Literal vs. Nonliteral

Make sure you don't let the cat out of the bag about the surprise party.

• Literal

• Non-literal

As she spoke to the crowd, she was so nervous she got a little tongue tied.

• Literal

• Non-literal

As the plane flew through the air, she thought "Wow, my head is actually in the clouds."

• Literal

• Non-literal

The crying baby was driving his mom up the wall.

• Literal

• Non-literal

• Literal

• Non-Literal

What is non-literal language?

• Words and phrases that mean their exact definitions.

• A device used to confuse the reader.

• Words and phrases that do not mean their exact definitions.

• A group of words that begin with the same sound.

Mrs. Messina always tells me, "You're a nut!"

• Literal

• Nonliteral

Sarah told her friend and secret and then her friend told the whole class. That left a bad taste in Sarah's mouth.

• Literal

• Nonliteral

My friend leaned over to me before we went on stage and said, "I have butterflies in my tummy!"

• Literal

• Nonliteral

There was a little bird sitting outside my window chirping and whistling all day long. It drove me up the wall!

• Literal

• Nonliteral