English Figures of Speech: Definition, Types, Examples, Practice Questions with Answers

A Figure of Speech is an English language tool used to enhance the beauty or expression of the language. Using Figures of Speech helps eliminate the monotony of a sentence. To help readers understand, we are present here a regular sentence, and another with a Figure of Speech.

Regular sentence: I have not met Rosy since long as she is very busy these days.

Sentence with Figure of Speech: I have not met Rosy since long as she is a busy bee!

Also Read:

What is Paraphrasing

What is Conjunction

What are Synonyms

Oxford Dictionary defines Figures of Speech as, “a word or phrase used in a different way from its usual meaning in order to create a particular mental picture or effect

• When we talk about ‘selfish’ genes it is just a figure of speech.
• When we say we're ‘dead tired’, it's just a figure of speech.”

As per the Collins Dictionary, the definition of Figures of Speech is, “A figure of speech is an expression or word that is used with a metaphorical rather than a literal meaning.

Of course I'm not. It was just a figure of speech.”

 Also Read:

Definition of Tenses and Types of Tenses 

Definition of English Parts of Speech

Definition of Subject Verb Agreement

The Figures of Speech can be divided into approximately 20 types. Let us take a look at each type along with examples.

Simile

A Simile is a Figure of Speech used to compare two subjects or objects. A Simile can be identified with the usage of the word ‘like’ or 'as' in the sentence. In general, Simile Figure of Speech is used to compare a living being or human with a non-living being, or inanimate object, or a natural phenomenon. Even two types of living beings, human or animal, or human and flowers/plants, or animal to animal comparisons, are common.

Example:

• She entered the room silently like a cat.
• Elsa looked like a white lily in her wedding gown.
• Ritu's hands were cold as ice.

Metaphor

A Metaphor directly compares two similar or dissimilar objects to strike a contrast or create an imagery. Metaphor describes an object or action by comparing it with another object or action of similar characteristics. The difference between Simile and Metaphor is that, while the words 'as' and 'like' are used to compare in the former, it is not used in the latter. 

Example:

• My nephew Rohan is the apple of my eye.
• The world is a stage.
• My life is an open book.

Hyperbole 

A Hyperbole is used as an exaggeration to emphasise a situation or scenario, or to explain the sense of extremity. As the name of the Figure of Speech suggests, there is a sense of hyper or hyperactivity reflected through it. At times, Hyperbole is used to express a sense of over-excitement or to warn against an impending serious situation, even if it is a trivial one, to avoid any possible disaster. 

Example:

• PT Usha runs so fast that she can easily defeat a cheetah.
• Rita went shopping and bought the entire market.
• I have to complete a million tasks today.

Personification

The speciality of Personification is that it gives human attributes to objects or nonhuman beings. Personification is generally used in literature to give the non-living or inanimate objects a touch of life and bring character to them. The usage of Personification brings an imagery and invokes the imagination and engagement among the readers. 

Example:

• The walls of the old palace have witnessed various historical events.
• The wind whispered to my ears.
• The sunflower looked at the sun.

Alliteration

In Alliteration, each word of a sentence starts with the same letter or alphabet. The word 'alliteration' has been derived from the Latin word 'littera', which means 'letter'. In Alliteration, a consonant sound is repeated for each word of a sentence. Usage of Alliteration creates a rhythm and engages the readers, and makes them look for more. Alliterations are mostly common in poems and tongue twisters. 

Example:

• Betty Botter Bought Some Butter.
• Sally Sells Sea Shells on the Sea Shore.
• Silly snakes slither silently.

Oxymoron

An Oxymoron refers to the usage of contrasting words in a single sentence. The purpose of using an Oxymoron is to create a striking balance or a paradoxical effect. Oxymoron is similar to two other Figures of Speech, Paradox and Irony, but each has its differences as well. Oxymoron uses opposite words contradicting each other, but through this, it conveys a deeper meaning. 

Example:

• Raj felt lonely in the crowd.
• The deafening silence haunted him.
• Upon seeing a tiger, Rita let out a silent scream. 

Irony

An Irony is defined by a situation where the opposite of the expectation takes place, causing a stark contrast with the ideal scenario. Use of Irony is done to convey a situation of unexpected turn of events of contrasting emotions. Irony is used both to evoke emotions of comedy and tragedy. 

Example:

The doctor died in an accident due to lack of timely medical attention.

The Titanic was touted as an unsinkable ship, yet it sank on its first voyage.

Two traffic police officers were fined for not wearing helmets while riding a two-wheeler. 

Pun 

A Pun is a wordplay where the same words with different meanings are used, which also gives a comic angle to the sentence or conversation. Using Puns signifies wit and is often used in a humorous angle. Puns are often used in advertisements or commercial language to attract readers' attention. Apart from that, it is a popular genre of humour literature. 

Example:

• I used to be a banker, but I lost interest.
• The grammar lover had a lot of comma sense.
• Fish are smart because they live in a school. 

Antithesis

An Antithesis can be defined by using opposite terms in a single sentence, one after the other, to create a stark contrast. The purpose of using Antithesis is to emphasise the difference in situation to create a striking effect or make the sentence more impactful and memorable. In terms of grammar, Antithesis contain compound sentences with two independent clauses, separated with a comma or semicolon. 

Example:

• The spotlight blinded Jyoti for a moment.
• Keep your friends close, enemies closer. 
• Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

Apostrophe

In the Figure of Speech of ‘Apostrophe’, the subject talks or communicates with someone who is not present there, or may not be alive. An Apostrophe is a rhetorical literary device where the speaker or the narrator directly addresses someone who either does not exist or is not present in the moment, or an abstract being. The usage of Aprostrophe is common in plays or dramas, or novels, where a character's thoughts are communicated with the reader. It is often used in day-to-day lives as well in specific situations.

Example:

• Oh God, please help me sail through this tough time!
• Twinkle twinkle little star, how I wonder what you are!
• "O happy dagger! This is thy sheath; there rest, and let me die." (Romeo and Juliet by William Shakespeare)

Euphemism

Euphemisms are figures of speech where words or phrases are used to downplay the harshness of the actual word or scenario. It is a figure of speech which acts as a cushion to a huge blow. Euphemism is also used mostly in professional or formal contexts to avoid offence or embarrassment caused by an unpleasant situation. 

Example:

• The company is downsizing.
• At present, Ashish is in between jobs. 
• Grandfather left for a better place last night. 

Litotes 

Litotes refers to a Figure of Speech where two negatives are used to infer a positive. Litotes can also be explained as an ironic statement to express affirmation using its contrary words. This figure of speech intensifies the positive thought or affirmation. 

Example:

• I never say no to chocolates.
• I am sure the kids are up to no good. 
• Tara could not deny that she was head over heels in love when she saw Samarth for the first time. 

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to a figure of speech which describes the sound of an event with a similar sounding word to explain or express the audio effect. By using Onomatopoeia as a Figure of Speech, is a literary device used to imitate or mimic the sound or incident described in the line. This helps in creating a vivid and engaging experience with the readers. 

Example:

• The pitter-patter sound of raindrops made me fall asleep faster.
• The box fell with a loud thud on the floor. 
• The lion roared, shaking the trees in the jungle. 

Paradox

A Paradox refers to opposite or contradictory situations in the same sentence. While at first glance a Paradox seems to be impossible together due to its contradiction, but upon closer look, or rereading, it creates a striking effect and conveys the depth of the language, or scenario.

Example:

• A lot of effort goes into something to make it look effortless.
• You have to spend money to make money.
• Change is the only constant.

Understatement

Understatement refers to a figure of speech where a word or phrase is downplayed. This figure of speech undermines the gravity of the situation. Understatements are often used as a comic relief to an otherwise serious scenario. 

Example:

• The weather is a bit chilly outside. There has been a snowstorm going on for hours.
• The team was in great form, but lost the match anyway. 
• I am looking for a peaceful place to hide, a graveyard it is!

While there are no specific rules for the entire Figure of Speech as such, but each of the Figure of Speech has different rules. Let us break down the rules for each Figure of Speech in the table below.

Figure of Speech	Rules
Simile	It must have the word ‘like’ in between the subject and comparison. Example: Siya’s teeth are bright and smooth like pearls.
Metaphor	There should not be the word ‘like’ or ‘as’ in between the two words or subjects or objects being compared. Example:  My mother is the queen of the house.
Personification	Here a non-living or inanimate object is given a human trait. Example: The wind was singing a melancholic tune.
Hyperbole	There must be an over exaggeration to put across the point or emphasise the situation. Example: It rained so much that I thought the entire city would be wiped off from the map.
Irony	There must be two contrast scenarios used in the same sentence. Example: Once an award winning author is now suffering from writer’s block.
Alliteration	Each word of the sentence must start with the same alphabet. Example: All Antagonist Actors Are Awarded.
Onomatopoeia	The word describing the sound effect must be similar to the actual sound. Example: The snake hissed upon seeing the mongoose.
Oxymoron	Two stark contrasting words must be used together. Example: Sound of silence.
Euphemism	A strong word must be replaced with a more subtle word or phrase meaning the same. Example: Uncle passed away peacefully in his sleep.
Antithesis	Two contrasting phrases or words must be placed in the same sentence. Example: It was the best of time, it was the worst of time.
Litotes	Two negative words to be used to infer the meaning of the sentence in a positive note. Example: I cannot say the cake baked her was bad.
Understatement	The sentence or word must be toned down to undermine the severity of the situation. Example: I am fine, just have a headache.

 

Figures of Speech is often confused with Idioms in English. The table below brings the comparison between the two.

Parameter	Figures of Speech	Idiom
Definition	Figures of Speech include a figurative way of enhancing the language by evoking emotion.	An idiom is an expression which infers a different meaning than what it literally means.
Function	Figures of Speech are used to express particular information by creating imagery.	Idioms convey meaning through phrases, without saying the literal meaning.
Types	Figures of Speech can be classified in approximately 15 types, such as Simile, Metaphor, Personification, etc.	Idioms can be classified into four types: Pure Idioms, Binomial Idioms, Partial Idioms and Prepositional Idioms
Examples	Some examples of Figures of Speech are: ·       The place is beautiful like a picture postcard (Simile) ·       Pune is the Oxford of the East	Some examples of Idioms are as follows: ·       Hit the nail on the head ·       A bird in hand is worth two in the bush
Impact	Figure of Speech adds depth to the language, along with adding imagery. However, the main meaning is not impacted by using the Figure of Speech.	Idioms add an element of humour and figurative language in a sentence. The reader has to comprehend the meaning by deciphering the idiom. If the idiom is interpreted incorrectly, the meaning of the sentence can change, or be perceived differently or incorrectly.

 

Figures of Speech can be prepared by following the tips given below:

• Understand different types of Figures of Speech: First and foremost, you must understand the fundamental concepts of each type of Figure of Speech and their utility. The more you understand the differences between each type, the better you will be able to use them in your communication.
• Read a lot: Figures of Speech are amply used by poets and authors in poems, novels, short stories, etc. Apart from your English textbooks, you must develop a habit of reading classic and modern literature to get an idea of and usage of types of Figures of Speech.
• Use Flash Cards: Since there are multiple types of Figures of Speech and they often overlap, it is easy to get confused. Hence, to prepare well, you can make different flash cards for each type and write the basic definition and some examples to get a grip on those.
• Practice: There is no alternative to practice when it comes to preparing Figures of Speech. The more you practice, the more you will be able to identify and use different types of Figures of Speech within a sentence or paragraph and also tell the difference between them.

Also Read:

Preparation Tips for Interjections with Examples

Preparation Tips for Analogy in English: Exercises with Answers

Preparation Tips for Precis Writing

How to Identify Figures of Speech in a Sentence?

Whether a sentence carries a Figure of Speech or not can be identified by assessing the following factors:

• Read the sentence or paragraph thoroughly and look for comparisons or imagery. If something or someone has been compared with another living or inanimate object. For example:

1. The ballerina swayed on the dance floor like an evening breeze. (Simile)
2. The wind murmured to the king’s ears to warn him against the impending danger inside the woods. (Personification)

• If you see an exaggeration of words in the sentence, to emphasise the message, then that might be a usage of Figure of Speech. For example, I am so hungry that I can eat an elephant! (Hyperbole). With this figure of speech, the speaker or writer wants to say that he/she is extremely hungry.
• Check for a particular pattern: If all words start with the same alphabet, then it is a figure of speech. For example, Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers (Alliteration).

• Words similar to sound effects: If a sentence carries words which are similar to the sound effects, then it is a figure of speech, such as buzz, splash, splutter, hiss, etc.

Common Errors to Avoid While Using Figures of Speech

Some of the common errors one must avoid while using Figures of Speech are as follows:

Overuse of Figures of Speech 

While using Figures of Speech can add depth to the language, but overuse of it can have a reverse effect. If you use multiple or the same Figures of Speech back to back, then the reader's experience might be hampered. Exceptions can be plays/dramas or poems which follow a particular writing style.

Inconsistent usage 

Throwing a Figure of Speech here and there will not add value. Unless there is an actual need or purpose of using it, then it can be avoided to keep the language simple. Moreover, the usage of Figures of Speech should be aligned with the language style and purpose.

Making the communication ambiguous

The purpose of Figures of Speech is to bring more clarity of thoughts using imagery and figurative language. In case an appropriate Figure of Speech is not used, then it can make the entire sentence or paragraph more complex and difficult to communicate the message.

Misuse of Hyperbole and Understatement

While Hyperbole overemphasises a statement, Understatement tones down a statement. Overuse or misuse may actually impact in the opposite effect. If a Hyperbole is used for a trivial matter, then it will unnecessarily elevate the situation. On the other hand, using Understatement for an actual important or emergency situation may trivialise the situation.

Some of the best books to refer to for Figures of Speech preparation are given in the table below.

Books	Authors
Figures of Speech – The Art of the Ornate Diction	Himanshi Vashishat Zeba Naz Siddiqui, Shriya
Fantastic Figures of Speech	Sonia Mehta
Compact English Prosody and Figures of Speech	Nilanko Mallik
A Handbook of Scansion and Figures of Speech	Dr SN Bhattacharjee
Figures of Speech: 60 Ways to Turn A Phrase	Arthur Quinn
Figures of Speech	Sarah Maria Burnham

Apart from these books, you should also develop a habit of reading novels and short stories by renowned English authors to get examples of Figures of Speech and their usages in sentences.

Find below the best books for some common topics of English grammar:

Best Books for Vocabulary	Best Books for Letter Writing	Best Books for Etymology and Roots
Best Books for One Word Substitution	Best Books for Mood	Best Books for Gerund