Figurative Language
Similes, Metaphors, Personification,
Hyperbole, and Idiom
Figurative Language• A writer’s tool
• The writer does not literally mean what he or she writes.
• It helps the reader to visualize (see) what the writer is thinking.
Simile• A simile is used to compare two things. • It uses the words “like” or
“as” to make comparisons.
Simile Examples• Krissy is as pretty
as a picture.
• Her hair shines like the sun.
• Her eyes sparkle like the stars in the sky.
Metaphor• A metaphor is used
to compare two things
• Instead of saying something is “like” or “as” --- a metaphor states that it just IS.
Metaphor Examples:• John’s mind is a
computer.
• Mary Ann is a heavenly angel.
Personification• Nonhuman
things or objects are given human characteristics.
Personification Examples:• Hey Diddle, Diddle, said the cat to
the fiddle. The cow jumped over the moon. The little dog laughed to see such
a sport.
The dish ran away with the spoon.
Simile, Metaphor or Personification?
• You are the apple of my eye.
• The rain kissed my cheeks.
• His temper was as explosive as a volcano.
metaphor
simile
personification
Hyperbole• An
exaggeration.
Hyperbole Examples:• I am so tired I
could sleep for a year.
• His teeth were blinding white.
Idiom
• A word or phrase that is different
from its meaning.
Idiom Examples:• If he thinks he is
copying my homework, he is barking up the wrong tree.
• For stealing the car, all he got was a slap on the wrist.
Hyperbole or Idiom?• Don’t get too excited, I
was just pulling your leg.
• Don’t worry, her bark is worse than her bite.
• I waited in line for a century.
idiom
hyperbole
idiom
Your TurnNumber your paper
to 5.
What type of figurative language is
being used?SimileMetaphor
PersonificationHyperbole
Idiom
Susie decided to go out on a limb and ask Bryan to go with her to the
Spring Dance.1
The water beckoned
invitingly to the hot swimmers.
2
Your friendship is
the picture to my frame.
3
The glistening snowflake was as light as a
feather.4
Her smile was a mile wide.
5
Susie decided to go out on a limb and ask Bryan to go with her to the
Spring Dance.
idiom
The water beckoned
invitingly to the hot swimmers.
personification
Your friendship is
the picture to my frame.metaphor
The glistening snowflake was as light as a
feather.simile
Her smile was a mile wide.
hyperbole