Figures of Speech

There are a number of Figures of Speech which are similar to each other but have a subtle difference. Students often get confused between the two, but the confusion and common errors can be mitigated by understanding the differences and regular practice. Some such Figures of Speech are as follows:

·       Simile, Metaphor and Personification

·       Oxymoron and Paradox

·       Paradox and Antithesis

·       Hyperbole and Understatement

·       Apostrophe and Invocation.

There are broadly over 20 types of Figures of Speech. While around 12 are commonly used in day-to-day communication, rest are used specifically for literature elements such as poems, drama or plays, etc.

Some of the most common Figures of Speech are as follows:

·       Simile

·       Metaphor

·       Personification

·       Hyperbole.

This is not the exact or absolute list, but are among the commonly used Figures of Speech. 

Figures of Speech are literary devices which add value to a sentence by providing an imagery, special effect and contrasts to create a vivid impact, drama element and improve the reader engagement. Figures of Speech is widely used in literature such as poems, drama or plays, novels, short stories, etc. Apart from that, Figures of Speech are also used in day to day lives and commercial purposes such as advertisement campaigns.