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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
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(ordered by seriousness) ESL Vocabulary Lists Parts of Speech Lists A-Z Idioms and Proverbs Grammar Videos
(ordered by category) Tests and Games Top Tip Install a grammar checker
for your browser
Figure of Speech
What Is a Figure of Speech?
A figure of speech is an expression whose words are not used in their literal sense. A figure of speech is used to express an idea more clearly or more interestingly. For example:- Jack has a few skeletons in the cupboard. (This means "Jack has a few secrets." It is a figure of speech. The words are not used in their literal sense. In other words, Jack does not literally have any skeletons in his cupboard.)
- You are driving me up the wall. (This means "You are annoying me." It is a figure of speech.)
The Seven Most Common Figures of Speech
The most common types of figures of speech are metaphors, similes, idioms, personification, hyperbole, euphemisms, and metonyms .Table of Contents
- Examples of Figures of Speech
- Metaphors Used as Figures of Speech
- Similes Used as Figures of Speech
- Personification Used as Figures of Speech
- Hyperbole Used as Figures of Speech
- Idioms Used as Figures of Speech
- Euphemisms Used as Figures of Speech
- Metonyms Used as Figures of Speech
- A Broader Definition of Figure of Speech
- Why Figures of Speech Are Important
- Printable Test

Examples of Figures of Speech
Here are some examples of figures of speech. Remember that figures of speech do not employ words in their literal meanings:Metaphors Used as Figures of Speech
A metaphor asserts that one thing is something that it literally is not. For example:- This bedroom is a prison.
- He's a real gannet.
- He listened with a stone face.
- We don't need dinosaurs in this company.
Similes Used as Figures of Speech
A simile likens one thing to another (usually achieved by the use of the word "like" or "as"). For example:- He eats like a gannet.
- This sandwich tastes like sawdust between two doormats.
- She sings like an angel.
- It's like water off a duck's back.
Personification Used as Figures of Speech
Personification is when non-human objects are given human traits. For example:- The tide waits for no man.
- My car tends to give up on long hills.
- Summer's healing rays
Hyperbole Used as Figures of Speech
Hyperbole is an exaggeration or extravagant statement used for effect. For example:- I have a million problems.
- We won a tonne of cash.
- I'll die if I don't finish this crossword.
Idioms Used as Figures of Speech
An idiom is commonly used expression whose meaning does not relate to the literal meaning of its words. For example:- Be careful not to miss the boat.
- This is the last straw.
- You can't pull the wool over my eyes.
- Don't sit on the fence. Say what you mean.
Euphemisms Used as Figures of Speech
A euphemism is the use of agreeable or inoffensive words to replace rude or offensive ones. For example:- kicked the bucket = has died
- knocked up = is pregnant
- letting you go = you're fired
- lost his marbles = is mad
Metonyms Used as Figures of Speech
A metonym is a term used in place of a closely related term. For example:- Tongue = language
- Sweat = hard work.
- Capitol Hill = American seat of government
- took to the bottle = took to alcohol
- my word = my promise
- a suit = business executive, a lawyer (typically)
A Broader Definition of Figure of Speech
Some sources do not differentiate between "a figure of speech" and "figurative language," meaning the two terms are often used interchangeably. As a result, you may encounter the following alternative definition for "figure of speech":- Figure of speech: the use of words in an unusual or imaginative manner.
Alliteration
Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sound in successive words.- The plate was filled with beautiful buns bursting with berries.
Assonance
Assonance is when nearby words repeat the same vowel sound.- The squeaky wheel gets the grease.
Consonance
Consonance is when nearby words repeat the same consonant sound.- I will pick or crack the lock.
Logosglyphs
A logosglyph is a word that looks like what it means.- She had eyes like pools. (Here, "eyes" look like eyes and a nose, and the Os of "pools" look like round eyes.)
Onomatopoeia
Onomatopoeia describes words that imitate or evoke the sound of what they represent.- The NASA humans-to-Mars program is all sizzle and no steak. ("Sizzle" is an example of onomatopoeia. It sounds like steak frying.)
For example, a figure of speech can be useful for explaining a new or complex idea by relating it to something familiar.
- During interphase, the protein binds to DNA with its elbow and then digs in with its fingers during mitosis. (Professor Leonie Ringrose)
- Team, we must throw a party in our guests' mouths. Got it?
-
Yes, chef.
Yes, chef.
Yes, chef.
Yes, Geoff.
(To "throw a party in our guests' mouths" is more impactful and inspiring than "our food needs to be tasty.")
- Use a figure of speech to express an idea more clearly or more interestingly.
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