Classify figures of speech: review
Key Notes :
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
Alliteration is the repetition of sounds at the beginning of nearby words.
What a lucky little lady you are!
An allusion is a brief reference to something or someone well-known, often from history or literature.
“I’d better get home before I turn into a pumpkin!” Lila remarked.
An idiom is an expression that cannot be understood literally. Its meaning must be learned.
The assignment was a piece of cake.
A simile uses like or as to compare two things that are not actually alike.
The cat’s fur was as dark as the night.
A metaphor compares two things that are not actually alike without using like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town.
Onomatopoeia involves using a word that expresses a sound.
The scrambled eggs hit the floor with a splat.
Personification is giving human characteristics to nonhuman things.
The trees danced in the wind.
A pun involves using a word or phrase in a humorous way that suggests more than one meaning.
A great new broom is sweeping the nation.
Verbal irony involves saying one thing but implying something very different. People often use verbal irony when they are being sarcastic.
Olivia seems thrilled that her car keeps breaking down. Each breakdown is as enjoyable as a punch to the face.
Learn with an example
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
I got hit in the head by a can of lemonade. Luckily it was a soft drink.
- pun
- allusion
The text uses a pun, a word or phrase that humorously suggests more than one meaning.
Lemonade refers to a carbonated beverage such as lemonade. It also suggests that the can is soft and thus doesn’t cause too much pain.
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
‘There’s nothing I love more than skipping lunch,’ Mr Anderson told the flight attendant when he learned that no food would be available on his flight.
- allusion
- verbal irony
The text uses verbal irony, which involves saying one thing but implying something very different.
Nothing I Love More shows verbal irony because Mr Anderson is probably upset that there isn’t anything to eat.
🤜 Which figure of speech is used in this text?
He had hoped to find his missing watch, but he couldn’t find the time.
- pun
- onomatopoeia
The text uses a pun, a word or phrase that humorously suggests more than one meaning.
He couldn’t find the time meant he didn’t have enough time to go looking. It also suggests that he didn’t manage to find his watch.
let’s practice!
