forms of figure of speech
Figures of speech are an essential part of writing.
They get the message across and can be used to describe the impact of a situation.
A figure of speech is a change from the ordinary use of words to enhance their effectiveness. With the use of figure of speeh methods you can enrich your sentance and really get the impact of the message across to your audience. Figures of speech consist of four tropes. These tropes are: metaphors, simile, personification and hyperboles.
This page is intendend to be a useful tool to help aid students learn the diffirent forms of figures of speech.
After reading this page the student will be able to and have learnt:
-To answer questions about the characteristics of the four figures of speech
-Recognize the figures of speech in sentances
-Be able to complete a formative test about the figures of speech
A short video introduction of figures of speech
A short introduction to figures of speech
Metaphor
Examples of metaphors
The most used figure of speech trope is the metaphor. It is used almost daily due to it being the most simple trope.
metaphors are a type of figure of speech trope where we compare two different things by saying that one thing is another. It's like saying something is something else to help paint a clearer picture or evoke a particular feeling. For example, if I say "Her voice was music to my ears," I'm not saying her voice literally turned into music. Instead, I'm expressing how pleasant her voice sounded to me by comparing it to something beautiful like music.
Metaphors make language more colorful and interesting because they help us express ideas in a more imaginative way. They're commonly used in everyday conversations, stories, and poems. Even though they might seem tricky at first, understanding metaphors can make communication more engaging and expressive.
A few examples of metaphors:
- "He has a heart of gold". Used to describe someone who is kind by comparing their heart to something valuable and precious like gold.
-"He was a pig at dinner". Used to describe someone who has bad table manners by comparing them to a farm animal that is generally regarded as dirty.
Simile
The next trope of figures of speech are similes.
A simile is a figure of speech used to compare two different things by using the words "like" or "as." It's a tool that writers and speakers use to make descriptions more vivid, engaging, and relatable. For example, if someone says "She runs as fast as a cheetah," they are comparing the speed of her running to the incredible speed of a cheetah, known as the fastest land animal.
Similes are prevalent in everyday language, literature, and poetry. They help convey emotions, experiences, and characteristics by drawing parallels between familiar and unfamiliar elements. By likening one thing to another, similes allow speakers to create a mental image that helps the listener or reader better understand the intended message.
Examples of similes:
"He is as strong as an ox". His strenght is being compared to the power of an ox due to them being considered strong animals.
"His laugh is like a dying cat" His laugh sounds so terrible that its being compared to the screeching noise of a cat that is dying
Personification
Personification is a figure of speech trope where human characteristics are attributed to non-human entities. This means giving objects, animals, or abstract concepts human-like qualities. For example, saying "the sun smiled down on us" or "the wind whispered through the trees" are instances of personification. In these sentences, the sun and the wind are being described as if they have human emotions and actions. Personification helps create vivid imagery and can make descriptions more engaging and relatable. It allows writers to evoke emotions and convey ideas in a more creative and imaginative way.
Examples of personification:
"Time flew by without a care" - This suggests that time passed quickly and effortlessly, as if it were moving swiftly and without concern.
"The waves whispered secrets to the shore" - This implies that the sound of the waves crashing onto the shore resembled a whispering sound, as if they were conveying secrets or messages.
Hyperbole
Hyperbole is the last figure of speech trope. A hyperbole is when exaggeration is used for emphasis or effect. It involves making statements that are greatly exaggerated or overstated beyond what is true or reasonable. For instance, saying "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse" or "I've told you a million times" are examples of hyperbole. These statements are not meant to be taken literally but are used to emphasize the intensity of hunger or the frequency of repetition. Hyperbole is commonly used in everyday language, literature, and humor to add emphasis, create dramatic effect, or make a point more memorable.
Examples of hyperboles:
"She's as tall as a skyscraper." - This exaggerates the height of the person being described, suggesting that they are exceptionally tall, similar in height to a very tall building, like a skyscraper.
"I have a million things to do." - This hyperbolic statement implies that the speaker has an overwhelming number of tasks or responsibilities to attend to, emphasizing the sheer quantity of things on their agenda.
What figure of speech do you use the most
Now that you have learnt the multiple figures of speech, write down which one you use the most in your daily life.
You have most likely used some of these already in the past without knowing it.
Fill in the form and add your name on it.
Time to test your knowledge
Time to test how well you have taken in the previous info!
Here you can watch a video summary and an exercise to see how well you are doing so far.
Advanced skills
Now that you have passed the last exercises you can make a more difficult test. Together with the class you will take an interactive quiz to see how well you understand the subject.
Scan the QR code to join the quiz.
Final test
After having studied with this wikiwijs, you will now complete the final test.
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Evaluation
Please let me know your thoughts on this wikiwijs.
Bronnen
Metaphor, Simile, Personification, Hyperbole | Figurative Language Lesson. (n.d.). [Video]. Youtube. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NegoYIuXoEA
