You might have read or heard phrases like “He was fuming” or “The trees were clawing on the scene.” These phrases may have sounded a bit odd if you took them literally. These are instances of figurative language. Figurative language is a form of language where what is said or written has a different meaning than what is literally stated. Usually it’s used to add color to the conversation or help make your storytelling more engaging.
However, what forms of figurative language exist? This guide will walk you through various figurative language examples and explain how you can best use them.
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Benefits of Understanding Figurative Language Examples
Figurative language can be confusing if you’re unfamiliar with it, as it relies on non-literal meanings. It is also common enough that you should understand it if your goal is to improve your English literature and conversation skills. Gaining a grasp on figurative language also helps you develop tools that enrich your creativity in English. Including figurative language in your writing leads to stronger imagery and makes your writing more expressive. It also makes your speech more expressive. Advertisers and marketers sometimes use figurative language so that their messaging is more engaging.
Types of Figurative Language Examples
Similes
A simile is when you compare something with another thing using the word “like” or “as.” Similes are often used to construct more striking images and describe things more precisely.
For example, you might use a sentence like “they were fighting like cats and dogs” to show that the people you’re referencing are in an intense conflict.
Metaphors
Metaphors are similar to similes, in that they also compare things to create better imagery. However, metaphors don’t use the word “like”; they make comparisons by directly connecting the two things being compared
For example, “He is a lion on the battlefield” clarifies that he is fierce and dangerous in battle by figuratively stating that he “is” an animal commonly associated with ferocity and strength.
Personification
Personification is when you give something that isn’t human human qualities in a non-literal way. This is often done to give a setting added character or create a distinct feeling in something.
For example, “The bullet rushed at the target” makes the bullet feel like it’s going fast and projects human behavior onto an inanimate object.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is when you deliberately exaggerate something to emphasize or add weight to a statement.
For example, saying “The stove almost burned my hand off” to express the pain you’re in from touching a hot stove.
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia are words that are used to represent a certain sound.
For example, words such as “boom” or “pow” are used to express sounds that you would hear in real life, such as explosions or hits.
Alliteration
Alliteration is when you consecutively use words which begin with the same letter. One example of alliteration would be “Songs sung solemnly”.
Idioms and Proverbs
Some specific phrases have special meaning due to the way they are used culturally. These phrases are called idioms. Similarly, proverbs are culturally-specific phrases that communicate common sense messages. These phrases always carry a different meaning than the exact words used.
One example of an idiom is “This costs an arm and a leg”, which is another way to say that something is very expensive. One common proverb is “the enemy of my enemy is my friend” which states the necessity of alliances with common enemies.
Famous Figurative Language Examples With Their Meanings
| Metaphor | Meaning |
| “Time is a thief” | Time passes quickly and takes away opportunities |
“He is a lion on the battlefield” | He is fierce in battle |
“He is a wizard in the computer” | He is very good with computers |
“Time is money” | Time is valuable |
“Love is a battlefield” | Love is hard and full of conflict |
“He is a clown” | He is silly or funny |
| Simile | Meaning |
| “As light as a feather” | Very light |
“Soft like a pillow” | Very soft |
“He sings like an angel” | He sings wonderfully |
“She is like a prophet with these predictions” | She is very good at predictions |
“She as odd as a unicorn” | She is very weird |
“They are as fast as lighting” | They are really fast |
| Personification | Meaning |
| “The wind whispered through the trees” | You could hear the wind blow through the trees |
“The dog begged for more food” | The dog tried to get more food out of something |
“The chair gave out” | The chair broke |
“Hope carried us forward” | We persevered while feeling hope |
“The wind pushed us violently” | The wind pushed hard |
“The phone died” | The phone ran out of battery |
| Hyperbole | Meaning |
| “I’ve told you a million times” | I told you a lot of times |
“You are driving me insane” | You are being very irritating |
“I’m gonna explode” | I’m very mad |
“He makes Einstein look dumb” | He is very smart |
“She is insane on the dance floor” | She is a good dancer |
“This work is gonna take me years” | The work is taking a long time |
| Onomatopoeia | Meaning |
| Boom | Sound representing an explosion |
| Pow | Sound representing a hit |
| Zap | Sound representing an electric movement |
| Zoom | Sound representing speed |
| Crash | Sound representing two or more objects colliding |
| Bang | Sound representing a shot from a gun |
| Alliteration |
| “Singing a song of sorrow” |
| “Reduce, re-use, recycle” |
| “He hates hotdogs” |
| “Don’t do donuts” |
| “Live, laugh, love” |
| “Present, post and prepare” |
| Idiom | Meaning |
| “Under the weather” | Feeling sick |
| “Call it a day” | Stop for the day |
| “Cut him some slack” | Be less critical of him |
| “Miss the boat” | Too late |
| “Best of both worlds” | The best things from both things |
| “Break the ice” | Introduce eachother |
| “Good things come to those who wait” | Be patient |
When to Use Figurative Language Examples Effectively
Appropriate Uses
- Creative writing and poetry: Figurative language can greatly help strengthen your creative writing and poetry, often by enhancing imagery or even foreshadowing future events.
- Public speaking: Hyperbole is a particularly good way to enforce your message, but other forms of figurative language can also help you write and speak more persuasively.
- Marketing and storytelling: Marketing often benefits from well-placed figurative language to bolster messaging and connect with audiences.
Inappropriate Uses
- Legal or technical writing: Legal and technical writing are very specific, and a lot of figurative language plays with language by default. This makes it a poor choice in these contexts.
- Academic research papers: Academic research papers are also very precise works, and figurative language may not be taken seriousl.
Conclusion
To recap, figurative language is language that uses non-literal meanings. It’s an essential form of human expression that bolsters your language and strengthens your story telling.
What’s your favorite instance of figurative language? Post an example in the comments below.