Figures of

Speech

Figurative Language VS. Literal Language

Figurative Language

• He ran like the wind.

Literal Language

• He ran fast.

What is Figure of Speech?

Figure of Speech

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

For example:

• “I’d walk a thousand mile if I could just see you tonight.” –Miley Cyrus

• “I came in like a wrecking ball.”

–Miley Cyrus

Eight Figures of Speech

Commonly used Figures of Speech

1.Hyperbole

-Exaggerated or emphasized statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.

-Over-acting statements to express one’s feeling or emotion.

He is so hungry that he can eat a whole horse.

• I will die if she asks me to sing in front of everyone.

• He is as big as a grown elephant!

2.Personification

-giving non-living objects or abstract things with qualities, characters and abilities that are generally associated with humans.

The flowers are singing with the wind.

• Love wakes me up during my dreams because reality is better.

• My computer gives me the happiness I need.

3. Apostrophe

-address to the dead, to the absent, or to a personified object or idea.

-Giving idea regarding to a thing which is absent or not existing things.

Oh Ben! After your death everything seems to be

perfect!

• Death! Why are you hunting me?

• Francis Magalona, you are the king of Filipino rap music.

4. Simile-a comparison is made between two object of different kinds which have at least one point in common. -Also uses ‘as-as’ to introduce the comparison and ‘like’

Sleeping like a log.

• He is as quick as a rabbit.

 

• You are like a rose.

5. Metaphor - It is an implied Simile, wherein an idea is given to provide clarity by comparing or associating it to another totally different idea.

- Metaphor is also a Simile but without the use of ‘as-as’ and ‘like’ to introduce the comparison of two unlike objects. It is just the same with Simile.

He has a heart of gold.

• All the world’s a stage.

• Her home was a prison.

6. Metonymy

-When a person uses a certain word, which is closely related to what he/she is trying to imply.

-giving substitute to what the speaker is trying to say.

The pen is mightier than the sword.

The word is mightier than the force.

• Siri is addicted to the bottle.

Alcoholic drinks

• The Senator takes the floor for his speech.

7. Onomatopoeia

-this device brings out the flavor from words giving the situation a lively feel and these are sounds made by the action of the speaker or writer.

-words that are actually the sound of the action in a sentence to express the action.

Vroom! Batman rushes down to see Catwoman.

• The birds always tweet outside my window.

• Pop! Goes the weasel.

8. Oxymoron -Contradictory or inappropriate terms are either put together or appear side by side to make a unique statement or description.

-wherein two opposite terms or words are combined to create a contrasting idea.

The road sign says stop and keep moving.

• I find peace in war.

• The best cure for insomnia is to get a lot of sleep.

What is the purpose of Figure of Speech?