Figurative Language | Student Worksheet

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language uses words in special ways to create pictures in your mind. These words don't mean exactly what they say - they help make writing more interesting and vivid!

Simile

Uses "like" or "as" to compare

Metaphor

Says one thing IS another

Idiom

Means something different than words say

Personification

Gives human traits to things

Hyperbole

Extreme exaggeration

Learn the Five Types

SIMILE - Compares using "like" or "as" A simile compares two different things using the words "like" or "as."

Examples: "Her smile was as bright as the sun." | "He ran like the wind."

METAPHOR - Says one thing IS another thing A metaphor compares two things by saying one thing IS the other (no "like" or "as").

Examples: "Time is money." | "She is a shining star." | "Life is a roller coaster."

IDIOM - A phrase that means something different An idiom is a phrase whose meaning is different from what the words actually say.

Examples: "It's raining cats and dogs." (= raining hard) | "Break a leg!" (= good luck)

PERSONIFICATION - Gives human qualities to non-human things Personification makes animals, objects, or ideas act like people.

Examples: "The wind whispered." | "The sun smiled down." | "Fear grabbed me."

HYPERBOLE - Extreme exaggeration A hyperbole is an exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.

Examples: "I've told you a million times!" | "I'm so hungry I could eat a horse."

Simile or Metaphor? The "Like/As" Rule!

If it uses "like" or "as" to compare = SIMILE. If it says one thing IS another = METAPHOR.

"Life is like a box of chocolates."

Type:

"Life is a journey."

Type:

"He is as strong as an ox."

Type:

"She is a ray of sunshine."

Type:

Identify the Type of Figurative Language

Write S (Simile), M (Metaphor), I (Idiom), P (Personification), or H (Hyperbole).

1. _____ "The trees danced in the wind."

2. _____ "My backpack weighs a ton!"

3. _____ "She sings like an angel."

4. _____ "Don't let the cat out of the bag." (means: don't tell the secret)

5. _____ "The world is a stage."

6. _____ "I waited forever for the bus."

What Does It Mean?

Explain what each figurative phrase really means.

7. "The test was a piece of cake."

This means:

8. "His words cut like a knife."

This means:

9. "The alarm clock screamed at me to wake up."

This means:

10. "I'm so tired I could sleep for a year."

This means:

Remember!

Simile = "like" or "as" (comparing two things)
Metaphor = says one thing IS another (no like/as)
Idiom = phrase that doesn't mean what it literally says
Personification = giving human traits to non-human things
Hyperbole = extreme exaggeration