10 Figures of Speech
Simile
- A simile is a description that uses “like”
or “as” to make a comparison. It can be
a poetic device, stand in for a metaphor,
or just add some spice to your writing.
 His friend is as black as coal.
Metaphor
- A metaphor is a figure of speech that
describes an object or action in a way
that isn't literally true, but helps explain
an idea or make a comparison.
 My friend is a Shakespeare when in
English class.
Personification
- Personification is a figure of speech in
which a thing – an idea or an animal – is
given human attributes. The non-human
objects are portrayed in such a way that
we feel they have the ability to act like
human beings.
 The wind whispered through dry grass.
Onomatopoeia
- Onomatopoeia, is defined as a word
which imitates the natural sounds of a
thing. It creates a sound effect that
mimics the thing described, making the
description more expressive and
interesting.
 The buzzing bee flew away.
Oxymoron
- Oxymoron, a combination
of contradictory or incongruous words
(such as cruel
kindness)broadly : something (such as a
concept) that is made up of
contradictory or incongruous elements.
 There was a love-hate relationship
between the two neighboring states.
Hyperbole
- A hyperbole is a type of figurative
language. Therefore, a hyperbole is not
meant to be taken literally. A
hyperbole is an overstatement that
exaggerates a particular condition for
emphasis.
 I've told you to clean your room a
million times!
Idiom
- An idiom is a common word or phrase
which means something different from
its literal meaning but can be understood
because of their popular use.
 I'm going to call it a night. - I'm going to
bed.
Irony
- Irony is a figure of speech in which
words are used in such a way that their
intended meaning is different from the
actual meaning of the words.
 The name of Britain’s biggest dog was
“Tiny.”
Alliteration
- Alliteration is a term to describe a
literary device in which a series of
words begin with the same consonant
sound.
 Once upon a midnight dreary while I
pondered weak and weary;
rare and radiant maiden;
And the silken sad uncertain rustling of
each purple curtain …
Deep into that darkness peering, long I
stood there wondering, fearing,
Doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal
ever dared to dream before.
Sarcasm
- Sarcasm is a sharp and often satirical or
ironic utterance designed to cut or give
pain. How to use sarcasm in a sentence.
 I work 40 hours a week to be this poor.