Literal vs. Nonliteral Language

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What is literal language?

Back

Literal language means using words exactly as they are meant. It describes things in a straightforward way without exaggeration or metaphor.

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What is nonliteral language?

Back

Nonliteral language uses words in a way that is different from their usual meaning. It often includes metaphors, similes, and idioms.

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Example of literal language: 'The cat is on the mat.' What does it mean?

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It means that the cat is actually sitting on the mat.

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Example of nonliteral language: 'It's raining cats and dogs.' What does it mean?

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It means that it is raining very heavily, not that animals are falling from the sky.

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When someone says, 'I’m so hungry I could eat a horse,' is this literal or nonliteral?

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Nonliteral. It exaggerates to express extreme hunger.

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What does it mean if someone says, 'He has a heart of stone'?

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It means he is very cold or unfeeling, not that his heart is literally made of stone.

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Identify if the following is literal or nonliteral: 'She is as busy as a bee.'

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Nonliteral. It compares her busyness to that of a bee.

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What does 'break a leg' mean in a nonliteral sense?

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It is a way to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance.

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Is the statement 'The sun smiled down on us' literal or nonliteral?

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Nonliteral. It personifies the sun, suggesting it is warm and pleasant.

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What does it mean if someone says, 'I’m on cloud nine'?

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It means they are very happy, not that they are literally on a cloud.