Figurative language refers to language that allows you to create mental images of whatever is being described. You cannot read figurative language literally. Instead, you must understand what idea or concept is being presented. Several types of figurative langage exist. Below are some common examples.

Read the examples, and then click the link to the quiz below labed Figurative Language Activity 1 to see how well you can interpret figurative language.

simile - comparison using "like" or "as"

--> My headache feels like a herd of stampeding elephants.

metaphor - comparison not using "like" or "as"

--> The stampeding herd of elephants in my head told me I was getting a cold.

personification - giving an animal or object human characteristics

--> When I turned the key, my car coughed and died.

onomatopoeia - a word that sounds like the sound it makes

--> The bees buzzed around my head.

adage - an old, wise saying containing universal truth (Many adages are also metaphors.)

--> Fools and their money are soon parted. [If you are foolish with your money, soon you will not have any.]

idiom - a saying that does not make literal, logical, or grammatical sense

--> I'm going to hit the hay. [You are not really going to hit the hay. You are just going to bed.]

cliche - a saying used so often that it is no longer interesting (Many cliches are also metaphors, similes, adages or idioms.

-->I was as quiet as a mouse when the teacher left the room.

allusion - a reference to something well known in literature, history, or entertainment such as a song or movie

-->If you don't behave, I will send my flying monkeys after you. [This is a reference to The Wizard of Oz.]