Literal and Nonliteral Language

Front

What is literal language?

Back

Literal language means using words in their most basic sense, without any exaggeration or metaphor. For example, 'The cat is on the mat.'

Front

What is nonliteral language?

Back

Nonliteral language uses words in a way that is different from their usual meaning, often involving idioms or metaphors. For example, 'It's raining cats and dogs.'

Front

Give an example of a sentence using literal language.

Back

'The sun is shining.'

Front

Give an example of a sentence using nonliteral language.

Back

'He has a heart of stone.'

Front

What does the phrase 'in hot water' mean in nonliteral language?

Back

It means to be in trouble.

Front

What does the phrase 'keep an eye out' mean in nonliteral language?

Back

It means to watch carefully for something.

Front

How can you tell if a sentence is using literal language?

Back

If the words mean exactly what they say, it is literal language.

Front

How can you tell if a sentence is using nonliteral language?

Back

If the words have a different meaning or suggest something else, it is nonliteral language.

Front

What is an idiom?

Back

An idiom is a phrase or expression that has a figurative meaning different from its literal meaning.

Front

What does 'tongue tied' mean in nonliteral language?

Back

It means to be unable to speak clearly or to feel nervous when talking.