Owl Moon Literal vs. Non-Literal Language

Front

What is literal language?

Back

Literal language means exactly what it says. It describes things in a straightforward way without exaggeration or metaphor.

Front

What is non-literal language?

Back

Non-literal language uses figures of speech, like similes and metaphors, to convey meanings that are different from the actual words.

Front

Example of literal language: 'I have a cat.' What does it mean?

Back

It means the person actually owns a cat.

Front

Example of non-literal language: 'The snow was whiter than the milk in a cereal bowl.' What does it mean?

Back

It means the snow was very white, using a comparison to milk.

Front

What does it mean when someone says, 'I never said a word'?

Back

It means the person did not speak at all.

Front

What does 'Pa almost smiled' suggest?

Back

It suggests that Pa was close to smiling, but did not fully smile.

Front

What does the phrase 'as quiet as a dream' mean?

Back

It means it was very quiet, using a simile to compare quietness to a dream.

Front

What does it mean to go into the woods?

Back

It means to enter a forested area.

Front

Why is 'the snow was whiter than the milk' considered non-literal?

Back

Because it uses a comparison to describe the snow's whiteness, not stating a fact.

Front

Can you give an example of a simile?

Back

Sure! 'She is as brave as a lion' is a simile comparing bravery to a lion.