ENGLISH GRAMMAR - FIGURES OF SPEECH

 

FIGURES OF SPEECH

 

We use figures of speech in "figurative language" to add color and interest, and to awaken the imagination.

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that possesses a separate meaning from its literal definition. It can be a metaphor or simile, designed to make a comparison. It can be the repetition of alliteration or the exaggeration of hyperbole to provide a dramatic effect. 

 

The purpose of learning Figures of Speech is to make you aware, as writers, of the power and degrees of choice you have when using it in English.

 SIMILE

A Simile shows a likeness or comparison between two objects or events. A simile is usually introduced with the words- like, as, as……..so. A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as”. Similes and metaphors are often confused with one another. The main difference between a simile and metaphor is that a simile uses the words "like" or "as" to draw a comparison and a metaphor simply states the comparison without using "like" or "as". 

 

Examples:

He is as sober as a judge.

As slippery as an eel. 

Like peas in a pod. 

As blind as a bat.

Eats like a pig. 

As wise as an owl. 

You were as brave as a lion. 

They fought like cats and dogs. 

He is as funny as a barrel of monkeys. 

This house is as clean as a whistle. 

He is as strong as an ox. 

Your explanation is as clear as mud. 

Watching the show was like watching grass grow. 

That is as easy as shooting fish in a barrel. 

This contract is as solid as the ground we stand on. 

She is as pretty as a picture.

The story was as dull as ditch water.

 

METAPHOR

A Metaphor is like a simile. Two objects are compared, without the words ‘as or like’. It is an implied simile. A metaphor makes a comparison between two unlike things or ideas. 

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.  A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make a comparison between two things that aren't alike but do have something in common. Unlike a simile, where two things are compared directly using like or as, a metaphor's comparison is more indirect, usually made by stating something is something else. 

 

Examples:

She was a tower of strength in their trouble.

Heart of stone. 

Time is money. 

The world is a stage. 

She's a night owl. 

He's a giant.

She was fishing for compliments. 

His classroom was a zoo. 

The alligator's teeth are white daggers. 

She is a peacock. 

My teacher is a dragon. 

Mary's eyes were fireflies. 

The computers at school are old dinosaurs. 

He is a night owl. 

Maria is a chicken. 

The wind was a howling wolf. 

The ballerina was a swan, gliding across the stage. 

He was a lion in the battlefield.

PERSONIFICATION

Personification gives human qualities to non-living things or ideas. Personification is a type of metaphor and a common literary tool. It is when you assign the qualities of a person to something that isn’t human or that isn't even alive, such as nature or household items. 

In Personification non-living objects, abstract ideas or qualities are spoken of as persons or human-beings.

Examples

1. The stars danced playfully in the moonlit sky. 

2. The run-down house appeared depressed. 

3. The first rays of morning tiptoed through the meadow. 

4. She did not realize that opportunity was knocking at her door. 

5. He did not realize that his last chance was walking out the door. 

6. The bees played hide and seek with the flowers as they buzzed from one to another.

7. The wind howled its mighty objection. 

8. The snow swaddled the earth like a mother would her infant child. 

9. The river swallowed the earth as the water continued to rise higher and higher. 10. Time flew and before we knew it, it was time for me to go home. 

11. Necessity knows no law.

12. Hope springs eternal

13. Let the floods clap their hands.

 14. I kissed the hand of death.

 

APOSTROPHE
An Apostrophe is a development of personification in which the writer addresses absent or inanimate objects, concept or ideas as if they were alive and could reply. In literature, apostrophe is a figure of speech sometimes represented by an exclamation, such as “Oh.”  A writer or speaker, using apostrophe, speaks directly to someone who is not present or is dead, or speaks to an inanimate object. 

 

Apostrophe - when a character in a literary work speaks to an object, an idea, or someone who doesn't exist as if it is a living person. This is done to produce dramatic effect and to show the importance of the object or idea. 

 

Examples of Apostrophe: 

1. Fair daffodils, we weep to see you haste away so soon”.

2. Oh, rose, how sweet you smell and how bright you look! 

3. Car, please get me to work today. 

4. Oh, trees, how majestic you are as you throw down your golden leaves. 

5. Dear love, please don't shoot me with your Cupid's bow.

6. Feet, don't fail me now. 

7. Is this a dagger which I see before me, the handle toward my hand? Come, let me clutch thee! I have thee not, yet I see thee still! Macbeth 

8. Out, out, damned spot. Macbeth 

9. Oh, Christmas tree, oh, Christmas tree, how lovely are your branches. 

10. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are. 

11. Then come sweet death, and rid me of this grief. Edward II, Marlowe 

12. O wind, where have you been?

13. Lead, Kindly light, amid the encircling gloom.

 

OXYMORON

An oxymoron is two contradictory terms used together. 

An oxymoron is a figure of speech containing words that seem to contradict each other. It's often referred to as an opposition in terms. As with other rhetorical devices, oxymorons are used for a variety of purposes. Sometimes they're used to create a little bit of drama for the reader; sometimes they're used to make a person stop and think, whether that's to laugh or to wonder. 

 

An Oxymoron is when two terms or words are used together in a sentence but they seem to contradict each-other. Oxymoron is a statement which, on the surface, seems to contradict itself - a kind of crisp contradiction. An oxymoron is a figure of speech that deliberately uses two differing ideas. This contradiction creates a paradoxical image in the reader or listener's mind that generates a new concept or meaning for the whole.

 

A common oxymoron is the phrase "the same difference." This phrase qualifies as an oxymoron because the words "same" and "difference" have opposite meanings. Bringing them together into one phrase produces a verbally puzzling, yet engaging, effect. 

Examples

Life is bitter sweet.

Act naturally 

Alone together 

Amazingly awful 

Bittersweet 

Clearly confused 

Dark light 

Deafening silence 

Definitely maybe 

Farewell reception 

"I like a smuggler. He is the only honest thief." - Charles Lamb 

"I can believe anything, provided that it is quite incredible." - Oscar Wilde 

"And faith unfaithful kept him falsely true." - Alfred Tennyson 

"Modern dancing is so old fashioned." - Samuel Goldwyn 

"A business that makes nothing but money is a poor business." - Henry Ford 

"I am a deeply superficial person." - Andy Warhol 

"We're busy doing nothing." - Bing Crosby 

He is the wisest fool of them all.

He was condemned to a living death.

 

ANTITHESIS

In Antithesis, one word or idea is set in direct contrast against another, for emphasis. It is a combination of two words, phrases, clauses, or sentences contrasted in meaning to offer a highlight to contrasting ideas. Antithesis occurs when you place two different or opposite ideas near each other.

 

Examples

United we stand, divided we fall.

To err is human, to forgive is divine.

We look for light, but all is darkness.

 

PUN

A pun is a joke that makes a play on words. A pun makes use of words that have more than one meaning, or words that sound similar but have different meanings, to humorous effect. The rhetorical term for punning is paronomasia, which literally means "to call a different name”.

 

Pun is a word or phrase used in two different senses. It is usually used in plays where one word has two different meanings and is used to create humor. Pun is a play of words – either their different meanings or upon two different words sounding the same. Humorous use of a word to suggest different meanings or of words of the same sound and different meanings create humor and interest while reading also.

 

Puns rely on several types of words to work words that are similar in spelling, sound or meaning, such as homophones, homonyms, and homographs. The examples of puns below will help you get an idea of how puns work and maybe inspire you to make your own puns. 

 

Examples

She had a photographic memory but never developed it. 

The grammarian was very logical. He had a lot of comma sense. 

A chicken farmer's favorite car is a coupe. 

I've been to the dentist many times so I know the drill. 

What did one plant say to another? What's stomata? 

A chicken crossing the road is truly poultry in motion. 

The politician is not one for Indian food. But he's good at currying favors. 

How do construction workers party? They raise the roof. 

A boiled egg every morning is hard to beat.

A bicycle can't stand on its own because it is too tired.

A boy swallowed some coins and was taken to a hospital. His grandmother phoned to ask how he was, a nurse said, 'No change yet.'

Truly, Sir, all that I live by is with the awl; I meddle with no tradesman's matters, nor women's matters, but with awl.           

Is life worth living? That depends on the liver

 

IRONY

Irony is when one thing is said which means the exact opposite. With irony the words used suggest the OPPOSITE of their literal meaning. The effect of irony, however, can depend upon the tone of voice and the context. It is humorous or lightly sarcastic mode of speech. Words are used here to convey a meaning contrary to their literal meaning.  An ironic remark implies a double / dual view of things (a literal meaning, and a different intention) Irony can be used to create amusement - unlike Sarcasm. When used to taunt or ridicule, Irony is called Sarcasm.

 

Examples

Here under leave of Brutus and the rest, for Brutus is an honorable man, so are they all, all honorable men.

The fire station burned down last night.

As soft as concrete

As clear as mud

He was suspended for his little mishap.

The homeless survived in their cardboard palaces.

 

CLIMAX

Climax is a figure of speech which rises in steps like a ladder from simple to more important.

Examples

He came, he saw, he conquered.

He ran fast; He came first in the race; He was awarded a prize.

Lost, broken, wrecked and dead within an hour.

 

ANTICLIMAX

It is an arrangement of words in order of decreasing importance. Often, it is used to ridicule.

Examples

The soldier fights for glory, and a shilling a day.

She lost her husband, her children and her purse.

He is a great philosopher, a member of parliament and plays golf well.

 

HYPERBOLE

Hyperbole uses exaggeration for emphasis or effect.  Hyperbole, from a Greek word meaning "excess," is a figure of speech that uses extreme exaggeration to make a point or show emphasis. It is the opposite of understatement. 

 

Hyperbole is an exaggeration and things are made to appear greater or lesser than they usually are. Hyperbole is a literary device often used in poetry, and is frequently encountered in casual speech. Occasionally, newspapers and other media use hyperbole when speaking of an accident, to increase the impact of the story. You can find examples of hyperbole in literature and everyday speech. You wouldn't want to use it in nonfiction works, like reports or research papers, but it's perfect for creative writing and communication, especially when you want to add color to a character or humor to a story. 

 

Examples

The burglar ran as fast as lightning.

I am so hungry I could eat a horse. 

I have a million things to do today. 

When I was young, I had to walk 15 miles to school, uphill, in the snow. 

I had a ton of homework. 

If I can't buy that perfect prom dress, I'll die! 

He's as skinny as a toothpick. 

The car went faster than the speed of light. 

His new car cost a bazillion dollar. 

We're so poor we don't have two cents to rub together. 

That joke is so old, the last time I heard it I was riding a dinosaur. 

They ran like greased lightning. 

He's got tons of money.

You could have knocked me over with a feather. 

Her brain is the size of a pea. 

My geography teacher is older than the hills. 

The professor's ideas are as old as the hills.

The troops were swifter than eagles and stronger than lions.

Her brain is the size of a pea.

I have told you a million times not to lie!

ALLITERATION

Alliteration is the repetition of the beginning sounds of neighboring words.  Alliteration is a series of words that begin with the same letter. Alliteration consists of the repetition of a sound or of a letter at the beginning of two or more words.

 

Examples

Dirty dogs dig in the dirt.

She sells seashells. 

Walter wondered where Winnie was. 

Blue baby bonnets bobbed through the bayou. 

Nick needed new notebooks. 

Fred fried frogs' legs on Friday. 

Becky's beagle barked and bayed, becoming bothersome for Billy. 

Can you keep the cat from clawing the couch? It's creating chaos. 

Dan's dog dove deep in the dam, drinking dirty water as he dove. 

Fred's friends fried Fritos for Friday's food. 

Cute cats cooking carrots.

Some slimy snakes were slowly slithering.

Purple pandas painted pictures

White whales waiting in the water.

 

ONOMATOPOEIA

Onomatopoeia is the term for a word that sounds like what it is describing. 

The word onomatopoeia comes from the combination of two Greek words, onoma meaning "name"  and poiein meaning "to make," so onomatopoeia literally means "to make a name (or sound)." That is to say that the word means nothing more than the sound it makes. The word booing, for example, is simply a sound effect, but one that is very useful in making writing or storytelling more expressive and vivid.

 

Examples

Water sounds - Words related to water or other liquids often begin with sp- or dr-. Words that indicate a small amount of liquid often end in –le (sprinkle/drizzle). 

Bloop 

Splash 

Spray 

Sprinkle 

Squirt 

 

Vocal sounds - Sounds that come from the back of the throat tend to start with a gr- sound, whereas sounds that come out of the mouth, through the lips, tongue and teeth, often begin with mu-. 

Giggle 

Growl 

Grunt 

Gurgle 

Mumble 

Murmur 

 

Zip goes the jacket
" Zip" is an onomatopoeia word because it sounds like a jacket is zipping up.

"Zip" is an example of onomatopoeia because it sounds like what it is. When you zip up a zipper the sound the zipper makes sounds like a zipper. Here are other onomatopoeia words:

Boom, bang, slash, slurp,
gurgle, meow, and woof

 

ASSONANCE

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds (not just letters) in words that are close together. The sounds don't have to be at the beginning of the word.  Many examples of assonance can be found in prose and poetry. Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. It is used to reinforce the meanings of words or to set the mood. 

 

Examples

A - For the rare and radiant maiden whom the angels named Lenore.  

E - Therefore, all seasons shall be sweet to thee.  

I - From what I've tasted of desire, I hold with those who favor fire.  

O - Oh hear old Triton blow his wreathed horn. (Wordsworth) 

U - Uncertain rustling of each purple curtain (Poe) 

"Hear the mellow wedding bells" by Edgar Allen Poe 

"Try to light the fire" 

"I lie down by the side of my bride"/"Fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese"/"Hear the lark and harkens to  the barking of the dark fox gone to ground" by Pink Floyd 

"It's hot and it's monotonous." by Sondheim 

"The crumbling thunder of seas" by Robert Louis Stevenson 

 

SYNECDOCHE

Synecdoche occurs when a part is represented by the whole or, conversely, the whole is represented by the part. A synecdoche (pronounced si-nek-duh-kee) is a member of the figurative language family. It's an odd word for what is simply using part of a whole to represent the whole. If you said "check out my new wheels," "wheels" is an example of synecdoche, used to refer to a "car." A part of a car, in this example, represents the whole of the car. 

 

A synecdoche may use part of something to represent the whole. It's actually very common in the English language for part of something reference the whole. 

 

Examples:

The word "sails" is often used to refer to a whole ship. 

The phrase "hired hands" can be used to refer to workers. 

The word "head" can refer to counting cattle or people. 

The word "bread" can be used to represent food in general or money  

The word "wheels" refers to a vehicle. 

The word "boots" refers to soldiers. 

The word "bubbly" refers to champagne.

The word "glasses" refer to eyewear.