What is Figurative Language Figurative language is language

What is Figurative Language? Figurative language is language that uses words or expressions that are different than the literal meanings. Figurative language helps the reader get a clearer picture of what is happening in the story. Figurative language can be used to simply entertain the reader. Figurative language “spices up” your reading and writing!

Let’s “spice up” some sentences by using figurative language! John is really tall! John is as tall as a giraffe!

Is John really as tall as a giraffe (literally)? No, but figurative language helps us to understand that John is very tall. We get a clearer picture of John.

Let’s “spice up” another sentence by using figurative language! My sister has been talking on the phone for a long time! My sister has been talking on the phone for a year!

Has the sister really been talking on the phone for a year (literally)? No, but figurative language helps us to understand that she has been talking on the phone for a loooong time! It gives us a clearer picture.

There are different types of figurative language. hyperboles metaphors idioms personification alliteration onomatopoeia similes

simile A simile compares two things using the words “like” or “as”. The clouds floated through the sky like puffy marshmallows. metaphor A metaphor compares two things without using the words “like” or “as. ” The clouds are puffy marshmallows. idiom An idiom is a saying that has a different meaning from its literal meaning. litera lly Who let the cat out of the bag? meaning of the idiom: Who told the secret?

personification Personification is when an idea, animal, or object is given human characteristics. The gentle breeze kissed the children’s cheeks. alliteration Alliteration places two or more words together that begin with the same sound. The alligator ate an apple! hyperbole A hyperbole uses an exaggeration to get a point across. My brother has a million toys! Not really, but he does have A LOT of toys!

onomatopoeia Onomatopoeia is when a word imitates the sound that it represents.

Now, let’s look at some comics that relate to figurative language!

Sample Discussion Questions: This comic has an example of figurative language in it. What is it, and what point is the comic’s author trying to get across? What type of figurative language is used in this comic? What is the literal meaning of, “It’s raining cats and dogs!”?

Frame 1 Frame 2 Sample Discussion Questions: The mother is using two examples of idioms in this comic. What are they? The kids do not understand figurative language, so they take the mom’s comments literally. What point is the mom trying to get across to the kids in frame 1? Frame 2?

Sample Discussion Questions: What attributes identify this figurative language as a simile? What two items are being compared using the word “as? ” How do you know that this pizza is not “fresh out of the oven? ”

ky o Po Sample Discussion Questions: Garfield states that he used alliteration. What is the example of alliteration that he is referring to? Can you use another example of alliteration that would make sense in this comic?

Sample Discussion Questions: This comic shows an example of figurative language comparing two things. The dad is comparing the _____ to a ____. The dad is using the word, “like, ” to compare two items. What type of figurative language is this an example of? “The engine is purring like a kitten. ” What does this tell you about the engine?

Sample Discussion Questions: “Stop bugging me!” What does this mean?

Sample Discussion Questions: What is the key word that makes this an example of personification? Why? What word do you see hidden in “personification? ”

Sample Discussion Questions: A hyperbole uses exaggeration to get a point across. What is the exaggeration in this sentence? Describe the backpack based on the use of figurative language. What would be another example of a hyperbole that could be used to describe something really heavy?

Sample Discussion Questions: “The trees are sneezing. ” What type of figurative language is this comic demonstrating? Fill in the blanks with words that demonstrate personification: danced The leaves __________ in the wind. whispered The wind ________ in my ear. whistled The wind ________ through the window crack.

Sample Discussion Questions: Note: “Play through” in golf means that you let someone pass you on the golf course. What does the man actually mean by, “Time to pick it up, guys. ”? “Pick it up” can also be used in another context. If your mom tells you to “Pick up your room, ” what does she mean (literally)?

There is a common statement that utilizes a hyperbole: “I am so hungry, I could eat a horse!” What does this mean? Now, explain the comic and its humor.

T he En d !