Figurative Language

the repetition of initial consonant sounds in neighboring words

• irony

• alliteration

• hyperbole

The use of clues or hints to suggest events that will occur later in the plot.

• foreshadowing

• aftershadowing

• simile

The use of a word or phrase to mean the exact opposite of its literal or usual meaning; a contrast (difference) between expectation and reality.

• irony

• metaphor

• personification

The comparison of two unlike things in which "like" or "as" are NOT used and one thing is said to be another. (ex. The sky is a neighborhood.)

• metaphor

• simile

• onomatopoeia

A figure of speech in which an object or animal is spoken of as if it had human feelings, thoughts, or other qualities. (ex. The sun smiled as we hiked yesterday morning.)

• paradox

• personification

• alliteration

The use of words whose sounds imitate or suggest their meaning (ex. buzz, rustle, boom, tweet, bark, muttered, zap, etc...)

• noise words

• onomatopoeia

• simile

A statement that seems contradictory or absurd but is actually valid or true. (ex. "It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.")

• metaphor

• paradox

• idiom

A comparison of two or more things using the words "like" or "as." (ex. She ran through the crowd like a tornado.)

• hyperbole

• personification

• simile

extreme exaggeration (ex. I have a million things to do today!)

• alliteration

• irony

• hyperbole

A common, often used expression that doesn't make sense if you take it literally (ex. We'll cross that bridge when we come to it).

• irony

• onomatopoeia

• idiom