also use them to evoke emotional reactions so they can connect deeply with the readers and hold their attention.

Can you use figurative language in academic writing?

Yes. You can use figurative language in academic writing if you are tactical enough to use it well. Academic writing is not always flowery, and using many figures of speech may look like fluff. Therefore, you should use them sparingly.

Importance of Figurative Language in Essays

Why resort to dull writing when you can use literary devices to help you express better, write impactfully and drive the message home? Here’s how you can take your writing to the next level by adding good figurative language for essays.

Makes essays interesting

Let's face it—plain, literal writing can be pretty boring. However, your essay becomes more enjoyable and interesting when you add a few well-chosen metaphors or similes. For instance, compare these two sentences:

Sentence 1: The wind was howling.

Sentence 2: The wind was like a wolf, howling at the moon.

While sentence 1 is not incorrect and reads fine, the second one is interesting and evocative.

Evokes emotions

In addition to making your essay more intriguing, figurative language makes it more evocative. This means that it can create an emotional reaction, which helps you connect better with your readers.

For example, if you're describing a sunset, you could say it was "red and orange." But if you want to evoke an emotional reaction, you could say, "The sunset was like a giant fireball, sinking slowly into the horizon."

Makes a persuasive argument

Finally, figurative language is also helpful when making a persuasive argument as in an argumentative essay . You can use them to communicate complicated ideas more clearly than in literal language.

For example, let's say you're trying to argue that somebody is acting selfishly. Instead of simply saying they're "selfish," you can drive your point home by saying, "She's acting like the world revolves around her!".

What are the 5 Main Types of Figurative Language

Now that you know what figurative language is and the importance of using them in essays, let’s take a look at the five main types of figurative language you can use, along with some examples.

A simile is a figure of speech that uses words "like" or "as" to compare two things that are not actually alike. Similes are often used in poetry and song lyrics to create imagery and help the reader visualize what the writer is saying.

For example, when you say, "My heart was like a rock tumbling down a mountainside," you are painting a vivid picture of how your heart reacted to a situation.

5 examples of a simile:

• As sweet as sugar;
• As strong as an ox;
• Swam like a fish;
• Busy as a bee;
• Cool as a cucumber.

2. Metaphor

A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two, unlike things without using the words "like" or "as." For example, you might say, "Love is a rose." to mean that love is beautiful and special, but it can also have thorns that can hurt you.

Metaphors are often used to make complex ideas more relatable and easier to understand.

5 examples of a metaphor:

• Life is a roller coaster ride;
• All the world is a stage;
• She lit up the room;
• He is the apple of my eye;
• John was a fish out of water in his new office.

3. Hyperbole

Hyperbole is an exaggeration used for emphasis or comic effect. It's often used in fiction and advertising to grab attention and make an impact.

5 examples of hyperbole:

• I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse;
• She slept for a thousand years;
• It’s raining cats and dogs;
• My work is killing me;
• This essay is going to take years.

4. Personification

Personification is a figurative language that gives human characteristics to nonhuman objects or concepts. It makes descriptions more vivid and interesting by making them relatable to human experiences.

5 examples of personification:

• Flowers danced in the breeze;
• The cameras loved her;
• London is calling;
• The plants were begging for water;
• Life passed me by.

5. Symbolism

Symbolism is when an object or action represents something else, usually something abstract, like an emotion or quality.

For instance, the color black often symbolizes death or darkness, while white might represent purity or innocence. In literature, authors often use symbolism to give their stories more depth and meaning.

Want to learn more about symbolism in writing? Check out this video by Reedsy .

4 Ways to Use Good Figurative Language for Essays

Figurative language can turn a simple description into a vivid work of art. However, it can be tough to know where to start if you've never used figurative language before. Here are some practical ways to add them to your essays.

Use hyperbole to reveal character traits

Hyperbole is an excellent tool to reveal the character traits of characters in your essay. You can use them to express how a particular character thinks, acts, feels, or behaves.

An exaggerated speech can show precisely how they feel about a situation. For instance, when a character says: "I tried calling you a million times!" This can reveal that the character is young, dramatic, and impatient.

Use metaphors to describe situations and settings

Similes and metaphors are the best figures of speech for describing situations or settings.

For instance, you could say, "Life is a journey" to describe the ups and downs of life's experiences. Or, you can say, "She was as angry as a hornet" to describe someone who was very angry.

Create some humor

You can use figurative language like hyperbole or personification to create a little humor in your essay. The exaggeration that comes with hyperbole can make your writing humorous and exciting to read.

For instance, when describing a disastrous date you went on, you might write: "He was chewing with his mouth open the whole time, and I was sure I saw something moving around in there. I don't think I've ever been so disgusted in my life."

By exaggerating the grossness of the situation, you add humor and a gross-out factor to your story, which will keep your readers entertained.

Use symbolism to give more meaning to objects

Make your readers think critically by giving more profound meaning to objects, animals, or characters with a symbolic meaning.

• Animals often symbolize various aspects of human nature. For example, the coyote is often seen as a trickster figure, while the bear often symbolizes strength.
• Colors often symbolize different ideas or emotions. For instance, white often represents purity or innocence, while black represents death or evil.

What is an example of a figurative language paragraph?

In Romeo and Juliet, Shakespeare writes, "But soft! What light through yonder window breaks? It is the East, and Juliet is the sun."

Shakespeare uses a simile to compare Juliet to the sun in this instance. He is saying that just as the sun brings light to the dawn, Juliet brings light into Romeo's life.

5 Tips To Use Figurative Language Effectively In Essays

When adding figurative language to your essays, you have to be tactical so they don't distort the meaning or disrupt the natural flow of your writing. Here are five tips on how to use figurative language effectively in essays.

Understand your goal

Before using any figurative language in your essay, know why you want to use them and whether they fit into the content. Also, understand whether they match the tone and style of your writing before adding them to the essay.

Use metaphors and similes sparingly

While metaphors and similes can make your essays interesting, they can become cliche and lose meaning if overused. When writing your essays, use them sparingly and only when they genuinely impact your writing.

Choose your words carefully

Figurative language is all about using words in new and interesting ways. When choosing your words and phrases, don't be afraid to experiment. Try out different figures of speech until you find the best fit for your essay context and message.

Strike a good balance

It's essential to strike a balance when using figurative language. Too much and it will become confusing and difficult to follow; too little and it will have no impact.

Find a middle ground that allows you to effectively communicate your ideas without overwhelming the reader.

Know the meaning

Finally, avoid flushing figures of speech into your essay just because you've heard them or read them somewhere. If you're unsure of the meaning, research and understand it first, and see if it fits your essay before ambiguously fixing words and phrases.

Final thoughts

Figurative language is a powerful tool that can add depth and dimension to your essays. Since they are diverse and dynamic, you must choose your words and phrases carefully to find the ones that work best for your essay.

Once you understand how to effectively use similes, metaphors, hyperbole, personification, and symbolism, you can create vivid images, emphasize important points, and set the tone for your story.

Now that you know how to add good figurative language for essays, don't hesitate to use them in your next essay writing assignment — you may be surprised by how striking and captivating your essay comes out.

At Writers Per Hour , we have expert writers who are aware of different literary devices such as figurative language and know how to use them to takes essays to the next level.

What’s more, apart from writing essays from scratch, we also provide editing and proofreading services and give your essays that final finishing touch that can help you get the grades you desire.

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How To Use Figurative Language To Enhance Your Writing

• What Is Figurative Language?
• Figurative Language Vs. Literary Devices
• Using Figurative Language
• Take The Quiz

In writing, we use a lot of different figures of speech. In your own writing, you have likely used a simile in a sentence such as It was as hot as the sun. Or perhaps you like creating clever puns such as She brought the planks of wood to the board meeting. Both of these popular types of wordplay are examples of figurative language . Not only is figurative language fun, but it can also really spice up your writing if used effectively. 

In this article, we will:

• explain what figurative language is
• give examples of different types of figurative language
• offer tips for using figurative language creatively

You probably use figurative language already, but learning a bit more about it will ensure that your metaphors, similes, puns, idioms, and hyperbole shine like diamonds . Without any further ado, let’s cut to the chase and learn all we can about figurative language.   

What is figurative language ?

Figurative language is language that uses creative wordplay, expressions, and figures of speech to mean something beyond the literal definition of words. 

Figurative language can be described as the opposite of literal language. When we use words literally, their meaning is usually the same as the meaning that appears in the dictionary. For example, the sentence I went to the grocery store literally means that you traveled to a place that sells food. 

When we use words figuratively, on the other hand, they mean something beyond the definitions of the words themselves. Often, we use figurative language to inspire colorful mental images or make our writing and speech more exciting. 

Let’s look at the sentence It was raining cats and dogs . If we read this sentence literally, it says that cats and dogs fell from the sky. If we recognize it as figurative language, we know that the sentence is actually saying that it was raining a lot. As you can see, figurative language requires us to go beyond the literal meanings of words to understand the intent behind them. 

Examples of figurative language

Figurative language includes many different figures of speech and types of wordplay. The following list gives some popular examples of figurative language but is not exhaustive.

A simile is “a figure of speech in which two unlike things are explicitly compared.” Typically, similes make comparisons using the word like or as .

Example: She ran as fast as lightning. 

2. metaphor

A metaphor is another form of comparison in which something is said to figuratively be something else.

Example: I am a sloth in the morning until I drink my coffee. 

Learning the difference between a metaphor and a simile can be a walk in the park and as easy as pie!

An idiom is an expression whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its elements.

Example: You can’t make an omelet without breaking a few eggs.

4. hyperbole

A hyperbole is an intentional exaggeration.

Example: The dish exploded into a million pieces.

Irony is the use of words to convey a meaning that is the opposite of its literal meaning.

Example: I failed my exams and lost my wallet, so it has been a fantastic day so far. 

6. onomatopoeia

An onomatopoeia is a word that imitates the sound it refers to.

Example: The cymbals crashed, and the drums boomed.

A person is making a pun when they humorously use words with multiple meanings or words with similar sounds to create wordplay.

Example: The article on fishing lures made by secret societies looked interesting, but it turned out to be clique bait.

When they’re not formal and serious, words are perfect for playful linguistic shenanigans, antics, and amusement!

8. personification

Personification is the act of giving human elements to non-human things.

Example: The leaves danced gracefully in the wind.  

9. metonymy

Metonymy is when the name of something is replaced with something related to it.

Example: He loved music from the cradle (birth) to the grave (death).

10. synecdoche

Synecdoche is when a part of something is used to refer to a whole.

Example: She saw a lot of familiar faces at the party.

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Figurative language vs. literary devices

A literary device is an element, like a metaphor, that draws us into a story . Some consider literary devices to be the building blocks of literature. When used correctly and effectively, literary devices give writers a way to infuse their work with detail and hint at larger themes, ideas, and meaning.

Some forms of figurative language, such as metaphors and similes, are considered to be types of literary devices. However, common literary devices may make use of figurative language, literal language, or both to accomplish whatever goal an author has in mind. 

Elevate your writing by getting to know some of the most common types of literary devices.

For example, foreshadowing is a commonly used literary device. When establishing foreshadowing , an author may use actual events to hint at something that will happen later in a story. For example, a heroine may repeatedly see a black cat wandering around before she discovers that the evil sorcerer disguises himself as a black cat.  

Alternatively, a literary device such as symbolism may use figurative language to express meaning to a reader. For example, a group of knights in a story may wear clothing with lions on them, and the author may refer to them as lions in the narrative. In this case, the author is using symbolism; the knights are not literal lions. The author compares them to lions using figurative language in order to emphasize their courage, pride, and ferociousness. 

Often, figurative language and literary devices are used together by writers in order to draw readers in with clever and imaginative use of words, themes, and plots. 

How to use figurative language

Using figurative language in your writing is a great way to catch a reader’s attention and make your text more creative and exciting. However, there are some important tips to keep in mind when using figurative language. 

Arguably the most important part of figurative language is ensuring that your reader understands what you are saying. If you use an expression your reader doesn’t know or make a comparison that your reader doesn’t understand, you have unnecessarily made your writing worse. As a writer, you must always keep your audience in mind. So if you’re unsure who your audience is, it is best to stick to common expressions and make your wordplay easy to understand. 

For example:

❌ Confusing: The pickpocket was a hyena among oryx; it was like shooting fish in a bucket. 

✅ Better: The pickpocket was a wolf among sheep; it was like taking candy from a baby. 

The second example shows how to use figurative language effectively. It relies on common, well-known animals in a simple metaphor and also uses a common expression. Even if a reader hasn’t heard the expression like taking candy from a baby , it is pretty clear from the context that it is referring to easily committing a crime. 

Another thing to keep in mind before using figurative language is the type of writing you are doing. Specifically, are you engaging in formal writing or informal writing? Figurative language is more likely to be used in informal writing. While formal writing does usually allow for figurative language, it is often a lot more difficult to use figurative writing effectively in formal writing. 

In formal writing, lighthearted figurative language such as puns, hyperbole, and whimsical similes will often come across as distracting, unprofessional, and inappropriate. In formal settings, it is best to stick to serious uses of figurative language that don’t detract from the tone or professionalism of the writing. 

❌ Informal language: The senator had to get out while the getting was good because he knew his argument wasn’t going to cut the mustard. 

✅ More formal: The senator had to cut his losses because he knew his argument didn’t hold water. 

Think you’re one smart cookie? Take the quiz!

If you’re confident you’ve got a good grasp on figurative language, try blowing us out of the water, knocking our socks off, and showing us you’re quick as a whip by acing our figurative language quiz .

Give your writing even more of a leg up by learning some rhetorical devices.

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How To Use Figurative Language: Metaphors, Idioms, Similes, and More!

Curious about how to use figurative language ? It’s easy as pie – and our guide will help you get started. 

Using figurative language in your writing is a piece of cake (see what I did there?). The concept of figurative language can be tough to grasp, but once you understand these unique, non-literal literary devices, your writing will move to a new level. In our guide, you’ll learn how to use hyperbole, personification, metaphors, similes, idioms, and other turns of phrases that will help your reader understand what you’re trying to say—without actually saying it.

What To Do Before You Start

Personification, step 2: identify different types of figurative language, step 3: practice figurative language in creative writing.

If it’s your first time delving into the world of different types of figurative language, you’ll want to start looking for examples in your day-to-day life. Listening to one of your favorite songs or reading a few pages of your favorite book can help you open your eyes to just how common figurative writing is in music and literature. If the writer uses words to describe something other than a literal meaning, they’re using  figurative language .

For example, a song about a broken heart is speaking figuratively—the person experiencing a difficult time doesn’t have a physically broken heart. Cranking up the radio or pulling out your favorite book will likely have you noticing that figurative language is already a part of your life. Take a little time to notice figurative language in forms of media you’re already familiar with to help get you in the right headspace for learning how to use figurative language in your work.

Step 1: Learn the Common Types of Figurative Language

To use figurative language in your writing, it’s key to understand each of the different forms of non-literal language. As we mentioned, you’re most likely already using figurative language in your daily speech and writing. Still, it can be tough to identify if you’re unsure how to categorize it. We’ll cover a few different types of figurative language here, including similes, metaphors, idioms , and personification.

A simile compares two objects, people, or other subjects using the words “like” or “as.” It’s likely that you already use similes in your everyday speech. The key here is that a simile compares two usually unrelated things. For example, saying, “The baby looks like his mother,” would not be a simile because people regularly compare a child’s looks to their parents.

Examples of similes include:

• Life is like a box of chocolates.
• He’s running like he’s on fire.
• She’s good as gold.
• He’s tough as nails.

A metaphor is different from a simile. It doesn’t use the words “like” or “as.” While a simile says something is like something else, a metaphor says something  is  something else. Many people use similes and metaphors interchangeably, but this isn’t technically correct. Both types of figurative language compare two things, but a metaphor can be far more complex than a simile. You might also be interested in our life of thought-provoking metaphors about life .

Examples of metaphors include:

• The snow was a white blanket over the landscape.
• Raising teenagers is a rollercoaster ride.
• House-training my puppy made my living room a disaster area.

Metaphors are often used to help a reader understand the intensity of what a writer is working on describing. Some metaphors take up just a sentence or a paragraph, while others are used throughout a work. In writing, returning to a metaphor repeatedly can be helpful to nail home a point to your reader. The example below creates a vivid image, far different from if Koontz said, “I have a creative imagination.”

“Bobby Holloway says my imagination is a three-hundred-ring circus. Currently I was in ring two hundred and ninety-nine, with elephants dancing and clowcartwheelinging and tigers leaping through rings of fire. The time had come to step back, leave the main tent, go buy some popcorn and a Coke, bliss out, cool down.” Dean Koontz,  Seize the Night

Idioms are words or phrases used in everyday speech with non-literal meanings. Native speakers of a language rarely realize that they’re using an idiom. Using idioms in your writing can help your language feel familiar to your readers and can help make your characters seem more real. Idioms can be one of the most confusing parts of speech for people learning English, as the words and meanings do not correlate.

Examples of idioms include:

• Off the hook
• Call it a day
• Actions speak louder than words
• Kill two birds with one stone
• Spill the beans
• Barking up the wrong tree
• Best of both worlds

Personification can be fun to use in your writing. This figurative language can be used to attribute human characteristics to something nonhuman or to attribute nonhuman qualities to a person. Check out our explainer on how to write a thank you letter .

Examples of personification include:

• He was the human equivalent of an old beer bottle you’d find by the railroad tracks.
• She was like a daisy—fresh, bright, and ready for the summer sun.
• The sun danced on the peaks of the waves as the clouds began to dissipate.
• Linda said she was done with sweets, but her secret stash of chocolate was calling her name.

Now that you understand the different types of figurative language, it’s time to start recognizing it in daily life. When you notice that figurative language is used in normal speech, it will become easier to work it into your writing to boost the quality of your words.

While you’ll want to pay attention to your use of figurative language , you’ll also want to continue to focus on the activity we mentioned earlier—keeping an eye out for  figurative language in songs  and stories. When you notice figurative language , it can be fun to work to determine what type of figurative language is being used.

Throwback time—try to determine what type of figurative language is being used in this lyric from  Love Shack  by the B-52s:

“I got me a car, it’s as big as a whale And we’re headin’ on down to the Love Shack I got me a Chrysler, it seats about 20 So hurry up and bring your jukebox money”

Check out that first line—the car is not as big as a whale. This is an excellent example of a simile.

Frank Sinatra’s  New York, New York  is also rife with figurative language :

“I want to wake up in a city That doesn’t sleep And find I’m king of the hill Top of the heap”

The first two lines are a perfect example of personification. New York isn’t human and doesn’t sleep, but Sinatra uses figurative language to make it clear to the listener that he wants to be somewhere that gives him a high-energy feeling 24 hours a day. You might also be interested in our explainers on how to apply deliberate practice and how to use ellipses .

Ready to begin working figurative language into your writing? Whether you’re a budding Emily Dickinson or you prefer to write in a more informal style, using figurative language can help your readers get to know your characters and can help you to paint vivid scenes that allow your readers to picture the setting you’re describing. Look at some of your writing, and find places where you describe things literally. Challenge yourself to switch it up and use descriptive figurative language .

For example, this passage is literal:  The sun was hot, and everyone was sweating. Janine was uncomfortable and wanted to go back inside to the air conditioning. 

Adding figurative language helps the reader imagine the scene more accurately:  The August sun beat down on the group, and beads of sweat glistened like diamonds on Janine’s forehead. She was tired as a dog and wanted to head indoors, where she’d feel the blast of the sweet air conditioning the moment she opened the door. 

The sun beating down, the glistening sweat, the idiom of being tired as a dog, and feeling a blast of cool air all help a reader imagine how Janine feels, even though the words used are not literal.

Let’s take a look at another example:  Connie smelled like smoke and wasn’t very nice to the other workers in the office. 

Adding figurative language :  Connie was the personification of a cigarette—unhealthy, tired, reeking of stale smoke, and a carcinogen to those around her. She spits venom like a snake to anyone who entered her office, and many wondered how long it would take her to get canned. 

The original sentence clarifies that no one in the office is a fan of Connie, but the second passage makes her demeanor much clearer to the reader. Personification, simile, and an idiom (canned) all help the reader understand that Connie is difficult.

Looking for more? Check out our guide with extended metaphor examples!

How to Use Figurative Language In Your Writing

Let us admit that we use figurative language in everyday discourse. After all, figures of speech provide a language with a more lively and colorful aspect. For instance, metaphors are frequently employed in ordinary conversation to transition from one topic to another. Besides, several authors hire figurative language to enrich and personalize their writing. Thus, we can say that figurative language refers to the use of phrases that cause your readers’ imaginations to run wild. Alliteration, metaphors, simile, onomatopoeia, and exaggeration are a few examples of figurative language techniques. If you wish to incorporate metaphors in your essay, you will need to learn how to use figurative language in your writing. 

What is a Figurative Language?

It is defined as every time you extend the literal meaning of words for impact, whether to seem creative, make a joke, or express more clearly and expressively. A figurative language is a typical approach in narrative writing in which the author attempts to connect emotionally with his reader.

The literal language employs the exact meaning of the terms and phrases without creativity or embellishment. Thus, it is, basically, the inverse of figurative language. For instance, if a sportsman is doing well, figuratively, you can say  “He is on fire.” However, if we adapt its literal meaning, it would mean that his clothes have caught fire which hopefully does not. 

Moreover, in specific circumstances, such as professional communication, academic papers, or legal documents, literal language serves a function. To put it frankly, literal writing can be uninteresting in other settings.

On the contrary, metaphorical language makes writing and speeches more interesting and entertaining. Your reader or listener must think about the words more carefully. It is more as if they have to decode a mystery that indicates that they are actively engaged.

Besides that, figurative language can also be used to assist clarify complicated topics. For instance, scientists may employ it to describe more complex parts of their study that a public audience may not comprehend.

Types of Figurative Language

Language has developed dramatically from its inception in early human history. Mankind has learned over time to utilize words not merely to describe thoughts and feelings, but also to break from commonly accepted meanings and convey more sophisticated meanings. 

With that being said, let us first learn what are the different types of figurative language before we learn how to use them in our writing.

A simile is used to compare two carrying things using “like” and “as”. The purpose of using simile is to draw the attention of the listener or reader to the comparison. Besides, they are great in helping the writer make their writing more exciting and memorable without compromising on its clarity.

For instance, “The very mystery of him excited her curiosity like a door that had neither lock nor key.”  It is an example from “Gone with the Wind”.

More examples of similes are given as follows.

• Her jacket was as soft as the butter.
• He is as keen as his grandfather.
• The kid climbed the tree like a monkey in terror.

Similar to a Simile, we use a metaphor to compare two different things. However, the main difference between the two is that we do not need words like “as” and “like in the case of metaphor.

Besides, metaphors do not usually acknowledge that it is a comparison. Therefore, most people mistake a metaphor for reality which makes them more figurative than a simile.

For instance, “The sun was a toddler insistently refusing to go to bed: It was past seven-thirty and still light.”  It is an example from the book “The Fault in Our Stars” by John Green.

Here are a few more examples of Metaphors.

• The classroom felt like a zoo.
• Hassan is a night owl.
• Josh is a chicken.

For unrealistic scenarios, we use hyperbole to add emphasis, humor, or effect for the sake of exaggeration. For instance, you can say that I have a million things to do when you are busy. Or if you are bored, you can say that I have nothing to do. Both of these are unrealistic and true at the same time.

For instance, “I have heard all things in the heaven and in the Earth. I heard many things in Hell. How then, am I mad?”

The above sentence is an example from “The Tell-Tale Heart” by Edgar Allan Poe.

Some more examples are as below.

• He was running like a greased lightning.
• My maths teacher is older than the hills.
• I am gonna die if they ask me to dance.

An allusion is used to provide a concise reference to a person, place, event, thing, or poetic work that you assume your reader already knows about. Therefore, the writer does not feel to give more explanation about it.

For instance, “The camera has its own kind of consciousness; in the lens, the Garden of Eden itself would become ever so slightly too perfect.”

Above example references back to Timebends, A Life by Arthur Miller.

More examples of Alussion are below.

• The garden of our old house was a perfect Eden.
• Chocolate is his Achilles heel.

Personification

We use personification to give a human sense or characteristics to abstract or non-human objects or things. The characteristics can be physical attributes such as “the eye of the needle”, actions such as “the leaf is dancing in the wind”, or emotional such as “a single lonely sock”.

For instance, “Life moves pretty fast. If you do not stop and look around once in a while, you could miss it.” It is an example from Ferris Bueller’s Day Off by John Hughes.

Here are a few more examples.

• The sun is smiling down at us; it is so peaceful.
• The light is dancing on the surface of the river.
• The wind was howling yesterday night.

An idiom is one of the most common figurative languages. It is basically an expression that illustrates a non-literal meaning that is connected to a phrase or a group of words. Thus, the meaning of the expression is not the same as its literal meaning.

For instance, “The professor told Sara to break the ice”. The meaning of this particular idiom “break the ice” is to start first.

A few more examples are as below.

• She suggested Ali stop judging the book by its cover.
• The news was already up in the air.
• Lying to my father cost me an arm and a leg.

Why Do You Need to Use Figurative Language in Your Writing?

Figurative language may convert commonplace descriptions into vivid events, increase the emotional impact of passages, and elevate writing to the level of poetry. Besides that, it can also assist the reader to appreciate the underlying significance of a situation or recognize a literary topic more thoroughly.

Therefore, figurative language, in the hands of a gifted writer, is one of the techniques that elevate ordinary writing to the level of literature.

So, why settle for uninteresting writing when creative writing methods using figurative language might help you express yourself better, write more effectively, and convey your message easily? 

Here are a few reasons why you should also start using figurative language in your writing.

Make Your Writing More Interesting

Let us face it: simple, literal writing may be tedious. However, adding a few well-chosen idioms or similes to your paper makes it more entertaining and fascinating. 

Evokes Emotions

Figurative language, in addition to making your article more interesting, makes it more emotive. This implies that it can elicit an emotional response, allowing you to connect with your audience more effectively.

Make Your Writing More Persuasive

The best thing about figurative language is that it may help you make a convincing point in an argumentative essay. They can help you explain complex thoughts more clearly than literal words.

Figurative language is an excellent technique for making your writing more fascinating and intriguing for your audience. Not only does it adds depth and subtlety to your writing, but it also strengthens your ideas.  

However, several students do not understand how to apply figurative language effectively while writing essays or in their general writing.

Therefore, we will look at some of the greatest methods to employ figurative language in your writing in this article. To get you begun, we will look at a few particular instances of how to utilize appropriate figurative language in writing. Hence, if you want to spice up your writing, keep on reading!

To Reveal Character Traits

You can use figurative language to reveal the characteristics of a character in your paper. For instance, you can use hyperbole to showcase the traits of your characters in your narrative essay. You can reveal how your character thinks, feels, behaves, or acts in a particular situation.

So, you can use hyperbole to make sure that an exaggerated speech thoroughly explains how your character reacts in a specific situation. For example, “I called you a thousand times in the morning.” It shows that the character in your paper is young, hot-blooded, dramatic, and short-tempered.

To Describe a Situation and Setting

If you want to describe a particular situation in your essay, you can use similes, or metaphors to perfectly describe it. For instance, you can say “Life is a tiring journey!”. It shows that you are trying to say describe how the ups and downs of life make it harder and more tiring.

To Create Some Humor

In addition to making your writing more interesting and aiding in the explanation of complicated subjects, figurative language is also fantastic for making people laugh. It is frequently used by comedians and comedy writers for punchlines and hilarious parallels.

Therefore, if you ever feel like your writing seems boring and less entertaining, you can use personification or hyperbole to try and create some humor in your writing. Because hyperbole introduces exaggeration in your writing that makes sure that your paper is humorous and interesting to read for your potential readers.

For example, if you want to describe how horrible your last date was, you can do so in the following way.

“He actually was chewing his food with his mouth all open the whole night. It was indeed a disgusting experience.”

To Give More Meaning to Objects

Make your audience think rationally by providing things, creatures, or characters with symbolic meanings or more complex meanings.

For instance, animals frequently represent many facets of human character. The coyote, for instance, is frequently shown as a prankster. On the other hand, a bear is frequently depicted as a sign of power and strength.

In addition to that, colors frequently represent many thoughts or feelings. For example, white is frequently associated with purity or innocence, whereas black is associated with death or wickedness.

To Intensify Contrast

One of the most known figurative languages is an oxymoron. It may be employed to compare two opposing things. For example, in William Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet tale, Juliet describes her separation from Romeo as “such delicious sadness”. It shows the inner struggle over how she eventually feels about their encounters. 

Besides that, Romeo also used terms such as “brawling love” and “loving hatred,” two oxymorons that build up the emotional inconsistencies Romeo experiences as a result of falling in love with Juliet.

Tips for Using Figurative Language in Your Writing

When using metaphorical language in your writings, be careful not to alter the meaning or break the natural flow of your work. Here are five strategies for properly using figurative language in your papers.

Understand Your Objective

Before you employ figurative language in your writing, consider why you want to use it in your writing. Besides that, also consider whether it fits with the content of your paper. Before including them in your writing, consider whether they reflect the style and tone of your work.

Know the Meaning

Avoid using figures of speech in your essay simply because you read or heard them someplace. If you are unclear of the meaning, investigate and comprehend it before neutrally adjusting phrases and words in your writing.

Choose Your Words Cautiously

Figurative language is all about finding fresh and fascinating ways to use words. Thus, do not be hesitant to experiment with your words and phrases. Instead, experiment with several figures of speech unless you discover the one that best fits the setting and topic of your paper.

Use Similes and Metaphors Sparingly

A text densely packed with metaphors and similes might be difficult to comprehend. The main purpose of choosing a figurative language is to assist you to improve mood, meaning, or topic. However, you should avoid using them just because you want to or you can.

After all, metaphors and similes can add interest to your writing, they can also become trite and lose significance if you overdo them. Therefore, use them rarely and only when they have a meaningful influence on your work.

Maintain a Good Balance

When employing metaphorical language, it is critical to achieving a ratio. Too much will be complicated and difficult to comprehend. On the other hand, too little will have no effect. Thus, find a happy medium where you can successfully explain your thoughts without overpowering the reader

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Using Figurative Language in your Writing

Published: 23 jul 2021 tagged: allusion figurative language high schoolers hyperbole idiom implied metaphor language literacy metaphor onomatopoeia personification primary schoolers pun simile tips vocabulary writing.

When we are reading a book with a story or poetry, it’s pretty likely that we will find some passages with figurative language, adding an extra layer of meaning to what we are reading. But what is figurative language? How to use appropriately?

Figurative language is a phrasing technique that goes beyond the literal meaning of the used words towards a better demonstration of emotions, mood and relevance of an action, character or event. In order to make it work, we can use a wide array of techniques from figurative language, such as:

• Simile: this happens when someone or something is compared to a seemingly unrelated thing. For example, when you write “they walked as elegant as a cat.”
• Metaphor: you can write a metaphor when not comparing such as a Simile does, but connects the seemingly unrelated thing as a predicative, such as when writing “those kids are such busy bees.”
• Implied metaphor: similar to the metaphor, the implied metaphor uses elements that connect to a metaphor, but without being so explicit. A use of implied metaphor could be “I can’t stand this guy! He’s quacking his opinions nonstop!”
• Personification: instead of putting qualities or comparisons onto people, we use personification to input human traits to animals, natural forces or inanimate objects. A good example is “the Sun is smiling to me on this warm day.”
• Hyperbole: this one is very common, because everyone likes to make exaggerated statements, such as “I’m so busy today, I have a million tasks to finish until the end of the day!”
• Allusion: that happens when you refer to another person, place, text, event or artwork in order to compare one element to the other. A use of allusion could be “I’m very proud of this, that’s my Monalisa of science projects!”
• Idiom: some expressions are figurative because they represent an action or event, such as when saying “hey, my friend, hold your horses, soon we’ll get there.”
• Pun: a play of words with a humorous meaning is a pun. A good example, many times explored, is “Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.”
• Onomatopoeia: though with such a complicated name, an onomatopoeia is very common and very explored when we are learning how to speak, trying to simulate the sounds we hear. Words like “buzz”, “whoof”, “tick-tock”, “ding-dong” and others are great examples.

Now that you know about these nine techniques for figurative language, it’s important for you to know that you shouldn’t use them all the time, for any reason. Our tips for the appropriate use of figurative language are:

• Know why you're utilising figurative language at all times. Why don't you just say "our love is dead" instead of "I don't love you anymore?" Is the expression in your character's mouth accurate? Is it appropriate for your tone and style? If it isn't, then don't use it.
• Carefully select your figures of speech. Yes, you can write, "her beauty hit me in the eye like a squirt of grapefruit juice," but how would such a simile add to your story or expand on its meaning? If you have a character with major communication challenges, it's a good idea to include it; otherwise, avoid it.
• Use figurative language only when necessary. A text densely packed with similes and metaphors can be difficult to decipher. Choose figures of speech that will help you achieve your goal (boosting mood, meaning, or subject), but don't use them just because you can.
• Make sure that any figurative language you use in speech is appropriate for that character. Characters that speak plainly should not have flowery language in their mouths.

Watch this fun video which also explains about some of these figurative language techniques:

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Ways to Use Figurative Language in Writing

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Figurative language , also called a figure of speech, is a word or phrase that departs from literal language to express comparison, add emphasis or clarity, or make the writing more interesting with the addition of color or freshness.

Metaphors and similes are the two most commonly used figures of speech, but hyperbole, synecdoche, and personification are also figures of speech that are in a good writer's toolbox.

• A metaphor compares two things by suggesting that one thing is another: "The United States is a melting pot."
• A simile compares two things by saying that one thing is like another: "My love is like a red, red rose."
• Hyperbole is a form of exaggeration: "I would die without you."
• Synecdoche is a literary device that uses the part to refer to the whole: "The crown has declared war" rather than "The king (or the government) has declared war."
• Personification involves giving non-living things the attributes of a living thing: "The car is feeling cranky today."

Figurative language enhances your fiction if it's used competently and can be an economical way of getting an image or a point across. But if it's used incorrectly, figurative language can be confusing or downright silly -- a true mark of an amateur writer. Figurative language can also be described as rhetorical figures or  metaphorical language ; whichever term you use, these are called literary devices.

Why Figurative Language Is Important to Good Writing

Figurative language can transform ordinary descriptions into evocative events, enhance the emotional significance of passages, and turn prose into a form of poetry. It can also help the reader to understand the underlying symbolism of a scene or more fully recognize a literary theme. Figurative language in the hands of a talented writer is one of the tools that turn ordinary writing into literature.

How to Use Figurative Language Effectively

There is no one right way to use figurative language. That said, there are many ways to use figurative language poorly. Bear a few rules in mind when use metaphors, similes, and other literary devices:

• Always know why you are using figurative language . Why say "our love is dead" rather than "I don't love you anymore?" Does the expression sound right in your character's mouth? Does it fit your tone and style? If not, don't use it.
• Choose your figures of speech carefully. Yes, you can write, "her beauty hit me in the eye like a squirt of juice from a grapefruit," but how would such a simile enhance your fiction or expand upon the meaning of your work? Perhaps you have a character with serious communication issues for whom it would be appropriate; otherwise, skip it.
• Use figurative language sparingly. A paragraph that is loaded with similes and metaphors can be dense and difficult to understand. Select the figures of speech that serve your purpose (enhancing mood, meaning, or theme), but don't use figurative language simply because you can.
• If you are using figurative language as dialogue, be sure it is appropriate for that character. Avoid putting flowery phrases into the mouths of characters who speak plainly.

One very good way to explore figurative language is to read it as written by some of the great literary figures. As you pick up a book by Charles Dickens, Ernest Hemingway, or Thomas Wolfe, for instance, use a highlighter to mark how these writers used different forms of figurative language and note how it ​fits with their writing style as a whole. This technique will help you to understand how and why it is used and learn how to better integrate it into your writing.

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Learning about Figurative Language

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Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day? Just how is the sky like a patient etherized upon a table? If two roads diverged in a wood, why should I care?

Why can’t poets just say what they mean ? You’ve probably heard this before, either in the classroom or outside of it. Perhaps you’ve even said it yourself, after wrestling with a particularly difficult poem. It sounds like a simple request for clarity, but the question points out a number of assumptions about how we communicate, not just as poets but as people. It shows a preference for plain, matter-of-fact speech, and it suggests that all the figurative language poets are so fond of—metaphor, simile, and more—is just too frilly and flashy. But in real life, figurative language is everywhere, and we never say what we mean completely, because language often fails us. For instance, every time we try to tell people how much we love them—like, really really love them—the words seem woefully inadequate to the task. Not only that, we can sense they’ve been said before countless times by countless others. They aren’t really doing the job. We want to express our feelings as originally as possible, in order to give them the power in words that we feel in ourselves. And that’s where figurative language can help.

All that frill and flash that we often find in poetry is actually something you’re already quite experienced with. We constantly hear metaphors and similes in pop songs, and our everyday speech is peppered with figurative language. In fact, we are so dependent on it to express ourselves that someone who didn’t employ it would seem quite strange. Science fiction is full of characters who can’t or won’t engage with figurative language. Star Trek’s Mr. Spock and Data are both very literal speakers who serve to highlight the humanity of those around them. More recently, in the movie Guardians of the Galaxy , Drax the Destroyer has a little problem with metaphors; Rocket Raccoon says, “Metaphors go over his [Drax’s] head,” to which Drax replies, “ Nothing goes over my head! My reflexes are too fast; I would catch it.” This line gets a laugh because figurative language is so integral to how we communicate as humans. Without figurative language, we are robotic outsiders of human experience.

You use and understand figurative language constantly in your everyday conversation, without even thinking about it. For instance, if something terribly embarrassing happened to you, such as talking to your crush with a piece of spinach plastered to your front teeth, you might say to a friend, “I can’t even.” This is aposiopesis , a figure of speech where you deliberately leave your thought unfinished. You depend on your listener or reader to fill in the blanks. It’s a great way to show just how speechless you are. Your friend replies, “Yeah, you’re the most elegant,” which is an example of sarcasm : there’s a big gap between what he’s saying and what he means. “Not to mention everyone in school saw it, too,” continues your friend, who might be a jerk. This is paraleipsis ; your friend is feigning wanting to say nothing about your very public humiliation, and in doing so is drawing your attention to it. You sigh and cover your face with your hands, saying, “I died. I just died.” That’s hyperbole , which is when we exaggerate. Your friend, a recognizer of figurative language, knows you haven’t kicked the bucket (another figurative phrase!). These are only some of the ways we use figurative language in our everyday speech, and when you’re attuned to how pervasive it is, you’ll notice how difficult it can be to not use figurative language.

When we think of figurative language, we almost always think of metaphors and similes, so these are the two techniques we will focus on. They are the stars of figurative language. Both are comparisons, but a metaphor is more like an equation (“I’m a steamroller, baby”), whereas a simile uses “like” or “as” or “than” to create the connection (“rock you like a hurricane”). They are ultimately very similar, though to my mind, a metaphor asks more of a reader. Because a metaphor equates two dissimilar things (me, steamroller), it demands a leap of faith on the reader’s part. A simile, on the other hand, implicitly acknowledges that the comparison is not equal (I’m like a steamroller, but I’m not one, really). For this reason, a metaphor is just a touch riskier, and the payoff greater.

Metaphors and similes have two parts. There’s the tenor (the original subject we’re trying to describe) and the vehicle (the compared object we’re borrowing qualities from). So if we look at Robert Burns ’s poem “ A Red, Red Rose ,” we see “O my Luve is like a red, red rose.” Love would be the tenor (subject) and rose would be the vehicle (object). Metaphors and similes work only when they illuminate, that is, when they help us better understand or see something by way of comparison. They should feel both apt and surprising—a hard balance! If the tenor and the vehicle seem too similar, the comparison won’t be surprising or illuminating for the reader. You really want to compare apples to oranges, not Fuji apples to McIntoshes. Or, better yet, try comparing apples to baby birds.

Let’s say you were to write, “The coffin was a dark shroud. ” Since both coffins and shrouds are items that cover the dead, “shroud” doesn’t take us very far afield here, and my idea of the coffin hasn’t changed much after reading this comparison. But if you were to write, “The coffin was a black boat,” then your reader might be a little more surprised. Firstly, it seems like an apt comparison—both coffins and boats are containers of sorts. Secondly, a boat introduces the idea of travel or conveyance, and that idea is reflected back onto the subject, the coffin. The idea of an afterlife, or of a transition from life to death, has been introduced. We now know more about the coffin than we did before, and we’re thinking about it in fresh ways.

Your metaphors should contain all the information your reader needs, and no more. Learning how to judge this takes time and experience. When we are evaluating our metaphors or similes, we want to consider not only what’s most apt (coffin/shroud vs. coffin/boat) but what’s important. For instance, let’s look at these lines:

their dreams as bruised as apples fallen in the orchard, late September, no one caring to pick them up.

What’s important here? Dreams bruised like apples, clearly. Something that should be nourishing and sweet has been damaged. The orchard is also important, because it adds context and lets us know that these apples were intended for use, not just growing wild. Since the apples were never harvested, there’s an idea of waste or neglect evoked here. This adds further nuance to the metaphor.

I’m putting a lot of stress here on picking the right metaphor and how best to present it, but my intent isn’t to discourage you. Whether a metaphor works in a poem can’t be judged until you try, and the exercises I’m suggesting at the end of this piece will encourage you to experiment. But a lot of the figurative language that immediately springs to mind when we think of something like “love,” for instance, comes not only from cultural traditions but also from the commercial sector. When you compare your love to a flower, you’re channeling not just Robert Burns but also FTD and Hallmark. By thinking about how to balance aptness and surprise, and considering your metaphor’s true focus, you can avoid relying on clichés.

If someone says, “I felt angry” to you, you really have only a broad understanding of that emotion. You can draw on your own experiences with anger, but what if you’ve never had cause to be as angry as this person? Or what if this person is using the word “angry” when really they mean something more like “miffed”? But if that person were to say, “I felt like someone had set me on fire,” then you’d not only have a much better idea of just how angry he or she is, but better understand the person’s feelings of helplessness, hurt, and lingering pain. This is the real gift figurative language gives us—it allows us to better understand someone else’s experience even if our own experience doesn’t directly match up.

Here are some exercises to help you practice using figurative language. Some of these are based in play, and some are more serious. Both are necessary. Experiment, then evaluate and see what you have!

1. First, let’s warm up our engines. The following exercise, “Metaphor Mad-Libs,” is a great way to start thinking about metaphors without worrying too much about the result! Fill out these sentences and let your creativity loose.              My date danced like a __________________ (animal)       ________________ (verbing) on a ______________ (noun).              The rain pelts my skin like a _________________(noun/person)     ________________ (verbing) a/his/her ______________ (noun).               The world is a _____________________ (noun) trying to     _______________________ (verb phrase).              Romantic comedies are the ____________________ (noun)     of the _______________________ (noun).              The wind ___________________ (verbed) like a      ________________ (noun) ____________________ (verbing)      a ___________________ (noun).              Love me as much as a ___________________ (profession)     loves to _________________ (verb/phrase). Now that you’ve filled these out, go back and see if any of them strike you as particularly apt or funny. Pick one and see if you can write a poem using that as the first line. By filling in the blanks and giving yourself permission to temporarily abandon what “makes sense,” you may find yourself writing wilder, zanier poems. Many contemporary poems use figurative language in a similarly freewheeling way. You might check out James Tate ’s “ Poem to Some of My Recent Poems ” or Lucy Brock-Broido ’s “ Meditation on the Catastrophic Imagination ” and think about how their figurative language serves as a counterpoint or complement to their thematic concerns. In Wendy Xu ’s “ And Then It Was Less Bleak Because We Said So ,” for example, ecstatic figurative language such as “Your confetti tongue explodes / into acid jazz” gradually gives way to a more melancholy tone. 2. The poet Cathy Smith Bowers suggests taking a look at Pablo Neruda ’s odes , and using one as a model for your own poem. Neruda wrote many odes to inanimate objects. For example, in “ Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market ,” he describes the fish as a “torpedo / from the ocean / depths, / a missile” that is now a “solitary man of war / among these frail vegetables” of the market. Read the entire poem a few times, then go through and circle all the places you see metaphors, similes, or other forms of figurative language. You’ll find there are quite a lot! Neruda’s figurative language and wide-ranging imagination let us see the fish vividly as it was in life, making the acknowledgment of the fish’s death all the more affecting. Now, with Neruda as inspiration, try to write your own ode to an inanimate object, using figurative language to bring it to life. 3. This last exercise, from the poet Jacques Rancourt, focuses a bit more on the image in general, but it will still require you to think about metaphor and/or simile. Take a look at the poem “ To Absence ,” by W.S. Merwin . What images does Merwin use to evoke the idea of absence, without directly invoking it in the poem? Then choose one of these seven abstractions: love, despair, innocence, loneliness, joy, truth, or trust. Take a few minutes to brainstorm imagery for each one. Let your imagination run wild and weird—maybe “innocence” makes you think of two Siberian tigers sleeping in the rain!—but try to avoid overused images (such as a rose for love). The images don’t have to make sense yet; trust your mind’s weirdness. Now go through your lists of images and pick the one that really strikes you as surprising, strange, and interesting. Write a poem exploring that image, but do not mention the inspiring abstraction (or any other abstractions) in your poem. Instead, use the abstraction as a title, as Merwin does.

There are many kinds of figurative language in addition to the ones I’ve concentrated on here. Once you become more comfortable with metaphor and simile, try branching out into other techniques, which you can find explained in our Glossary of Poetic Terms . You might find personification a useful tool, or metonymy and synecdoche . You might also consider the figures of speech that concentrate less on meaning and more on word order, such as anaphora , antithesis , and chiasmus . I hope these exercises help you see that when we use figurative language, we may not be saying what we mean literally, but we are putting meaning into what we say.

Rebecca Hazelton is the author of Fair Copy (2012), winner of the Ohio State University Press/ The Journal Award in Poetry, and Vow (2013), from Cleveland State University Poetry Center. She was the 2010-11 Jay C. and Ruth Halls Poetry Fellow at the University of Wisconsin, Madison's Creative Writing Institute; and winner of the “Discovery”/ Boston...

And Then It Was Less Bleak Because We Said So

• Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market

Poem to Some of My Recent Poems

A red, red rose, robert burns.

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Robert Burns was born in 1759, in Alloway, Scotland, to William and Agnes Brown Burnes. Like his father, Burns was a tenant farmer. However, toward the end of his life...

Appeared in Poetry Magazine Ode to a Large Tuna in the Market

Appeared in poetry magazine to absence.

It is a commendable work. I wish examples were collected from classic poets, especially of the Romantic and Victorian periods.

Thank you so much for these wonderful articles. As a first-time poetry teacher, I'm very grateful to you for sharing your ideas and experience.

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How to Add Figurative Language to an Essay

How to Start an Introduction When Writing an Essay About Poetry

Writers use figurative language to add interest, variety and personality to their work. Figurative language is broadly defined as using words to paint a picture in the reader’s mind. Specific uses of figurative language include similes, metaphors, alliteration, hyperbole and onomatopoeia. If you’d like to add figurative language to your essay, the best time to do this is during the revision stage of the writing process.

Mark Dead Words

After you’ve completed a first draft of your essay, print off a copy and use a highlighter or colored pen to mark any words or phrases that are overused, boring, or otherwise lifeless. Words to mark might include:

• A lot • Many • Big • Small • Fun • Cool • Awesome • Great • Exciting • Good • Happy • Sad • Really

These words aren’t necessarily bad, but they’re boring and don’t paint a clear picture for the reader because they’re subject to the reader’s interpretation.

Show, Don’t Tell

Now that you’ve marked your dead words and phrases, you can work on replacing them with words and phrases that come alive. Your goal is to show, not tell, the reader what is happening in your essay, and you can do this by including sensory details. Consider the following sets of sentences:

• The workday went by slowly. I was really excited to start my vacation.

• I watched the clock, which seemed to be moving more slowly than usual. At exactly 5 p.m., it was like a bolt of lightning hit my chair. I jumped up, grabbed my bag, and zoomed off to board a plane for paradise. By the time I got to the airport, I could almost smell the saltwater.

Both sets of sentences convey the idea that the author was excited to go on vacation, but the second set is much more effective because the use of figurative language helps the reader visualize the author’s excitement.

Don’t Overdo It

Figurative language should be a natural part of your essay. If your descriptions sound forced or like you’ve just stuck them in to meet a requirement, go back and revise your work. Think about how you’d like your audience to feel as they’re reading your essay and then use figurative language accordingly. Also, remember that you don’t have to use every type of figurative language in one essay.

Keep Practicing

As you continue developing your skills as a writer, you will find that using figurative language becomes more natural. Reading descriptive literature can help speed up this process, as can having someone else review your work.

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• Purdue OWL: Using Metaphors in Creative Writing
• FigurativeLanguage.net: Figurative Language
• Writer's Digest: How to Enrich Your Descriptions

Rochelle Spears Wilson holds a MA in professional writing and a BA in English. She was a classroom teacher for nine years and taught English, social studies and technology. She has worked with students in grades 4-12 and now owns her own consulting business.

75+ Examples of Figurative Language

• Figurative Language
• Updated on Nov 12, 2023

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Figurative language makes writing – and even speaking – more expressive and easier to understand. When done well, it lends style to your writing.

More resources on figurative language:

• What is figurative language? The resource covers how figurative language improves writing, dos and don’ts while writing figuratively, and more.
• Exercises on figurative language

(Note that key parts of each figure of speech have been underlined for you to easily follow them and that my comments accompanying examples are in square brackets.)

Examples of using different types of figurative language on a given topic

When writing on a topic, it’s convenient to first brainstorm and write variety of figures of speech on that topic, and then incorporate them in your piece. This is probably a better way to polish your figurative language. Here are multiple figures of speech on two topics. Give a try yourself first and see how many you can write.

1. Cold weather

Fetching grocery in the cold was a death sentence . [Metaphor]

The snowstorm left behind a thick blanket of snow in most parts of the state, government declaring emergency , people staying indoors , air traffic grounding , and power failing in some areas . [Metaphor/ Parallelism (absolute phrases)]

The predawn snowfall smothered our chances of having an outdoor game. [Personification/ Metaphor]

The cold wind pierced my bones. [Personification/ Metaphor]

Fetching grocery in the cold was like a death sentence . [Simile]

It was a frigid night, freezing blood in my veins . [Hyperbole/ Alliteration]

“When will the weather improve?” the old man moaned . [Onomatopoeia]

The dog yelped as the gust of cold wind struck his face. [Onomatopoeia]

2. Nervous while waiting for the result

My heart skipped few beats while waiting for the result. [Idiom]

My heart failed few times while waiting for the result. [Hyperbole/ Alliteration (2)]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Metaphor]

While waiting for the result, my heart requested me to take a stroll and stop thinking about the worst. [Personification/ Metaphor]

In the moments before the result was declared, I was like an undertrial moments away from the verdict . [Simile]

While waiting for the result, my heart pounded like a set of drums in a music event . [Onomatopoeia/ Simile]

Examples of each of 8 figurative languages

1. alliteration.

The dog sprinted across the field to fetch the ball.

The virulent virus has disrupted lives and deflated economies.

In these troubled times , travel has come down to a trickle .

The iguanas make deep dives in the ocean to feed on marine algae.

The shark surfaced to breathe.

The slow sloth inched up the tree trunk .

The business centre is buzzing with activity.

The deafening downpour has resulted in flash floods .

More resources on alliteration:

• More than 150 alliteration examples on 7 topics
• What is alliteration and how to write one?

2. Hyperbole

I felt as abandoned as a used Kleenex .

During probation period, I felt like a bug under the microscope .

The movie went on for what seemed like  an eternity .

The leaping catch by the fielder took my breath away .

Your decrepit furniture seems to be from Jurassic era .

My new shoes, little bit tight, are killing me.

Kids are so overloaded these days. Just look at their bags; they weigh a ton .

The food was so delicious that I almost ate my fingers .

More resources on hyperbole:

• More than 100 examples of hyperbole
• What is hyperbole and how to write one?

The scandal proved to be the final nail in the coffin of the mayor.

Some of the bank employees have been allegedly working hand in glove with business owners to sanction loans without proper due diligence.

I jumped the gun by sending the proposal to the client without first showing it to my manager.

I’ve made the request few times in the past, but it has always fallen on deaf ears .

The boss cut that arrogant guy to size in no time.

I spent two hours cooling my heels in the waiting room while the CFO was busy in a meeting.

I was left out in the cold in the annual promotions in the company.

The IP for our key technology has been leaked, and many in my team, including the manager, are under a cloud .

More resources on idiom:

• More than 200 idioms with meaning and use
• What are idioms and why non-natives should learn them?

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4. Metaphor

During the moments before the result was declared, I was a tax payer who had just received an audit notice from the IRA : extremely nervous.

My loans are a millstone around my neck , keeping me tied to my 9-to-5 job.

My night shift is a graveyard : not a soul in sight, complete silence, and an occasional howl from the street dogs.

Journalism is literature in hurry . Matthew Arnold

The world is a stage , but the play is badly cast. Oscar Wilde

Tears are the safety valve of the heart when too much pressure is laid on it . Albert Smith

Jonah Lomu, a rampaging bull with the ball , is widely recognized as one of the greatest of the game. [An appositive acting as a metaphor]

His fortress of a house was finally breached by the intelligence agencies. [Implied metaphor]

More resources on metaphor:

• More than 100 examples of metaphors
• Metaphor examples for kids
• What is metaphor and how to write one?

5. Onomatopoeia

Nervous, I babbled my way through the first few minutes of the interview.

Finding the sheep at her mercy, the witch cackled before waving her wand.

I caught my head on the door and howled in pain.

The car screeched to a stop.

I was taken aback by the dog’s snarl ; a moment earlier, he seemed so friendly.

I was chomping my chicken piece unconcerned by the reaction of others around.

Don’t slurp the soup! It’s bad manners.

The race car turned the curve and then vroomed on the home stretch.

More resources on onomatopoeia:

• Examples of 140+ onomatopoeic words (with meaning and use)
• What is onomatopoeia and its common errors?

6. Parallelism

Many accidents could be attributed to human errors, but faulty road design , absence of street lights , lack of dividers , and potholes on roads also contribute to such incidents. Source [Noun phrases in parallel]

Cheetah hunts impalas and rabbits , lives in coalition and singly , and communicates through variety of sounds . [Verb phrases in parallel]

Usain Bolt was quick off the blocks , fast in the middle , and exceptional at the finish . [Adjective phrases in parallel]

Located at the end of the street and protected by a sturdy fence , the house has had no occupants in nearly two years. [Past participial phrases in parallel]

Don’t judge each day by the harvest you reap but by the seeds that you plant . Robert Louis Stevenson [Prepositional phrase in parallel]

Live in the sunshine , swim the sea , drink the wild air . Ralph Waldo Emerson [Clauses in parallel. Note that you don’t see a subject here because it’s an imperative sentence.]

Joe’s dress was better than that of Mac . [Parallelism when comparing]

Whether you think you can or you think you can’t , you’re right. Henry Ford [Parallelism with correlative conjunction]

More resources on parallelism:

• More than 80 examples of parallelism
• How to write parallel sentences that make writing impactful?

7. Personification

Covid-19 stalked continent after continent with no remorse.

My first novel got crucified .

Chocolate frog, a new species of frog found, has been shying away from mankind for time immemorial.

The kettle hissed and bellowed steam.

Saying they were last polished two weeks back, the shoes begged for a polish.

The lock shrieked in pain as I rattled the wrong key in it.

The carved pumpkin sat on the table, smiling and observing Halloween preparations.

The ball, after being hit hard, sailed over the boundary line and landed in the third tier of the stadium

More resources on personification:

• More than 180 examples of personification
• What is personification and how to write one step-by-step?

Investing in such junk bonds is like carrying water in a sieve .

I had grand dreams, but, when faced with reality, they went down, much like how Titanic went down after colliding with the iceberg .

The vagabond roamed the streets like a tin can swept by wind .

Playing polo is like trying to play golf during an earthquake . Sylvester Stallone

The hackers made off with millions of dollars from the bank, taking advantage of their lax security which was as strong as the one provided by our street dog drunk on a liter of beer .

Public speaking is as easy for me as putting toothpaste back in tube .

The seal couldn’t escape from the shark’s vice-like grip . [An adjective acting as simile]

His concern for building a career was no more than the concern of well-fed lions for the next meal . [Similes formed through comparison words other than like and as ]

More resources on simile:

• More than 120 examples of similes
• Simile examples for kids
• What is simile and how to write one?

Anil is the person behind content on this website, which is visited by 3,000,000+ learners every year. He writes on most aspects of English Language Skills. More about him here:

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How to Use Figurative Language in Essay Writing

Many writers use figurative language to make their writing more interesting and personal. Figurative language implies using words that make your readers paint a picture in their mind. For example, common tools of figurative language include alliteration, metaphors, onomatopoeia, and hyperbole. If you want to use figurative language in your essay, check out these tips at https://college-writers.com/ .

Mark Mediocre Words

When the first draft of your essay is ready, highlight phrases and words that are boring or overused. For example, you might want to replace such words as:

• … and a lot more.

These words are not bad but they are quite boring and don’t allow your readers to paint a clear picture because they depend on interpretation.

Don’t Tell — Show

Once you’ve highlighted all the words and phrases that you would like to replace, it’s time to choose other words and phrases that will provide more sensory details. Use metaphors and vivid imagery so that your readers can visualize the things you’re writing about.

Keep It Natural

Don’t overuse figurative language. It should be a natural part of your writing. If you overuse figurative language, your essay will look like a poor attempt to impress the audience. In addition, don’t try to use all the types of figurative language in one paper.

To use figurative language in the right way, you need to practice. We also recommend that you read more descriptive literature to see how figurative language is used by successful authors.

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How to Construct a Paragraph in Figurative Language

A paragraph is a group of sentences about the same topic. Typically, the first sentence introduces the topic and subsequent sentences expand on it, give background and add information. Figurative language is a way to describe something in words that are not literally true and is widely used in both poetry and everyday speech. There are several forms of figurative language, the main types being simile, metaphor, personification, apostrophe, overstatement and understatement. Choose those which best suit your purpose.

Figures of Speech

Decide on a topic for your paragraph – “Winter in Alaska,” for instance.

Remember there is a lot to describe and only a few short sentences to do it in, so figurative language, or figures of speech, is essential to make a powerful impression.

Use a simile (saying one thing is similar to another) to introduce the topic dramatically in the first sentence. For instance, “Winter in Alaska is like living for months in a refrigerator.”

Expand on this in the second sentence, using a metaphor for emphasis. A metaphor is a figure of speech which compares two things by suggesting one thing is the same as the other. The things compared are usually unalike. For instance, “Alaska is a giant’s ice cream bucket.”

Develop this idea of coldness further with other figures of speech.

Further Figures of Speech

Give your topic human characteristics. This is called personification and would go something like “The Alaskan wind screams in your ears and slaps you in the face with icy hands.”

Talk directly to the weather. That’s a figure of speech called apostrophe. An example would be “You cold and dark months aren’t going to get me down.”

Bring the paragraph to a conclusion with a dramatic overstatement, which makes a point by exaggerating it. You could say, “If I lived here for a thousand years, I’d never get used to the cold.”

• Writing.com: “How to Write a Good Paragraph”
• University of West Georgia: “Figurative Language”

Peter Staples has been writing professionally since 1965, in journalism and public relations. He has worked for “The Times," BBC online and other outlets in England, plus Australian newspapers “Sydney Morning Herald” and "Melbourne Age." Staples holds a Bachelor of Arts in English and history from the U.K.’s Open University.

How to Write a Composition on the Figurative Language of a Poem

Michael stratford, 26 sep 2017.

Compositions about a poem's figurative language fall into the category of literary response. Advanced Placement English Literature essays are a good model for these as excellent examples of brevity and conciseness. However, you don't need to be an AP level student to write a good essay on poetic language; your essay should answer only two questions: What is the poem about, and how does the author make you understand this?

Explore this article

• The Essay's Thesis
• Proceed to Body Paragraphs
• Quotes and Commentary
• The Poet's Intent

1 The Essay's Thesis

Your opening sentence, or paragraph, if your essay is lengthy, begins with the author's name; the piece's name; the intent, or what the poem is about; and the figurative language devices used, which is how the author makes you see the intent. For example: "William Shakespeare's Sonnet 18 immortalizes the poet's lover through implied metaphor, simile and personification." This creates your essay's thesis. The thesis statement has an arguable claim -- the poet's intent to immortalize, and proofs for the claim -- the three literary devices.

Vocabulary Builder

2 proceed to body paragraphs.

You now have not only the essay's opening, but also the subjects of its three topic sentences and sections. Body paragraph one or section one, for example, will discuss similes found in the poem, paragraph/section two the implied metaphors, and paragraph/section three the personification. Each body paragraph should begin with a topic sentence that names and explains the use of figurative language: "Shakespeare's lover wins out over the summer with the implied metaphors he uses." Immediately follow with an example -- a concrete detail -- for proof: "In line 4, he notes 'Summer's lease hath all too short a date.'"

3 Quotes and Commentary

Notice that your concrete detail naturally begins your commentary, where you will explain the quote and offer your own thoughts about it, something like: "Shakespeare's lover obviously outshines the summer months for him; her happy season, as implied, is much longer." Your body paragraphs should continue the pattern of concrete detail plus commentary for at least three sections. A good rule of thumb, the Schaffer method of paragraph structure, is to group together a topic sentence (TS), followed by a quote or similar concrete detail (CD) and two commentary sentences (CM). The formula runs: TS/CD/CM/CM/CD/CM/CM/CD/CM/CM and closing.

4 The Poet's Intent

Your essay also needs a closing paragraph that discusses the poet's intent in using figurative language. You should never lose sight of the question, "What is the poem about?" Remember that poets use figuratives to create imagery, imply character and carry literal expressions into the abstract; be prepared to explain why a summer's day would compare unfavorably with a woman whom a man famously loves, when contrasted by similes, implied metaphors and personifications.

• 1 AP English; Sample Essays; Sample Literary Devices Essay "The American Scholar"
• 2 Poetryarchive: Sonnet #18

About the Author

Michael Stratford is a National Board-certified and Single Subject Credentialed teacher with a Master of Science in educational rehabilitation (University of Montana, 1995). He has taught English at the 6-12 level for more than 20 years. He has written extensively in literary criticism, student writing syllabi and numerous classroom educational paradigms.

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The Power and Artistry of Figurative Language

This essay is about the significance and artistry of figurative language in writing and communication. It explains how figurative language, through devices like metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbols, adds depth, emotion, and vivid imagery to text. Metaphors and similes create comparisons that enhance understanding, personification breathes life into descriptions, hyperbole emphasizes points with exaggeration, and symbols convey deeper meanings. The essay highlights the transformative power of figurative language in making the ordinary extraordinary and its importance in everyday speech. Mastering figurative language enriches both writing and comprehension, offering a more immersive and meaningful experience for readers and writers alike.

How it works

Symbolic speech stands as a potent tool within the repertoire of authors and orators, imbuing prose with richness, vibrancy, and sentiment, transcending the mundane and literal function of language. It surpasses the customary definitions of words to summon vivid imagery and ignite the imagination, forging a deeper rapport between the text and its audience. Grasping symbolic speech proves indispensable in cultivating an appreciation for literature and honing one’s own linguistic craft.

At its essence, symbolic speech entails the manipulation of words or phrases in a manner that diverges from their traditional interpretation.

This divergence is not arbitrary but rather meticulously fashioned to elicit a specific response or convey a particular significance. Common manifestations of symbolic speech encompass metaphors, similes, personification, hyperbole, and symbols, each serving a distinct purpose and adding strata of meaning to the narrative.

Metaphors serve as a cornerstone of symbolic speech, enabling authors to draw parallels between disparate entities or concepts, thereby accentuating their affinities. For example, asserting that ‘time is a pilferer’ communicates the notion that time, akin to a thief, stealthily absconds with precious moments from our lives. This comparison transcends the literal, intimating an emotional verity that resonates deeply with readers.

Similes share a resemblance to metaphors but employ the terms ‘like’ or ‘as’ to establish comparisons. When Robert Burns pens, ‘My affection resembles a crimson, red rose,’ he employs a simile to equate the freshness and allure of his affection with that of a rose. This form of symbolic speech serves to craft a vivid tableau in the reader’s psyche, rendering the abstract concept of affection more palpable and relatable.

Personification, another potent device, entails attributing human attributes to inanimate objects or abstract concepts. This technique animates scenes and renders descriptions more captivating. For instance, stating ‘the zephyr murmured amidst the foliage’ imbues the zephyr with human traits, suggesting a tender and intimate communion with nature. This not only enlivens the scene but also evokes a sensory immersion for the reader.

Hyperbole, or deliberate exaggeration, finds application in accentuating a point or evoking intense emotions. When an individual exclaims, ‘I’m so ravenous I could consume a steed,’ they do not literally possess the capacity to devour a steed but rather express an acute hunger. This form of symbolic speech can infuse writing with humor, theatrics, or emphasis, heightening its impact.

Symbols represent another pivotal facet of symbolic speech, wherein objects, characters, or actions embody significance beyond their literal connotation. In F. Scott Fitzgerald’s ‘The Magnificent Gatsby,’ the verdant beacon at the terminus of Daisy’s pier serves as a potent symbol embodying Gatsby’s aspirations and dreams for the future. The incorporation of symbols enriches a narrative, prompting readers to delve beneath the surface and contemplate the broader implications of the text.

The allure of symbolic speech lies in its capacity to transmute the mundane into the extraordinary, enabling authors to articulate intricate ideas and sentiments in a more accessible and evocative manner. For readers, it furnishes a more immersive and enriched encounter, beckoning them to engage with the text on myriad levels. Symbolic speech is not merely about embellishing prose but about uncovering novel avenues to convey meaning and forge connections with the audience.

In everyday discourse, symbolic speech assumes a paramount role. Phrases such as ‘breaking the ice,’ ‘barking up the wrong tree,’ and ‘possessing a heart of gold’ exemplify how symbolic speech imbues ideas with vividness and memorability. These idioms have become ingrained in our lexicon to the extent that their figurative origins are often overlooked.

Ultimately, mastery of symbolic speech can enhance both the artistry of writing and the acuity of comprehension. It empowers authors to weave more compelling and nuanced narratives, while readers glean a deeper understanding of the text’s profundity and intricacy. Whether encountered in literature, oratory, or everyday colloquy, symbolic speech stands as a testament to the boundless creativity and ingenuity of human expression.

It is important to remember that this discourse serves as a springboard for inspiration and further exploration. For tailored guidance and assurance that your work meets academic standards, consider consulting the experts at EduBirdie.

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How to incorporate figurative language into a simple statement [closed]

Suppose you have a simple statement like:

We should not run away from problems but face them and overcome them

What, in general, is the way to go about expressing a simple, direct statement like this in a more figurative way?

I am writing a personal essay and this is the central idea of my essay. i had trouble concluding. Thank you for all your comments.

• academic-writing
• word-choice
• description

• 1 You are asking 'what to write' or 'brainstorming.' Both are off topic. I am going to edit your question to better fit guidelines. You can edit back to the original if you don't like my edits. –  SFWriter Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 15:26
• 2 @DPT - I think your instinct was right on, but your edit really added a lot that was not in the original, and removed some important details that were. I edited again for a middle ground version that hopefully keeps your work to make it on topic without changing it quite as heavily. –  Chris Sunami Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 16:07
• @ChrisSunami It's still asking what to write. Also, the whole point of the question is incredibly vague. I mean, why would the asker want to express that statement in a more figurative way? What effect (on the reader) should the rewrite achieve? In what context does the statement appear? –  user29032 Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 16:32
• @Cloudchaser - True, but given how little the OP gave us, I think that's all we can do without making up a whole new question. Hopefully the OP will come back and add some more detail. –  Chris Sunami Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 17:58

2 Answers 2

In general, metaphorical language illuminates aspects of something by comparing it to something else. To borrow advice from (Writing SE user) @MarkBaker, what you're really doing is telling a little story about the situation. So, you look for something vivid and memorable that can represent the thing you are talking about. For example:

Don't think of your problems as an ocean that wants to drown us, but as a river that we can cross.

Here are two linked metaphors, both about water. One tells a little story about being overwhelmed, the other tells a story about overcoming an obstacle to achieve success. It gives a vivid, visceral image that makes the abstract immediate.

HOWEVER, your tags indicate that you're doing academic writing. Academics often prefer direct language, because it is more precise. Highly metaphorical language actually tends to be avoided in this kind of context (depending on your discipline). Given that, maybe what you really need to do with this sentence is make it less abstract, by giving some concrete examples of what you are talking about. In academic writing, citing evidence with a reputable source always helps as well.

• I interpreted the academic writing tag to mean this is a student. :-) And an assignment. Hence, my edits, which were a shot in the dark but based in part on the tag. –  SFWriter Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 16:23
• @DPT Edits are always tricky. I agree that the original needed to be edited in order to stay on topic, I just dialed down the guesswork a little. –  Chris Sunami Commented Apr 17, 2018 at 16:28

You've already done it.

Figurative writing is so common that it often slips under the radar - for example the phrase you've given. Most problems won't require or benefit from anyone literally taking to their heels, or standing and glowering at them - they're figurative descriptions.

It's possible to pull back to a simpler version :

We shouldn't avoid problems but try to resolve them

Becoming more figurative from there will depend on the approach taken by the character (or, in your case, the narrator of the essay) when they "avoid" and "try". They might hide, consciously ignore it, or redefine the problem so it looks less of a problem. Or they might adapt, tackle the problem obliquely, or confront someone who appears to represent the problem or to have a solution.

From there it should be easier to find an appropriate metaphor for how the character is reacting.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged academic-writing word-choice description or ask your own question .

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Rethinking English essay scores

by Kobe University

To get high scores on essay writing tests, learners of English as a foreign language need to focus on good arguments more than on complex grammar. The Kobe University finding challenges conventional approaches to test preparation and scoring rubrics.

Writing essays is a well-established tool for monitoring progress in learning English as a foreign language , as it provides a snapshot of a student's mastery of grammar and vocabulary. Especially in Japan, where English language tests are often required for university admission and students closely follow advice on how to achieve high scores on these tests, a "good essay " is often seen as one that demonstrates a high level of grammatical complexity. But is this actually reflected in test scores ?

Kobe University linguist Yasuda Sachiko says, "Based on my experience of teaching academic writing to students at various levels in Japan, I believe that linguistically complex texts do not always result in better writing."

She therefore decided to conduct an experiment with over 100 Japanese high school students. Yasuda had them write a short essay on a given topic and looked at the relationship between the linguistic complexity of the texts and the writers' ability to present complex arguments, and how these two related to how the texts were graded according to official rubrics.

She adds, "This study is the first to focus on the relationship between features of linguistic complexity and features of meaning complexity; no one else in the relevant fields has looked at the relationship between these two."

The results, published in the journal Assessing Writing , confirmed her suspicions. She found that high-scoring essays shared features related more to the ability to express complex meaning, such as lexical diversity, noun modification, and soundness and number of arguments, than to structural complexity.

"Interestingly, low scoring essays showed the highest level of complexity in finite adverbial dependent clauses," the linguist writes in her paper. Emphasizing this point, the ability to express complex meaning was strongly correlated only with using diverse expressions and the ability to modify their meaning, but not with grammatical features.

Yasuda concludes, "Simply having complex sentence structures does not necessarily lead to a better essay."

The findings have implications for how essay writing tests are scored. The Kobe University researcher explains, "Current rubrics for writing questions on language tests instruct test-takers to 'use complex grammar appropriately' or 'a variety of complex structures."

However, since sentence complexity does not significantly affect overall essay quality, it may be more appropriate to use terms such as 'contextually appropriate grammar' or 'genre-appropriate grammar.'

Thus arguing that the ability to express one's opinion in varied and complex ways is a marker of students' writing ability, she advocates that this characteristic should be more represented both in the way tests are scored and how feedback is provided to students.

This so-called washback effect of test scoring rubrics on the way language is taught is at the heart of what drives Yasuda.

She says, "I am committed to using the results of this study for practical applications, such as refining assessment criteria for evaluating students' writing, developing tasks and materials to improve their writing skills, and identifying the key knowledge that teachers need to help students become better writers.

"The ability to write in English has become increasingly important in the 21st century, as it is a crucial medium that allows us to connect with others around the world."

Provided by Kobe University

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