Figures of speech are indispensable in English literature. They are used to make sentences more lively. You will find them in diverse texts, educational or otherwise. You can also use them to spice up your everyday conversations.

Simile

A simile is a symbolic device that compares two distinct entities with similar qualities. It finds a middle ground for this comparison. It is a phrase used to describe something or ascribe a quality. A simile uses linking words like “as” and “like” to create the comparison. They are unlike metaphors that directly link the two entities being compared.

 

When using a simile, you are more inclined to employ exaggeration or hyperbole to emphasize your point. Creating a simile is straightforward – once you visualize the entities you want to compare, make your choice of words simple, and include a degree of originality in it.

 

If you ever get confused about the difference between a metaphor and a simile, think about the word “similar.” For similes, you use proximate words or phrases with similar qualities. Similes are also easier to identify than metaphors because of the comparison tools. You can improve your familiarity with similes by marking them in the texts you read.

 

Oxymoron

An oxymoron’s rhetoric method places two contrasting ideas or concepts close in a sentence, line, or verse. It originates from the Greek words “oxys” and “Moros,” both oxymorons themselves. They mean sharp and dull, respectively.

 

The ultimate aim is self-contradiction, which is achieved through the paradoxical phrase created. The stark comparison makes phrases that employ it stand out and capture the reader’s attention.

 

We use an oxymoron to create a dramatic effect, just like the other figures of speech. It is also great for entertaining readers – an oxymoron can be a witty or funny phrase. Finally, you can use it to present your message uniquely.

 

People often mix an oxymoron and a paradox, but the former works with contrasting words while the latter uses contrasting ideas.

Metaphor

By now, you should be aware that you should not interpret most English figures of speech based on their surface meaning. The same applies to metaphors – they are words or expressions with a different meaning from their literal interpretation.

 

The word “metaphor” originates from the Greek word “metaphora.” It is a rhetoric strategy that compares two things to paint a compelling picture and remind us of life’s uncertainty.

 

For most metaphors, interpreting them literally would be wasting time because you will be left with a nonsensical meaning. It is a way to describe something by using the relational things surrounding or associated with it.

Pun or a Play upon Words

A play upon word is an exciting way to spice up the English language. It is a deliberate play on the different meanings of a word. For instance, when a word or phrase can be interpreted in two similar yet distinct manners, you can exploit the humor in it.

 

Writers use puns to lighten the atmosphere.