Hello, young writers! Today, we're going on an adventure with words! Sometimes, writers use words in super special ways to make their stories and poems more fun, exciting, or clear. These special ways are called 'Figures of Speech'.
Think of them like secret codes or magic tricks for words! They help us paint pictures in our minds and feel different emotions. Learning about them will make your own writing sparkle!
To use them, you just need to understand what each 'trick' does and then try it in your own sentences. Let's explore some of these word magic tricks together!
1. Personification – human quality
Examples
The Moon is laughing.
Personification: The Moon is given the human quality of Laughing.
The river is running.
Personification: The river is given the human quality of running.
The waves are dancing.
Personification: The waves are given human quality of dancing.
Wind made the trees to dance.
Personification: The trees are given the human quality of dancing.
The pine trees frowned at the sun.
Personification: The pine trees are given the human action of ‘frowning’.
The sky rejoices in the morning’s birth.
Dual Personification: Both the sky and the morning are given human abilities of ‘rejoicing’ and ‘being born’, respectively.
The forests are dying.
Personification: The forest is given the human ability of ‘dying’.
Wildlife is crying.
Personification: Wildlife is given the human quality of 'crying'.
Mother earth is sighing.
Personification: Mother Earth is given the human quality of 'sighing'.
And let us greet our Motherland and bow before her feet and say.
Personification: The Motherland is personified as having human attributes like 'feet' and being worthy of a 'bow'.
The sun smiled down on us.
Personification: The sun is given the human action of smiling.
The wind whispered secrets through the trees.
Personification: The wind is given the human action of whispering.
My computer is being stubborn today.
Personification: The computer is given the human trait of being stubborn.
The stars winked in the night sky.
Personification: The stars are given the human action of winking.
The old car coughed and sputtered before it started.
Personification: The car is given the human-like action of coughing.
The alarm clock yelled at me to wake up.
Personification: The alarm clock is given the human action of yelling.
2. Alliteration – repetition of same alphabet
Examples
It clogs and clutters up the mind.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘c’ is repeated for poetic effect.
Such wondrous fine fantastic tales.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘f’ is repeated for poetic effect.
And pirates wearing purple pants.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘p’ is repeated for poetic effect.
The rain came heavily and fell in floods.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘f’ in 'fell' and 'floods' is repeated for poetic effect.
The hare is running races in her mirth.
Alliteration: The letter ‘r’ is repeated for poetic effect.
It’s sharing sorrow and work and mirth.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘s’ in 'sharing' and 'sorrow' is repeated for poetic effect.
It’s struggling on with the will to win.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘w’ is repeated for poetic effect.
And greedy industries play their polluted pranks.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘p’ is repeated for poetic effect.
The soup’s too hot, the corn’s too cold.
Alliteration: The sounds of the letters ‘t’ (too, hot) and ‘c’ (corn, cold) are repeated for poetic effect.
I tiptoe softly to the door. I wish I’d stayed a minute more.
Alliteration: The sounds of the letters ‘t’ (tiptoe, to), ‘s’ (softly, stayed) and ‘m’ (minute, more) are repeated for poetic effect.
Mother! your millions meet and swear on this, our proud Republic Day.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘m’ in 'millions' and 'meet' is repeated for poetic effect.
The grinning mask of death and doom worn by cruel enemies of truth.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘d’ in 'death' and 'doom' is repeated for poetic effect.
Famine and drought and dread and doom.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘d’ in 'drought', 'dread', and 'doom' is repeated for poetic effect.
Let India’s millions chant in chorus.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter ‘c’ (k-sound) in 'chant' and 'chorus' is repeated for poetic effect.
Down with all ruthless tyranny, down with all exploitation which Renders the poor: the poorer - and renders the bloated rich, more rich!
Alliteration: The sounds of the letter ‘p’ and ‘r’ are repeated for poetic effect.
Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter 'p' is repeated for poetic effect.
Big blue butterflies flew by.
Alliteration: The sound of the letter 'b' is repeated for poetic effect.
3. Repetition – repetition of same word
Examples
They sit and stare and stare and sit.
Repetition: The words ‘sit’ and ‘stare’ are repeated pleasantly for poetic effect.
They ...used...to...read! They read and read, and read and read, and then proceed.
Repetition: The word ‘read’ is repeated multiple times for emphasis and poetic effect.
So, please, oh please, we beg, we pray.
Repetition: The word ‘please’ is repeated for emphasis and to convey a sense of pleading.
"No, no, no!" she cried.
Repetition: The word 'no' is repeated for emphasis.
The train went, "Chugga-chugga, chugga-chugga, choo-choo!"
Repetition: The sound word 'chugga' is repeated for effect, mimicking the train's sound.
"Work, work, work," said the busy bee.
Repetition: The word 'work' is repeated to show the bee's continuous activity.
He knocked and knocked, but no one answered.
Repetition: The word 'knocked' is repeated to show persistence.
"More, more, more!" shouted the crowd.
Repetition: The word 'more' is repeated to show strong desire.
"Run, Forest, run!"
Repetition: The word 'run' is repeated for urgency and encouragement.
We searched here, there, and everywhere; everywhere we looked, it was gone.
Repetition: The word 'everywhere' is repeated to emphasize the thoroughness of the search.
Rain, rain, go away, come again another day.
Repetition: The word 'rain' is repeated for a song-like effect in this common children's rhyme.
The only thing we have to fear is fear itself.
Repetition: The word 'fear' is repeated to emphasize the concept.
4. Tautology – same meaning
Examples
Pure unadulterated butter available here.
Tautology: The meaning of the word ‘unadulterated’ (which means pure) is already contained in the word ‘pure’.
It was an unexpected surprise.
Tautology: 'Surprise' already means something unexpected.
She gave a free gift to her friend.
Tautology: A 'gift' is typically free; 'free gift' is redundant.
The story was a true fact.
Tautology: A 'fact' is by definition true.
We need to find a new innovation.
Tautology: An 'innovation' is something new.
That is an added bonus.
Tautology: A 'bonus' is something added.
Let's meet at 10 a.m. in the morning.
Tautology: 'a.m.' already signifies 'in the morning'.
It’s a short summary of the book.
Tautology: A 'summary' is inherently short.
They made advance preparations.
Tautology: 'Preparations' are usually made in advance.
The two twins looked exactly alike.
Tautology: 'Twins' means two people; 'exactly alike' can be redundant if they are identical twins.
The water is wet.
Tautology: The quality of 'wet' is inherent in 'water'.
It is a necessary requirement.
Tautology: A 'requirement' is already something necessary.
5. Antithesis – opposite words or ideas
Examples
Speech is silvern, but silence is golden.
Antithesis: Two opposite ideas of speech (silvern) and silence (golden) are placed together, highlighting their contrasting values.
It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.
Antithesis: Opposite ideas 'best' and 'worst' times are contrasted.
Many are called, but few are chosen.
Antithesis: Opposite ideas 'many' and 'few', and 'called' and 'chosen' are contrasted.
To err is human; to forgive, divine.
Antithesis: Opposite ideas of 'human error' and 'divine forgiveness' are contrasted.
Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.
Antithesis: Opposite actions/qualities 'float' (gentle) and 'sting' (sharp) are contrasted.
We live in a world of light and darkness.
Antithesis: Opposite concepts 'light' and 'darkness' are contrasted.
Love is an ideal thing, marriage a real thing.
Antithesis: Opposite ideas 'ideal' and 'real' are contrasted in relation to love and marriage.
Some like it hot, some like it cold.
Antithesis: Opposite preferences 'hot' and 'cold' are contrasted.
The rich get richer, and the poor get poorer.
Antithesis: Opposite states 'rich' and 'poor' are shown with contrasting outcomes.
Man proposes, God disposes.
Antithesis: Opposite actions 'proposes' (plans) and 'disposes' (decides the outcome) are contrasted.
Keep your friends close; keep your enemies closer.
Antithesis: Opposite relationships 'friends' and 'enemies' are discussed with contrasting proximity advice.
United we stand, divided we fall.
Antithesis: Opposite states 'united' and 'divided' are contrasted with their outcomes 'stand' and 'fall'.
6. Hyperbole – overstatement
Examples
And stare until their eyes pop out.
Hyperbole: The idea expressed (eyes popping out) is highly exaggerated.
It makes a child so dull and blind.
Hyperbole: The idea expressed (becoming dull and blind from something) is highly exaggerated.
His powers of thinking rust and freeze.
Hyperbole: The idea expressed (thinking powers rusting and freezing) is highly exaggerated.
For buying hundreds of electronic gadgets.
Hyperbole: The idea expressed (buying hundreds) is likely an exaggeration to emphasize many.
Millions of fish are dying
Hyperbole: The idea expressed (millions) is likely an exaggeration to emphasize a very large number.
I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of how hungry the person is.
This bag weighs a ton!
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of the bag's weight.
I've told you a million times to clean your room.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of how many times something was said.
He runs faster than the wind.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of how fast he runs.
My dad will kill me if I'm late.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of the consequence of being late.
I walked a thousand miles to get here.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of the distance walked.
She cried a river of tears.
Hyperbole: An exaggeration of the amount of tears cried.
This is the worst day of my life!
Hyperbole: An exaggeration to express strong negative feeling about the day.
7. Interrogation (Rhetorical Question) – questions
Examples
How could anyone not know?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): The idea is expressed in the form of a question to emphasize that everyone should know.
Isn't this a lovely day?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Question asked to state that it is indeed a lovely day.
Who wouldn't want to be happy?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Implies that everyone wants to be happy.
Are you serious?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Often said to express disbelief, not to genuinely ask if someone is serious.
Why me?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Asked to express frustration, not expecting a specific answer.
Can't you do anything right?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Said to criticize or express frustration, not to genuinely question ability.
What's not to like?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Implies that something is very likable.
Is the Pope Catholic?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Used to mean something is obviously true.
Do you think I was born yesterday?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Implies the speaker is not naive or easily fooled.
Who cares?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Implies nobody cares or the speaker doesn't care.
Shall I compare thee to a summer’s day?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): A poetic question used to introduce a comparison, not expecting a direct answer.
What difference does it make?
Interrogation (Rhetorical Question): Implies that it makes no difference.
8. Exclamation – expression
Examples
Oh! How wonderful is the rain.
Exclamation: The idea of wonder is conveyed explicitly and with strong emotion.
Oh the value of the elderly!
Exclamation: The idea of the elderly's value is conveyed explicitly and with strong emphasis.
Wow! That's amazing!
Exclamation: Expresses surprise and admiration strongly.
Ouch! That hurt!
Exclamation: Expresses pain strongly.
Hooray! We won!
Exclamation: Expresses joy and celebration strongly.
Oh no! I forgot my keys!
Exclamation: Expresses dismay strongly.
What a beautiful sunset!
Exclamation: Expresses admiration strongly.
Help! I'm stuck!
Exclamation: Expresses a strong need for assistance.
Happy Birthday!
Exclamation: Expresses good wishes strongly.
Goodness gracious!
Exclamation: Expresses surprise or shock strongly.
Look out!
Exclamation: Expresses a strong warning.
Fantastic!
Exclamation: Expresses great approval or excitement strongly.
I can't believe it!
Exclamation: Expresses strong disbelief or surprise.
9. Onomatopoeia – sound
Examples
The clock is running tik - tik - tik.
Onomatopoeia: Sense of sound is conveyed through the word ‘tik - tik - tik’.
There was a roaring in the wind all night.
Onomatopoeia: Sense of sound is conveyed through the word ‘roaring’.
Jay makes an answer as the Magpie chatters.
Onomatopoeia: Sense of sound is conveyed through the word ‘chatters’.
For something in it crunches.
Onomatopoeia: Sense of sound is conveyed through the word ‘crunches’.
Echoing and re - echoing a new hope and a new desire.
Onomatopoeia: Sense of sound is conveyed through the words ‘echoing’ and ‘re-echoing’.
The bee went buzz around the flower.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'buzz' imitates the sound of a bee.
The snake made a hiss.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'hiss' imitates the sound of a snake.
The cow said moo.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'moo' imitates the sound of a cow.
The duck quacked loudly.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'quack' imitates the sound of a duck.
The stone made a splash in the water.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'splash' imitates the sound of something hitting water.
He heard a thump from upstairs.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'thump' imitates a dull, heavy sound.
The car went vroom down the street.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'vroom' imitates the sound of an engine.
The doorbell went ding-dong.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'ding-dong' imitates the sound of a doorbell.
The fire cackled in the fireplace.
Onomatopoeia: The word 'cackled' imitates the sharp, crackling sound of fire.
10. Climax - Ideas are arranged in the order of increasing importance.
Examples
The spectators smiled, giggled and finally burst into laughter.
Climax: Ideas (smile, giggle, burst into laughter) are arranged in the order of increasing importance/intensity.
They’ll loll and slop and lounge about And stare until their eyes pop out.
Climax: Ideas (loll, slop, lounge, stare until eyes pop out) are arranged in an order suggesting increasing laziness or intensity of staring.
That nauseating, foul, unclean, Repulsive television screen!
Climax: Adjectives (nauseating, foul, unclean, repulsive) are arranged in order of increasing negativity/intensity.
I’d tuck you in all safe at night. And hear your prayers, turn off the lights.
Climax: Actions (tuck in, hear prayers, turn off lights) are arranged in a natural, escalating order of nightly routine and care.
He lost his keys, his wallet, his car, and then his mind.
Climax: Ideas are arranged in increasing order of loss and seriousness.
First, she was sad, then upset, then furious.
Climax: Emotions are arranged in increasing order of intensity.
"Look! Up in the sky! It's a bird! It's a plane! It's Superman!"
Climax: Objects identified are arranged in increasing order of excitement and power.
We started with a walk, then a jog, and ended with a full sprint.
Climax: Activities are arranged in increasing order of intensity.
The little boy wanted a candy, then a toy, then the whole toy store.
Climax: Desires are arranged in increasing order of magnitude.
The speech was good, then great, then absolutely brilliant!
Climax: Qualities are arranged in increasing order of praise.
For want of a nail, the shoe was lost; for want of a shoe, the horse was lost; for want of a horse, the rider was lost.
Climax: Consequences are arranged in an escalating chain of severity.
He came, he saw, he conquered.
Climax: Actions are presented in a sequence of increasing significance and finality.
11. Metaphor - An implicit (indirect) comparison is made.
Examples
Before this monster was invented?
Metaphor: The television is indirectly compared to a monster (implying it's harmful or scary).
Our world is an institution.
Metaphor: The world is indirectly compared to an institution (implying it has rules, structure, etc.).
They hold so many keys.
Metaphor: The experience or wisdom of the elderly is indirectly compared to keys (implying they unlock understanding).
As a nation we are missing our greatest true resource.
Metaphor: The (implied) elderly or some valuable asset is indirectly compared to a resource.
He is a shining star in our class.
Metaphor: The boy is indirectly compared to a shining star, implying he is brilliant and stands out.
Her eyes were pools of deep blue.
Metaphor: Her eyes are indirectly compared to pools, implying their depth and blue color.
The classroom was a zoo before the teacher arrived.
Metaphor: The classroom is indirectly compared to a zoo, implying it was chaotic and noisy.
Life is a journey, not a destination.
Metaphor: Life is indirectly compared to a journey, implying it's a process of experiences.
His words were a warm blanket on a cold day.
Metaphor: His words are indirectly compared to a warm blanket, implying they provided comfort.
The internet is an information superhighway.
Metaphor: The internet is indirectly compared to a superhighway, implying speed and a vast amount of information.
She has a heart of gold.
Metaphor: Her heart (representing her kindness) is indirectly compared to gold, implying she is very kind and precious.
Time is money.
Metaphor: Time is indirectly compared to money, implying it is valuable and should not be wasted.
He was a lion in the fight.
Metaphor: He is indirectly compared to a lion, implying he was brave and fierce.
12. Simile - An explicit comparison is made.
Examples
I wandered lonely as a cloud.
Simile: The loneliness of the poet is directly compared to that of a cloud using the word ‘as’.
His brain becomes as soft as cheese.
Simile: The softness of the brain is directly compared to that of cheese using the word 'as'.
That attracts the industries to produce like maggots.
Simile: The way industries produce is directly compared to maggots using the word 'like'.
He is as busy as a bee.
Simile: His busyness is directly compared to a bee's using 'as'.
The water was as cold as ice.
Simile: The water's temperature is directly compared to ice using 'as'.
My brother eats like a pig.
Simile: His eating habits are directly compared to a pig's using 'like'.
After a long day, she slept like a log.
Simile: Her deep sleep is directly compared to a log's stillness using 'like'.
Her smile shines like a diamond.
Simile: Her smile's brightness is directly compared to a diamond's using 'like'.
The night was as dark as coal.
Simile: The darkness of the night is directly compared to coal using 'as'.
He ran as fast as the wind.
Simile: His speed is directly compared to the wind's using 'as'.
The little girl was as quiet as a mouse.
Simile: Her quietness is directly compared to a mouse's using 'as'.
His voice was like thunder.
Simile: The loudness of his voice is directly compared to thunder using 'like'.
The cake was as sweet as sugar.
Simile: The cake's taste is directly compared to sugar using 'as'.
She is as sly as a fox.
Simile: Her slyness is directly compared to a fox's using 'as'.
13. Apostrophe: Inanimate things are directly addressed.
Examples
O Mother! teach our hands to bear.
Apostrophe: The earth (or a mother figure) is directly addressed as if it were a living being capable of teaching.
Republic Day of India! Your dawning shall begin to work.
Apostrophe: Republic Day (an event/concept) is directly addressed as if it were a living being.
"Oh, bed, how I love your comfort after a long day!"
Apostrophe: Bed, an inanimate object, is addressed directly as if it could understand.
"Rain, rain, go away, come again another day."
Apostrophe: Rain, a natural phenomenon, is addressed directly.
"Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are."
Apostrophe: A star, an inanimate object, is addressed directly in this song lyric.
"Oh, homework, why must you be so challenging?"
Apostrophe: Homework, an abstract concept, is addressed directly as if it could respond.
"Hello darkness, my old friend, I've come to talk with you again."
Apostrophe: Darkness, an abstract concept, is addressed as if it were a person.
"O, Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?"
Apostrophe: Romeo, an absent person (to Juliet on the balcony), is addressed directly.
"Roll on, thou deep and dark blue Ocean – roll!"
Apostrophe: The Ocean, an inanimate thing, is directly commanded.
"Welcome, O Life! I go to encounter for the millionth time the reality of experience."
Apostrophe: Life, an abstract concept, is addressed directly.
"Oh, happy dagger! This is thy sheath."
Apostrophe: A dagger, an inanimate object, is addressed directly.
"Bright star, would I were stedfast as thou art."
Apostrophe: A star, an inanimate object, is directly addressed and wished upon.
14. Synecdoche - Here one idea is understood by means of another.
Examples
My hands were busy through the day.
Synecdoche: Part (hands) is used to represent the whole (the person was busy).
My hands once busy now are still.
Synecdoche: Part (hands) is used to represent the whole (the person is still or no longer working).
"Nice wheels!"
Synecdoche: Part ('wheels') is used to represent the whole car.
"All hands on deck!"
Synecdoche: Part ('hands') is used to represent the whole sailors or crew.
"Lend me your ears."
Synecdoche: Part ('ears') is used to represent the whole act of listening or giving attention.
"The suits on Wall Street are worried."
Synecdoche: A characteristic item ('suits') is used to represent the whole group of business people.
We need to hire some more hired hands for the farm.
Synecdoche: Part ('hands') is used to represent the whole workers.
The strings section of the orchestra played beautifully.
Synecdoche: Part ('strings') is referring to the group of stringed instruments or the players of those instruments.
He asked for her hand in marriage.
Synecdoche: Part ('hand') is used to represent the whole person for the purpose of marriage.
The White House issued a statement.
Synecdoche: The whole place ('White House') is used to represent the people working there, like the President or his administration.
Fifty sails set out from the harbor.
Synecdoche: Part ('sails') is used to represent whole ships.
The town has 500 souls.
Synecdoche: Part ('souls') is used to represent whole people.
He's a good head for business.
Synecdoche: Part ('head,' representing intellect) is used for the whole person's capability.
Difficult Words & Meanings
- Figure of Speech: Special ways of using words to make writing more interesting or impactful, not meant to be taken literally.
- Personification: Giving human qualities (like feelings or actions) to animals, objects, or ideas.
- Alliteration: Repeating the same starting sound in words that are close together (e.g., "slippery snake").
- Repetition: Using the same word or phrase multiple times for emphasis or rhythm.
- Tautology: Saying the same thing twice using different words with similar meanings (e.g., "a free gift").
- Antithesis: Putting two opposite ideas or words together in a sentence to show contrast.
- Hyperbole: A big exaggeration used for emphasis or humor, not meant literally (e.g., "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse!").
- Rhetorical Question (Interrogation): Asking a question for effect or to make a point, not to get an answer.
- Exclamation: A strong expression of emotion (like surprise or joy), often ending with "!".
- Onomatopoeia: A word that sounds like the noise it describes (e.g., "buzz", "hiss", "woof").
- Climax: Arranging words or ideas in order of increasing importance or excitement.
- Metaphor: A direct comparison saying one thing *is* another, without using "like" or "as" (e.g., "The world is a stage.").
- Simile: Comparing two different things using "like" or "as" (e.g., "He runs like the wind.").
- Apostrophe (figure of speech): Directly addressing an absent person, an inanimate object, or an idea as if it were present and could understand.
- Synecdoche: Using a part to represent a whole (e.g., "wheels" for a car) or a whole for a part.
- Poetic effect: The special impact or feeling created by how language is used in poetry or literature.
- Implicit: Suggested or hinted at, but not directly stated.
- Explicit: Stated clearly and in detail, leaving no room for doubt.
- Exaggerated: Made to seem larger, better, or worse than it really is.
- Inanimate: Not alive; without human or animal life (like a stone or a chair).
- Conveyed: Made known; communicated (an idea or feeling).
- Contrast: A clear difference between two things.
- Wondrous: Inspiring a feeling of wonder or delight; marvelous.
- Mirth: Amusement or happiness, especially shown by laughter.
- Tyranny: Cruel and oppressive government or rule.