Figures of Speech
Sometimes when we speak to others we want to express ourselves but can’t find the right words to convey our meaning, so we have to turn to other language tools like Idioms or Figures of Speech.
Think of Figures of Speech as a toolbox, and inside the toolbox is a wide range of gadgets that we can use to make our speaking and writing more creative. These tools add depth to our expressions. They help us convey ideas, emotions, and situations in a more interesting way.
They’re mostly found in writing, but can be useful in everyday conversation too. Figures of speech are a powerful way of telling the reader that there may be a deeper, more intentional meaning behind the words we write.
In this blog post, we'll dive into what figures of speech are, why we use them, and distinguish between literal and figurative language. We’ve also created a handy Guide for you to download and keep!
Why do we use Figures of Speech?
We often need to make communication more engaging, memorable, and emotionally relatable to our readers, especially if we are writing about a serious topic, or when we discuss something that many people will read. Whether we want to make a point vividly, convey complex emotions, or add a touch of creativity to our language, figures of speech are invaluable.
Literal and Figurative Language
Spoken or written language may be used in a literal or figurative sense.
Literal language is factual—it says exactly what is meant. Literal language generally expresses the traditional meaning of words. It's straightforward and leaves little room for interpretation.
Figurative language, on the other hand, requires creativity and imagination. It uses metaphors, similes, personification, and other devices to evoke mental images and feelings. By comparing one thing to another, figurative language changes our perception of reality and enriches our understanding. Often figurative language helps us understand something better than literal language, because we can relate to the conversation better!
Here is a quick Guide to Figures of Speech to show you when and how to use these helpful writing tools.
Your turn! Try to write a sentence, question or exclamation using each of these figures of speech. Have fun and be creative, and feel free to send your story to us by email.
Happy writing!
P.S. You can download our Figures of Speech Guide here, or read more about them here. We have made a quick extended guide if you want more information!
