Figurative language

Figurative Language

Introduction.

Simile and metaphorIdiomsHyperbolePersonificationAlliterationOnomatopoeia

ClichéPunIronyFigurative Language QuizCredits

Types of figurative language

Introduction As you first begin to learn English, you start talking about very concrete things. You say exactly what you mean.

But as your English improves, you can start to use jokes, exaggerations, common expressions, and puns. All of these are examples of figurative language.

Here are some examples of literal statements and figurative statements:

LITERAL: Ed is a very tall, muscular man.FIGURATIVE: Ed is as big as a house!(This is an exaggeration or hyperbole.) LITERAL: The weather is very bad today.FIGURATIVE: Wow, what a beautiful day.(This is irony or sarcasm.) LITERAL: It is raining very hard.FIGURATIVE: It is raining cats and dogs!(This is an idiom or expression.)

To truly understand English, you must have some knowledge of the most common types of figurative language.

What does figurative mean?figurativeFigurative means that words are used in a way that is different from the usual meaning. That way the description is more interesting or impressive. Figurative language creates a picture in your mind.

For example:

He is about to explode!

We do not mean to say that the man will actually explode. We only want to say that he is extremely angry.

So we use the verb "explode" in a figurativeway. In other words, we use a word that usually describes something else.

That way the description is more interesting. It creates a certain picture in the mind.

The opposite of figurative is literalLiteral means that you mean what you say exactly.

For example:

He is about to explode!

Here we do mean to say that the man will actually explode. The man holds fireworks, and it looks dangerous enough to explode.

So here we use the verb "explode" in a literal way.

In other words, we use the usual meaning of the word.

Figurative comes from the word figure (also figure of speech).

A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to express a particular meaning.

In the about example, "explode" is a figure of speech.

Literal comes from the Latin word littera, which means "letter."

To get a better understanding of figurative language, let's look at some common figurative sayings:

"Sam is a pig!"This is an example of figurative language.This sentence does not mean that Sam is actually an animal.

This sentence is a figure of speech meaning that Sam is very messy and does not have good manners.

"Beth let the cat out of the bag about Lisa's surprise party."

This is another example of figurative language.

This sentence does not mean that Beth had a cat in a bag and let it out.

Native English speakers understand this sentence is figurative language meaning that Beth told Lisa the secret about the surprise party.

Figurative or LiteralTo truly understand figurative language, you must first understand the terms "figurative" and "literal."

LiteralIf a statement is "literal" it is true. You can believe every word. When you say something "literally," you mean exactly what you say.

She looks beautiful in her red dress!

This is a literal statement because the writer thinks the lady looks beautiful. The writer is simply stating that she looks beautiful.

He is a very big man.

This is a literal statement. The writer means that the man is big and strong.

These statements are literal and can sometimes be boring! To add interest, writers often write in a figurative way.

Figurative"Figurative" is the opposite of "literal." You do not believe a figurative statement word for word. When you say something "figuratively," you are usually making a comparison to give a description or make a point.

She looks like a million dollars!

This is a figurative statement, because a person can't really look exactly like money. The statement means that she is well dressed and looks beautiful.

He is as big as an elephant!

This is also a figurative statement because a person cannot be as big as an elephant. The statement means he is very large. The writer compares the man to an elephant to help the reader visualize the large, strong man!

Figurative language definitionFigurative language is a word or phrase that cannot be taken literally.

Writers use figurative language to describe things, people, or ideas.

Common reasons to use figurative language:

for comparisonfor emphasis or stressto make something clearto say something in a new wayto help the reader/listener form a picture in their mindto make a story or poem interesting

If used correctly, figurative language can greatly improve your writing and speaking.

When reading, speaking, or writing in English, it is important to understand the meaning of some common figures of speech.

First, let's look at definitions and examples of the most common types of figurative language.

Simile and metaphor

Introduction

Simile

Metaphor

Simile vs Metaphor

Similes and metaphors in poetry

Simile and metaphorSimiles and metaphors are the two most common types of figurative language in the English language.

Similes and metaphors both compare two different things that do not usually go together. The difference between them is that a simile uses the words "like" or "as" and a metaphor does not.

with like/as => simile

without like/as => metaphor

Similes and metaphors are very common in speaking, singing, and writing. Similes and metaphors are often used in stories, music, and poetry to create good descriptions.

Reasons to use similes and metaphors:

for comparison

for emphasis or stress

for humor

to make something clear or easy to understand

to say something in a new way

to help the reader/listener form a picture in their mind

to make something interesting and descriptive

SimileA simile is a word or phrase that compares something to something else. It uses the words like or as.

Examples of similes:eat like a pig

sleep like a baby

as cute as a kitten

as white as snow

The word "simile" comes from the Latin root similes, which means sameness or likeness. The word "similar" also uses the same root word.

Similes are the most common type of figurative language in the English language.

Similes compare two different things that do not usually go together.

Similes compare using the words "like" or "as."

How to form a simile

There are two ways to form a simile.

1. as + adjective/adverb + as + noun

2. verb + like + noun

This is a list of some common similes. Add a subject to the beginning of each simile to make the sentence complete. There are some examples below.

Pattern 1: as + adjective/adverb + as + noun

as cold as ice.

as white as snow

as gentle as a lamb

as funny as a clown

as light as a feather

as colorful as a rainbow

The crayons are as colorful as a rainbow.

as slow as a turtle

as pretty as a flower

as tall as a giant

as quiet as a mouse

as fluffy as cotton candy

The sheep was as fluffy as cotton candy.

as wise as an owl

as hungry as a bear

as tough as nails

Pattern 2: verb + like + nounsmells like a rose

eats like a pig

sings like an angel

runs like a cheetah

slept like a baby

I slept like a baby last night.

crying like a baby

jumps like a frog

howls like a dog

sparkles like a diamond

roared like a lion

MetaphorA metaphor is a comparison of two different things, without "like" or "as." It makes a description more interesting or powerful.

The word "metaphor" comes from the Latin word metaphoria and the Greek word metapherin. Both of these words mean "to transfer." A metaphor gives (transfers) qualities from one noun to another noun.

Examples of metaphors:wooden face (= a face as stiff as wood)

army of letters (= letters as great in amount and as powerful as an army)

sea of sadness (= sadness as huge and endless as the sea)

My plan was a house of cards (= as fragile and unstable as a house of cards)

Metaphors are like similes, but they do not use the words "like" or "as."

A metaphor compares things by stating something IS something else.

How to form a metaphorThere are a few ways to make a metaphor.

The simplest way to make a metaphor is to use this pattern:

First noun + to be verb + a/an + second noun

She is an angel.

(She is a nice.)My hands are ice.

(My hands feel very cold.)He is a pig.

(He is messy.)Her eyes were diamonds.

(Her eyes were beautiful.)

The shark's teeth are daggers. (The shark's teeth are sharp.)

The stars were a blanket over the earth.

(The stars filled the night sky above the earth.)The wind was a piercing arrow.

(It was windy and very cold.)The jet was a bolt of lightning shooting across the sky.

(The jet flew fast across the sky.)

The classroom was a zoo. (The classroom was noisy and the kids are not in their seats.)

Not all metaphors are written in the simple pattern like those on the previous slides.

Here are a few more examples of metaphors. Even though they are not written in the same pattern, they do compare two different nouns.

My boss fired the snake.(The employee is being compared to a snake. The boss fired an employee who was sneaky and not trustworthy.)

He has a heart of stone.(His heart is being compared to a stone. He is angry and mean.)

The bride wore a dress of snow.(The dress is being compared to snow. The dress is soft and white.)

In addition, you can form a metaphor with verbs and adjectives.

A flock of children went to the circus.(A flock is a group of birds. Children are being compared to birds.)

The investigator digs up evidence about the crime.(The investigator is looking for evidence. He is being compared to a dog who digs up bones.)

Simile vs metaphorPeople often confuse similes and metaphors. They are very similar because they both compare two different things.

With similes, the comparison is easy to understand.

Sam eats like a pig

This simile compares the way Sam eats to the way a pig eats. Sam is very messy when he eats. He does not have good manners.

Sam's house is as dirty as a pigsty.This simile compares Sam's home to a pigsty (where pigs live). It means that Sam's home is very messy. He probably does not clean often and leaves dirty clothes on the floor.

A metaphor is not always as easy to understand and can sometimes be understood in different ways by different people or in different situations.

Sam is a pig.This metaphor does not mean Sam is actually a pig.

This sentence can have different meanings depending on the context. We can usually figure out the meaning based on a picture or context of the paragraph or story.

In our example, "Sam is a pig" it could mean different things, since pigs can have different qualities. For example, they can be dirty or greedy (eating everything).

"Sam is a pig" could mean:1. Sam is a messy eater. He does not have good manners.2. Sam is a sloppy dresser. His clothes are dirty.3. Sam has a messy house. He does not clean his house.4. Sam acts very rude. He is not polite.5. Sam is greedy. He takes everything.

Similes and metaphors in poetryHere is a great example of similes and metaphors being used in classic poetry. Read this short poem to see if you can spot the similes or metaphors. Then scroll past the picture for the answers.

New words:

flint = a very hard gray stone used to make fire

emerald = a beautiful green stone

ruby = a beautiful dark red stone

sapphire = a beautiful blue stone

heaven = sky

brilliant = very bright

opal = a beautiful stone that shows changing colors

hold = have or contain

fiery = of fire

Flint

(by Christina Rossetti)

An emerald is as green as grass,A ruby red as blood;

A sapphire shines as blue as heaven;A flint lies in the mud.

A diamond is a brilliant stone,To catch the world's desire;An opal holds a fiery spark;

But a flint holds a fire.

Similes and Metaphors(answers)

An emerald is as green as grass,(an emerald is green and grass is green)

A ruby red as blood;(a ruby is red and blood is red)

A sapphire shines as blue as heaven;(a sapphire is blue and the sky, or heaven, is blue)

A flint lies in the mud.

A diamond is a brilliant stone,To catch the world's desire;(the diamond is being compared to something that can catch something, such as a baseball glove)

An opal holds a fiery spark;(the opal looks like a spark of fire)

But a flint holds a fire.(the flint is being compared to an object that can contain something else)

IdiomAn idiom is one type of figurative language in the English language.

An idiom is a commonly used phrase that does not mean what it says. It cannot be taken literally. There are many common idioms in the English language.

Idioms should not be taken literally. That means that you should not believe it exactly as it is written.

Knowing the meanings of common idioms will help you understand American English better.

Although American English and British English are similar, they do not always use the same idioms.

Idioms can be unique to a language, culture, or area. A British English idiom may not have the same meaning (or any meaning at all) in another language or culture.

However, some idioms are found in both American English and British English.

American & British Different

American & British Same

MSWord list of American Idioms

MSWord list of British Idioms

These are a few well-known idioms that have the same meaning in both American English and British English.

a piece of cake (If something is a piece of cake, it is very easy to do.)That math test was a piece of cake.

just the ticket(If something is just the ticket, it is the perfect thing.)A day on the beach is just the ticket to help me relax.

doing time(When someone is doing time, they are spending time in jail or prison.)Sam is doing time for theft.

off your rocker(If you are off your rocker, you are acting crazy or insane.)Tom is acting weird today. He is off his rocker.

with child(A woman who is with child is pregnant.)Sally is eating healthy because she is with child.

lost your lunch(If you vomit, you might say you lost your lunch.)She had the flu and lost her lunch.

The idioms above are the same in both American English and British English.

Many times idioms in British English are different from idioms in American English.

For example, suppose someone is in jail or prison.

In American English you would say they are:

in the slammeror

behind bars

In British English, you would say they are:

in the clink

All of these are ways of saying that someone is in prison.

Here is another example:

In American English, if you want someone to hurry up, you might say:

Shake a leg!

However, in British English, you would say:

Pull your finger out!or

Get your finger out!

Here is one more example:

In American English, if something is very common and easy to get, you might say it is:

a dime a dozen

In British English, you might say it is:

ten a pennyor

two a penny

Hyperbole

Introduction

Learn about hyperboles

Hyperboles and similes

Hyperbole examples

Introduction

A hyperbole is a type of figurative language in the English language.

Hyperboles are obvious exaggerations.

Obvious means that it is easy to understand or clear to everyone.

An exaggeration is something that is described as larger or greater than it really is.

A hyperbole should not be understood literally. That means that you cannot believe it word for word.

Learn about hyperbolesLet us look at some examples of hyperboles.

If you have to tell your son multiple times to pick up his toys, you might say:

I told you a million times to pick up your toys!

This is an exaggeration because you did not literally tell your child a million times. You are exaggerating to make a point.

It is obvious to most people that you are exaggerating and did not really tell him a million times.

You are really saying that you have told him many times and do not want to tell him again.

Here is another hyperbole example.

When you are waiting in a long line, you might say:

I am going to be standing here forever!

This is an exaggeration because you will not literally be standing in the line forever. You might stand in the line for a long time, but eventually you will get to the end of the line.

This is figurative language meaning:

This is a long line.I am going to be standing here for a while!

We use hyperboles like these in speaking and writing to create emphasis or effect. They are also sometimes used to make a point.

Hyperboles and similesSometimes hyperboles can be in the form of a simile. A simile is a comparison of two things using the words "like" or "as."

Her feet are as big as boats. (She has large feet.)

The dog was as big as my car!(The dog was bigger than most dogs.)

Nick is as tall as a giraffe.(Nick is very tall.)

These are all hyperboles because they are obvious exaggerations. They are also similes because they are comparing two things using the words "like" or "as."

Hyperbole examples

Here are some more examples of hyperboles. Enjoy!

I was so hungry I could eat a horse. (I was very hungry and could eat a lot of food.)

The fish was almost as tall as me!(The fish was large.)

She jumped so high she couldtouch the sky!(She jumped very high in the air.)

Tim was so tired he slept for a year!(Tim slept a long time.)

The spider was bigger than my face! (The spider was big.)

The man was so big, he had touse a tree for a toothpick.(The man is taller and bigger than most men.)

The dirty dishes were stackedto the ceiling.(There were a lot of dirty dishes.)

Susan was so mad, steam came out of her ears!(Susan was very mad.)

I have not seen him for an eternity.(I have not seen him for a long time.)

Lisa is as skinny as a toothpick.(Lisa is very skinny.)

I have a ton of work to do.(I have a lot of work to do.)

It is going to take me a billion yearsto finish my work!(I have a lot of work to do.)

If I do not get that job, I will die!(I really want the job!)

He is so old he was born when dinosaurs walked on earth.(He is very old. He was born a long time ago.)

My sister never stops talking.(My sister talks a lot.)

My sister never stops talking.(My sister talks a lot.)

My dog is fatter than an elephant.(My dog is very fat.)

These shoes are killing my feet!(The shoes hurt my feet.)

Mom cooked enough food to feed an army.(Mom cooked enough food to feed a lot of people.)

They waited there for a century.(They waited for a very long time.)

Personification

Introduction

Personification examples

Personification in poetry

PersonificationPersonification is a type of figurative language in the English language.

Personification is when we give a human characteristic to something that is not human, such as an object or an animal.

Writers personify things to give good descriptions and help readers form pictures in their minds.

As with other types of figurative language, sentences with personification cannot be understood literally. That means that you cannot believe it word for word. Instead, you have to understand its figurative meaning.

Let us look at an example of personification:

The leaves danced to the ground.

In this sentence, the leaves are being personified. That means they are given the human characteristic of dancing.

Humans can dance, but leaves cannot.

We are giving the leaves the human characteristic of dancing to show the reader how they gracefully fell to the ground.

The leaves fell off the tree and floated to the ground.

Here is another example of personification:

The flowers were begging for water.

We know that flowers do not have mouths and they cannot really ask us for water. We are giving the flowers the human characteristic of begging to show that they are in need of water. They are starting to dry up and they really need someone to water them.

Personification examplesHere are some more common examples of personification.

My stomach was growling.(I felt hungry.)

Tom's pencil was flying across the page.(Tom was writing fast.)

The ocean waves ran across the beach.(The waves were covering the sand.)

The old door moaned in protest as it opened.(The old door creaked because it had not been opened for a long time.)

The moon guarded the city at night.(The moon was shining over the city.)

His hair was dancing in the wind.(His hair was moving in the wind.)

The angry rain pounded on my windows.(The rain was falling hard against the windows.)

The red light yelled, "Stop!" (A red traffic light is a signal to stop your car.)

The apples jumped off the tree.(The apples were falling to the ground.)

The wind caressed her cheeks.(The wind moved across her face.)

The trees were waving in the wind.(The wind was blowing and moving the tree limbs.)

Nick's puppy barked a sad goodbye.(Nick's puppy was barking at him as he left.)

The painting spoke to me about my childhood.(The painting made me think about when I was a child.)

The tornado attacked the city and wrecked the farms.(The tornado caused a lot of damage.)

My jacket hugged me in the cold snow.(I was wearing the jacket and it kept me warm.)

Personification in poetryPersonification is very common in poetry. Writers use personification because it helps readers form visual pictures in their minds. Personification can also add humor in poetry.

Here are two poems that contain examples of personification. In each poem, the objects and personification are colored green.

Here are some definitions to help you understand the first poem better

weary = tired

dew = drops of water

arranged = set; get into position

topaz = blue-green color

tortoises = turtles

Two Sunflowers Move in the Yellow Roomby William Blake

"Ah, William, we're weary of weather,"said the sunflowers, shining with dew.

"Our traveling habits have tired us.Can you give us a room with a view?"

They arranged themselves at the windowand counted the steps of the sun,

and they both took root in the carpetwhere the topaz tortoises run.

In this poem, the sunflowers are being personified. To understand this poem, you have to know that sunflowers are a type of flower that always turn toward the sun.

These two sunflowers are telling William that they are tired of the changes in the weather outside. They want to be put inside in a window where the sun shines in on them all day.

They counted the steps of the sun means that they moved with the sunlight as it came through the window.

They took root in the carpet means they stayed in that room for a long time.

The second personification poem gives human characteristics to your food at dinnertime. Personification is used in this poem to add humor.

chorus = musiccackled = laughedchattered = talkedgurgled = talked; made noisesclan = family

Dinnertime Chorus by Sharon Hendricks

The teapot sang as the water boiledThe ice cubes cackled in their glass

the teacups chattered to one another.While the chairs were passing gas

The gravy gurgled merrilyAs the oil danced in a pan.Oh my dinnertime chorusWhat a lovely, lovely clan!

This poem describes the sounds you hear while dinner is being prepared. Each object makes its own sound creating a "dinnertime chorus."

Introduction

Alliteration in poetry and books

Alliteration as tongue twisters

Alliteration in advertising

More alliteration!

AlliterationAlliteration is the repetition of the same sound in a series of words. It is usually the first sound but can be sounds in other parts of the words.

Alliteration is a type of figurative language in the English language.

She sells seashells by the seashore.

In this example of alliteration, there are two sounds that are repeated:

1. S sound as in "sells"2. Sh sound as in "she"

You can find examples of alliteration in many places!poetrybooksadvertisingtitlesnamesand MORE!

In this presentation, we are going to focus on examples of alliteration in poetry and books, tongue twisters, and advertising.

Alliteration in poetry and books

Here are some examples of alliteration in popular poems and books:

I have stood still and stopped the sound of feet(from "Acquainted with the Night" by Robert Frost)

And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain(from "The Raven" by Edgar Allan Poe)

So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.(from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald)

The Teeny Tiny Teacher, a children's book by Stephanie Calmenson

Some popular book and cartoon characters also have names that contain alliteration.

Bugs Bunny

Mickey Mouse

Peter Pan

Betty Boop

Willy Wonka

Severus Snape (Harry Potter series)

Luna Lovegood (Harry Potter series)

Alliteration as tongue twisters

Tongue twisters are a great way to learn about alliteration.

A tongue twister is a phrase that is hard to say. Tongue twisters are fun and a good way to teach proper speaking.

Here are two tongue twisters that are popular nursery rhymes for children.

Try reading the following aloud!

Peter PiperNotice the "p" and "ck" sounds in the following tongue twister.

peck = an amount of something

Peter Piper = a person's name

Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

A peck of pickled peppers Peter Piper picked

If Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers,

How many pickled peppers did Peter Piper pick?

Betty BotterNotice the "b", "t", and "er" sounds in this one.

bitter = bad taste

batter = a mixture of flour, egg, milk, and other ingredients(cake batter, pancake batter, bread batter)

Betty Botter = a person's name

Betty Botter bought some butter,

but, she said, the butter's bitter;

if I put it in my batter

it will make my batter bitter,

but a bit of better butter

will make my batter better.

Alliteration in advertisingAlliteration is common in advertising because it grabs your attention and is easy to remember.

Here are a few popular brands that use alliteration in their names.

Bed, Bath, & Beyond

Dunkin Donuts

Best Buy

American Apparel

American Airlines

Weight Watchers

Coca-Cola

Roto-Rooter

Krispy Kreme

Captain Crunch

Baby Back Ribs

PayPal (website)

YouTube (website)

StubHub (website)

Here are some popular advertising slogans that use alliteration.

Don't dream it. Drive it.(Jaguar)

Intel Inside (Intel)

You'll never put a better bit of butter on your knife (Country Life Butter)

The best four by four by far (Land Rover)

Welcome to the World Wide Wow (AOL)

Many popular sports teams use alliteration in their names.

Los Angeles Lakers

Seattle Seahawks

Buffalo Bills

Pittsburgh Pirates

San Antonio Spurs

More alliteration!Can you find more examples of alliteration?

Here are some places to look for alliteration!

book titles

band names

song titles

newspaper headings and titles

popular sayings

movie titles

events

television shows

candy names

Onomatopoeia[on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh]

1

2

3

4

Bam!

Smack!

BOOM!

Onomatopoeias in poetry

Onomatopoeias in comic books

Introduction

Examples

Onomatopoeia[on-uh-mat-uh-pee-uh]

Onomatopoeias are words used to describe or imitate a sound. Onomatopoeias sound like the objects they represent or the sounds those objects make.

Examples:

bang

buzz

moo

click

smack

An onomatopoeia is a type of figurative language in the English language.

If you slap your hand down on a table, what sound does it make?

Smack! Bam! Bang! BOOM!

Words used to represent the sounds animals make are onomatopoeias.

cow = moo

duck = quack

dog = bark, growl, howl

cat = meow, hiss, purr

goose = honk

mouse = squeak

bird = chirp, tweet, caw, twitter

horse = neigh, knicker, whinny

owl = screech, hoo-hoo, hoot

chicken = cluck

sheep = baa

rooster = cock-a-doodle-doo

Here are some more onomatopoeias:

honk clickchoptapbeepknock-knockcrashcracklewhisper

shhhhsnappoppingploptweettwitterhushswish

screechtinklepitter-patteryellachoo (sneeze)hiccupslurpScratchlaughsmackzingcheep

Onomatopoeias in poetryOnomatopoeias are popular in poetry because they are very descriptive words. Onomatopoeias help readers understand by forming images in their minds.

Let us look at an onomatopoeia poem by Eve Merriam.

The poem describes water running out of a rusty spigot, or faucet. The spigot has not been turned on recently. When it is turned on, the water runs slowly at first and makes "sputtering" sounds. Then it begins running faster and splashes to the ground.

Here are some words with definitions to help you understand the poem.

spigot = water faucet

gashes = opens

smattering of drops = a few drops

The onomatopoeias are in red.

The rusty spigot

sputters,

utters

a splutter,

spatters a smattering of drops,

gashes wider;

slash,

splatters,

scatters,

spurts,

finally stops sputtering

and plash!

gushes rushes splashes

clear water dashes.

Onomatopoeias in comic booksOnomatopoeias are also very common in comic books to help the reader understand the pictures and what is happening in each scene.

For example, if a man and woman are kissing, you might see the words

smack smooch kiss

If people are fighting, you might see the words

Smack! bang slap

If a phone is ringing, you might see

riiiiiiinnnnngggg buzz ring-ring-ring

When someone is sleeping, you might see

zzzzzzzzzzzzzzz snore

Cliché

American English clichés

Introduction

ClichéClichés are very common phrases and expressions that have been overused.

A cliché is a type of figurative language in the English language.

That means people have said them and written them too many times and they have lost their original meanings or effects. They are no longer original or interesting.

Here are two examples of clichés:

He is as blind as a bat!

(He does not see very well.)

Don't cry over spilled milk.

(Don't waste your time worrying about something that has already happened.)

Most clichés are phrases that were originally imaginative, fun, and interesting.

Some people like to use clichés in their writing for humor or to make a point.

You should avoid using clichés when writing in English, especially in formal writing. Clichés are more acceptable in informal writing. Using too many clichés can annoy or bore your readers.

For example, easy as pie is a cliché. It is an overused idiom.

Slept like a baby is another cliché. It is an overused simile.

Examples:

easy as pie (very easy)

let the cat out of the bag(tell a secret)

stick in the mud(someone who does not want to try anything new)

slept like a baby(very well)

American English clichésBelow, you will see a list of some common American English clichés. The original meaning of each cliché is included.

Not everyone will agree that these are all clichés. Whether or not a sentence or phrase becomes a clichés depends on the audience. While some people may think a phrase is boring, others may still enjoy hearing it.

An apple a day keeps the doctor away.(Eat healthy.)

ants in his pants(A person who has ants in his pants cannot sit without moving.)

apple of my eye(If you are the apple of my eye, then you are my favorite.) as poor as dirt(very poor)

as white as snow(very white)

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder.(What you think is beautiful might not be beautiful to someone else.)

Been there, done that.(I already had that experience.)

best thing since sliced bread(something very good)

Better safe than sorry.(It is good to be prepared for things even if they do not happen.)

big as life(very big)

busy as a bee(very busy)

chip off the old block(A child who is a chip off the old block acts like their parent.) cool as a cucumber(calm)

Don't have a cow.(Do not get too excited or upset.)

fat chance(It will never happen)

fresh as a daisy(something that is new, clean, or original)

Give a little, take a little.(Help someone and they might help you.)

Go with the flow.(Be flexible.)

Home is where the heart is.(It feels good to be at home with family.) If it ain't broke, don't fix it.(Do not change something that already works.)

just fell off the turnip truck(Someone who just fell off the turnip truck is inexperienced.)

Knock on wood.(Knock on wood is a phrase people say when they do not want something bad to happen. It is like a "good luck charm." It is a saying to keep bad luck away.)

Money does not grow on trees.(Be careful how much money you spend.) old as dirt(very old)

once in a blue moon(not very often.)

open up a can of worms(create new problems when you are trying to solve a problem)

rise and shine(wake up)

A rolling stone gathers no moss.(If a person is always moving to new places, then he will never form relationships or have attachments to anything.)

Stop and smell the roses.(Take time to enjoy life.)

The grass is always greener on the other side.(Things or situations seem to look better for other people.)

two peas in a pod(two people that are similar or have a very close relationship) when pigs fly(never)

You can lead a horse to water, but you can't make it drink.(You can show people how to do things, but you cannot force them to do it.)

Pun

Introduction

Examples of Puns

American English Puns

A pun is a "play on words." Puns are meant to be clever and funny. Many jokes are actually puns.

A pun is a type of figurative language in the English language.

Sometimes puns are difficult to understand, even for native English speakers.

There are two ways to create a pun:

Examples:red/readtwo/to/too

need/knead

Examples:fly = insectfly = move through the airsaw = past tense of seesaw = a tool that cuts wood

Use words that sound the same but have different meanings.

Use a word that has multiple meanings.

I took a job as a baker because I knead dough.(A baker can knead (mix) bread dough. People work because they need dough (money).)

Let's look at a few examples of puns:

How do celebrities stay cool?They have many fans!

This pun is using two words that have multiple meanings: cool and fan

Cool can be defined as:1. cold (not hot)2. awesome and popular

A fan can be defined as:1. something that you use when you are warm2. someone who likes you and supports you

So, this pun has two meanings.

1. Celebrities do not get hot because they can cool themselves with fans.

2. Celebrities are popular because they have many people who like them.

Here is another example of a pun:When she got married, she got a new name and a dress.

This is a pun using words that have the same sound but different meanings.

1. When a woman marries, she changes her name and she buys a wedding dress (a dress).

2. She also moves out of her parent's home to live with her husband, so she gets a new address.

American English puns

Math teachers have lots of problems.problems = math equations or puzzlesproblems = troubles, difficulties

Two silkworms had a race. They ended up in a tie.tie = finishing the race at the same timetie = a necktie worn by men, sometimes made from silk

I used to work at an orange juice factory, but I was canned.canned = fired; released from a jobcanned = put into a can like juice

To write with a broken pencil is pointless.pointless = stupid, worthlesspointless = does not have a sharp tip

A backwards poet write inverse.inverse = backward, oppositein verse = in rhyme

The thief who stole the calendar got 12 months.There are 12 months on a calendar.The thief could be put in prison for 12 months for stealing.

Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.Time flies like an arrow. = Time flies (moves) fast like an arrow moves fast.Fruit flies like a banana. = Fruit flies (insects) like to eat bananas.

Why did the turkey cross the road? To prove he wasn't chicken!chicken = an animalchicken = scared

I used to be twins. My mother has a picture of me when I was two.twins = two identical childrentwo = an age; two years oldtwo = two people

Verbal Irony

Dramatic Irony

Situational Irony

Situational irony in literature

Review

Introduction

Irony

Irony is a type of figurative language in the English language.

Irony can be difficult to understand because it is often defined incorrectly. Authors use irony to make their writing more interesting. Television and movie producers use irony to make their shows interesting and funny.

Let’s look at a definition of irony.

Definition:

Irony is when someone says or does something, but means another thing or intends for something else to happen.

Nick just got an F on his test. Maria looks at Nick and says, "Good job! You must have studied hard."

For example:

Does Maria really mean "good job"? No! Maria is using verbal irony to be sarcastic.

Irony is

1. when someone says something but means the exact opposite

2. when something happens that is the exact opposite of what you expected.

It is easiest to understand irony when you look at types of irony separately. There are three types of irony: verbal, dramatic, and situational.

Verbal IronyVerbal irony is the most common type of irony. Verbal irony is when a character or person says something, but means the exact opposite.

This type of irony is used to create humor, make a point, or be mean. Verbal irony can also be called sarcasm if the speaker is making fun of somebody. Sarcasm is very popular in everyday language.

Example:Nick just got an F on his test. Maria looks at Nick and says, "Good job! You must have studied hard."

Does Maria really mean "good job"? No! Maria is using verbal irony to be sarcastic.

Watch this video from Ted-Ed to learn more about verbal irony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IiR-bnCHIYo

https://youtu.be/IiR-bnCHIYo

Dramatic IronyDramatic Irony is a type of irony often found in humorous and suspenseful literature or movies. Dramatic irony is when the audience is aware of something that the character is not.

Let’s look at one example.

While watching a suspenseful movie, the audience sees the bad guy enter a house, turn off the electricity, and hide in a dark room. Then, the main character walks into the dark house alone. The character does not know that the bad guy is in the room, but the audience does. This creates suspense or drama because the audience knows something that the character does not.

This is one example of dramatic irony. It is ironic because the audience knows more than the character.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RZFYuX84n1U

https://youtu.be/RZFYuX84n1U

Watch this video from Ted-Ed to learn more about verbal irony.

Situational IronyThe final type of irony is situational irony. Situational irony is when you expect one thing to happen but get the exact opposite.

Watch this video from Ted-Ed to learn about situational irony.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=tqg6RO8c_W0

https://youtu.be/tqg6RO8c_W0

Situational irony vs bad luckSituational irony can sometimes be the most difficult to identify. It is often confused with bad luck.

Bad luck is just something unpleasant that happens. Situational irony is when the exact opposite of what is supposed to happen, happens.

Bad luck: A car is being towed.

Situational irony: A tow truck is being towed.

Bad luck: A building burns down.

Situational irony: The firehouse burns down.

Bad luck: It rains on your wedding day.

Situational irony: You scheduled an outdoor wedding in July because it hasn't rained in July for 10 years. Unfortunately, it still rains on your wedding day.

Bad luck: A man falls in a swimming pool.

Situational irony: A man takes a step to the side in order to avoid walking in a puddle. He falls in the swimming pool.

Situational irony in literatureOne great example of situational irony can be found in O. Henry's: The Gift of the Magi.

Summary:

Della and Jim are very poor. They do not own many things. The two things that are the most important to them are Della’s beautiful, long hair and Jim’s gold watch.

It is Christmas time. Della wants to buy a gift for Jim. She decides to sacrifice her hair to buy Jim a Christmas gift. She cuts off her hair and sells it for money.

Jim wants to buy a gift for Della. He decides to sacrifice his gold watch to buy Della a Christmas gift. He sells his watch for money.

Della and Jim exchange gifts. Della gives Jim a gold chain for his watch, but Jim sold his watch to buy Della’s gift.

Jim bought Della a comb for her hair, but Della cut and sold her hair to buy a chain for Jim’s watch.

The events of this story are ironic. Jim thinks Della will love her comb because she has beautiful hair. But Della cut her hair to buy Jim a gift. Della thinks Jim will love the gold chain because he can put it on his watch. But Jim sold his watch to buy Dell a gift.

The ending of the story is the opposite of what was expected. That is the definition of situational irony.

ReviewIrony = When someone says or does something, but means another things or intends for something else to happen.

Verbal irony = Someone says something but means the opposite.

Dramatic irony = The audience is aware of something that the characters are not aware of.

Situational irony = Something happens that is the exact opposite of what was expected to happen.

Figurative Language QuizNow that you have learned about all the different types of figurative language in the English language, it is time to review and practice.

Here are some definitions to help you.

simile = a comparison of two things using "like" or "as"metaphor = a comparison of two thingsidiom = a phrase that cannot be taken literallyhyperbole = an obvious exaggerationonomatopoeia = a sound wordalliteration = repetition of a sound in a group of wordspersonification = giving an object or animal a human characteristiccliché = an overused phrase (can be other types of figurative language)pun = a joke that is a "play on words"

Choose the correct type of figurative language for each sentence below.

1. The kitten is as soft as silk.

1. The kitten is as soft as silk.

D. simile

This sentence is an example of simile because it compares a kitten's fur to silk using the word "as".

A. idiomB. personificationC. onomatopoeiaD. simile

NoNoNo

Yes

2. Nick's head exploded when he heard the bad news!

"Head exploded" is an example of a/an

2. Nick's head exploded when he heard the bad news!

C. idiom

This is an example of an idiom because it cannot be taken literally. His head did not really explode. This is figurative language meaning he was very angry.

D. alliteration

A. simileB. onomatopoeia

C. idiom

NoNo

No

Yes

3. Silly Sally sings sixty songs on Sunday.

3. Silly Sally sings sixty songs on Sunday.

A. alliteration

This is an example of alliteration. Notice the repeating "s" sound.

D. pun

A. alliteration

B. idiom

C. cliché No

No

No

Yes

4. That test was as easy as pie.

This simile is also an example of a/an

4. That test was as easy as pie.

This simile is also an example of a/an

C. cliché

This is a simile but is also an example of a cliché. Easy as pie is a common expression and is an overused simile.

D. onomatopoeia

A. hyperbole

B. pun

C. cliché

NoNo

No

Yes

5. The bees were busy buzzing.

This is an example of a/an

5. The Bumblebees were busy buzzing.

This is an example of a/an

B. alliteration

This sentence is an example of alliteration because it has repeating sounds. Notice the repeating "B" and "Z" sounds.

D. hyperbole

A. simile

B. alliteration

C. pun

No

NoNo

Yes

6. The bees were busy buzzing.

"Buzzing" is an example of a/an

6. The Bumblebees were busy buzzing.

Buzzing is an example of a/an

B. onomatopoeia

Buzzing is an example of an onomatopoeia because it is the sound a bee makes.

D. idiom

A. hyperboleB. onomatopoeia

C. cliché

No

No

No

Yes

7. She jumped so high she could touch the moon!

7. She jumped so high she could touch the moon!

C. hyperbole

This sentence is an example of a hyperbole because it is an obvious exaggeration. Nobody can actually jump high enough to touch the moon. It is figurative language meaning she jumped very high.

D. simile

A. metaphor

B. pun

C. hyperbole

NoNo

No

Yes

8. My car died on the way to work.

"Car died" is an example of a/an

8. My car died on the way to work.

Car died is an example of a/an

D. personification

"Car died" is an example of personification. Cars cannot really die like people or animals do because they are not alive. It is figurative language meaning that the car stopped working.

D. personification

A. metaphor

B. hyperbole

C. onomatopoeia

No

No

No

Yes

9. The baby was a screaming alarm that woke the neighbors.

9. The baby was a screaming alarm that woke the neighbors.

C. metaphor

This is an example of a metaphor. It compares a crying baby to a loud alarm that wakes people up.

D. cliché

A. simile

B. personification

C. metaphor

NoNo

No

Yes

10. When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.

10. When a clock is hungry, it goes back four seconds.

A. pun

This is an example of a pun. It is a play on words.

D. alliteration

A. pun

B. simileC. onomatopoeia

goes back four seconds = loses time; four individual seconds (There are 60 seconds in a minute.)

goes back for seconds = returns for a second helping of food at meal time

NoNo

No

Yes

Material and Art by

Really Learn English.Ola Zur

PowerPoint Presentation byJoel Aldrich

[email protected]://amerenglis.tripod.com