Irony is a figure of speech that is indispensable in English literature. It is used to express the opposite of what is being said, implied, or done. It is a manner of expression that is contradictory to what it means. The message that we can deduce is not found on the surface but upon a deeper examination.

 

There are three types of irony:

 

Verbal Irony

Verbal irony occurs when the speaker implies a deeper and opposite meaning of the word or phrase. What the speaker means is blatantly different from what has been expressed.

 

People sometimes confuse verbal irony and sarcasm. Sarcasm is a subtype of verbal irony directed at a particular person, statement, or situation. It is also designed to mock or make the other party feel bad.

 

Dramatic Irony

Dramatic irony occurs when there is an apparent contrast between words and actions and what they mean to the audience. It is often used to indicate the difference in perception and understanding between the audience and the clueless character.

 

Situational Irony

It is also called irony of events, fate, or cosmic irony. It occurs when there is a stark difference between what was intended and what happened. It ultimately results in an outcome that is different from what was anticipated.

 

Uses of Irony

We use irony for diverse reasons, which are easier identified when explained in the context of their types.

 

Verbal irony is used to demonstrate or indicate the good or bad qualities of the characters in a literary work. However, you can also use verbal irony in your typical daily conversations. For instance, saying something is “clear as mud” is ironic since mud is not clear.

 

Sarcasm is used when the meaning cannot be interpreted literally but is uttered mockingly or hurtfully. However, you need to differentiate between sarcasm and verbal irony.

 

For dramatic irony, unless you have a flair for the arts, you may have to save it for writers. It is a way to provide the audience with the knowledge that the character is unaware of. Ironically, it also indicates that we will never be fully aware of a situation, especially since we can never really tell what the other party is thinking or feeling.

 

Finally, situational irony is a way to express the fickleness of life. It depicts how conditions can change within the twinkle of an eye. More commonly, it occurs when the outcome of an event turns out different from the incidents that were planned.

Examples of irony 

1. The fire station recently burnt down.

2. I want to become a doctor, but I detest the smell and sight of blood.

3. I would love to work as a flight hostess, but I have an innate fear of heights.

4. Working as a lifeguard that has a fear of water.

5. They are as smart as rocks.

6. The police station got robbed last week.

7. I heard about the boy who starved to death in the grocery store.