Literal & Nonliteral Language Worksheet

What does 'Literal' mean?

• The words mean what they say.

• The words mean something other than what they say.

• The words have no meaning.

• The words are confusing.

What does 'Non-Literal' mean?

• The words mean what they say.

• The words mean something other than what they say.

• The words have no meaning.

• The words are confusing.

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'beat around the bush' Literal:

• not saying the main point

• told a secret

• can't make a choice

• feeling under the weather

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'don't cry over spilled milk' Literal:

• don't get upset over something in the past

• take on more than you can handle

• can't make a choice

• told a secret

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'bite off more than you can chew' Literal:

• A) take on more than you can handle

• B) not saying the main point

• C) can't make a choice

• D) feeling under the weather

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'on the fence' Literal:

• A) can't make a choice

• B) feeling under the weather

• C) told a secret

• D) not saying the main point

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'feeling under the weather' Literal:

• feeling sick

• can't make a choice

• told a secret

• not saying the main point

Match the nonliteral phrase to its literal meaning: Nonliteral: 'hit the nail on the head' Literal:

• said exactly the right thing

• can't make a choice

• told a secret

• not saying the main point

Is the following sentence Literal or Non-Literal? "Treat others the way you want to be treated."

• Literal

• Non-Literal

Is the following sentence Literal or Non-Literal? "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

• Literal

• Non-Literal