Figures of Speech

A figure of speech is a word or phrase that has a separate meaning from its literal definition. For example, Mr. Swaby is as fat as an elephant. In this sentence, Mr. Swaby is not literally as fat as an elephant but comparing him this way tells that he's very fat.

Some figures of speech are simile, metaphor, personification alliteration, irony and onomatopoeia.

Simile

A simile is a comparison between two unlike things using the words "like" or "as."

Examples include:

• As slippery as an eel

• Like peas in a pod

• As blind as a bat

• Eats like a pig

• As wise as an owl

Activity: Complete the following.