Classify figures of speech
Key notes:
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well known, often from history or literature.
“I’d better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!” Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat’s fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down.
Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
Learn with an example
🎯 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Erin Brockovich, a single mother with no legal training, helped win a daunting court battle against a Goliath energy company.
- alliteration
- allusion
- The text uses an allusion, a brief reference to someone or something well known.
- Goliath alludes to the giant warrior in the Bible who was defeated by a much smaller opponent, David.
🎯 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Millie’s phone slipped out of her pocket, landing in the toilet with a plop.
- onomatopoeia
- verbal irony
- The text uses onomatopoeia, a word that expresses a sound.
- Plop represents the sound of the phone landing in the toilet.
🎯 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
‘This mattress is as soft as concrete,’ Isaac complained as he tested the bed in his hotel room.
- personification
- verbal irony
- The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different.
- As soft as concrete shows verbal irony because concrete is not soft.”
Let’s practice!
