Figurative vs Literal Language

Figurative language...

• Means exactly what it says

• Is a word or phrase that exaggerates writing

Answer explanation

Figurative language often compares things to each other and does not mean what it says.

We use figurative language...

• To solve math problems

• Because It engages our audience and makes writing more interesting

• To say exactly what we mean

He worked really hard for a long time.

• Figurative

• Literal

Draw the literal meaning:

She is as fast as a cheetah

Figurative language exaggerates our writing

• True

• False

Melissa is an extremely [brilliant] student.

• LITERAL LANGUAGE

• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Answer explanation

In the figurative sense, the adjective brilliant means "very intelligent or skilled, or outstanding." In the literal sense, the word brilliant means "which produces light, reflects light."

Patrick [devoured] his book in one day.

• LITERAL LANGUAGE

• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Answer explanation

The word devour usually means "to eat quickly and hungrily such that nothing is left." Obviously, Patrick didn't eat his book, but he enjoyed reading it so much that he couldn't put it down. Used figuratively, to devour a book means "to read it greedily and quickly."

This student is staring out the window. Their [head is in the clouds].

• LITERAL LANGUAGE

• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

Answer explanation

In the sentence above, the expression to have your head in the clouds means "to be daydreaming or to not be mentally present."

I ate so much, I felt like a stuffed turkey.

• LITERAL LANGUAGE

• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE

It took forever to get to the beach.

• LITERAL LANGUAGE

• FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE