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Introduction:
The use of figurative speech creates expressive issues when implemented in formal writing. Figures of speech are any phrases or words that are not directly stating the exact occurrence of an event. The definition of figurative speech is broad; however, figures of speech have subcategories. The two most common figures of speech are similes and metaphors. A simile is a phrase that compares one thing to another by using like or as. For example, Samantha was cleaning her room as slow as a snail.
Another figure of speech is a metaphor that describes something or someone by using a non-literal term. For example, Mary is a robot when she studies. Although these two sentences create a creative and playful vision for the reader the use of figurative speech is unprofessional because they are not literal and can create confusion for the reader as they may be interpreted differently by different readers.
Figurative speech is meant for verbal speaking, Drew et al. states, “Figurative expressions are a feature of the design of turns at talk. Thus the components of a turn’s construction, at whatever level of linguistic production”(497). The use of figurative speech is constructed around verbal communication, allowing individuals to speak in different tones and expressions. Figurative speech can create confusion when there is a language barrier between the author and the reader. Figurative speech can be understood differently when read by an audience with various backgrounds.
When writing in a formal matter an individual must use words and phrases that are clear, concise, and literal, which allows for an incisive format. The use of figurative speech can create confusion because figurative speech leaves the reader to interpret a nonliteral phase based on how they understand the phrase rather than interpreting the actual meaning.
"Figures of Speech." Flickr, February 14, 2012, https://www.flickr.com/photos/vblibrary/6124465150. June 9, 2023
Description:
In formal writing, keeping a strict literal meaning is very important in order to convey a clear message to the intended readers.
Figurative language is a form of writing that uses the non-literal meaning of a phrase in order to make a point or comparison. There are many different forms of figurative language, with idioms being the most commonly misused in formal writing. Figurative language does not provide readers with a clear message of a provided argument or statement.
Reasons to Avoid Figurative Language in Formal Writing:
Using figurative language in writing can create informal meaning and lead to misinterpretation, as Capstone Editing in “Misuse of Idioms in Academic Writing” argues that “idioms are a double-edged sword: they create a familiar relationship between a writer and reader who share a cultural understanding, but at the same time they actively exclude people who are unfamiliar with the cultural reference.” Idioms can work in the favor of the writer depending on the audience, but they do not have a place in formal writing as they may lead to a reader misinterpreting a very specific message.
The usage of figurative language creates an inappropriate style of writing. In formal writing, keeping the focus on facts and analysis is very important because that is exactly what the audience is looking for. There is no need to include figurative language when the goal of the writing is to present and analyze information.
Using certain phrases when applying figurative language can also be offensive to certain audiences. Because figurative language can be considered "slang", it is important to avoid all forms in formal writing as the writer does not know the audience personally, which consequently makes the usage out of context. The audience may not understand the meaning of certain slang words and could potentially take offense to certain terms.
Importance:
Delivering a clear message in formal writing is highly important. Whether the goal is to create an argument or deliver a statement of fact, using literal meaning in doing so will add more credibility to the given writing piece. The audience is not looking to relate to the writer, they are looking for facts and why they are important.
Instead of attempting to relate to the reader, focus on providing the reader with useful information about the specific topic while maintaining a clear and honest message. Throughout the essay, make each statement based on what the meaning actually is, as being straightforward will be more beneficial in sending a strong message to the audience without distracting them from the goal of the writing.
The different forms of figurative language are presented below, as well as examples that provide common idioms and figurative language used in writing and how to correct them using the literal meaning.
Image Sources:
Briggman, Jonathan. “Slam.” Impactfitnessacademy.Com, 2021, https://impactfitnessacademy.com/slam-wrestling-competition/. Accessed 2023.
D, Oxy _. “Piece of Cake.” Vecteezy.Com, 2023, https://www.vecteezy.com/vector-art/8202338-piece-of-cake-with-pink-cream-and-decorative-topping-vector-illustration-in-flat-cartoon-style. Accessed 2023.
Japan, Barks _. “Skull and Bones Icon Stick Illustration.” Istockphoto.Com, 2018, https://www.istockphoto.com/vector/skull-and-bones-icon-gm928418862-254653545. Accessed 2023.
Moreano, Giovanny. “Best Gold Etfs: Top Funds for Investing in Gold.” Bankrate.Com, 2023, https://www.bankrate.com/investing/best-gold-etfs/. Accessed 2023.
Reddit, Tzadika. “Eyes on Fire Kind of Look Ccnw.” Reddit.Com, 2017, https://www.reddit.com/r/muacirclejerk/comments/7c384w/eyes_on_fire_kind_of_look_ccnw. Accessed 2023.
Common Examples of Figurative Language in Essays:
A trailblazing discovery.....
Moving the goal post...............
“Plants versus Zombie Zombie Art, Plants vs. Zombies 2.” PNGWing, www.pngwing.com/en/free-png-zdssu. Accessed 9 June 2023.
“Plants vs. Zombies 2: It’s about Time Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 Zombie Walls, Plants vs Zombies, Cowboy.” PNGWing, www.pngwing.com/en/free-png-zxrfu. Accessed 9 June 2023.
“Plants vs Zombies Character Illustration, Plants vs. Zombies 2: Its about Time Plants vs. Zombies: Garden Warfare 2 Bejeweled Zuma, Take the Zombies of the Newspaper.” PNGWing, www.pngwing.com/en/free-png-byptz. Accessed 9 June 2023.
Soares, John. “Surviving a Wildfire While Hiking: What to Do.” Northern California Hiking Trails, 16 Apr. 2022, northerncaliforniahikingtrails.com/blog/2018/07/28/surviving-wildfire-hiking-what-do/.
Conclusion/Summary
Using figurative language in formal essays is not good. It creates unclear use of language and can leave readers misinformed.
Figurative Language includes:
Metaphors
Similies
Hyperboles
Alliteration
Idiom
Symbolism
To double check one is not using figurative language make sure to look for factuality when writing. Examples of this is:
Considering the noun: Looking at the noun in the sentence and considering if the noun is actually doing the action verb
Looking for clarity: if the sentence can be misinterpreted, then it could potentially be a figure of speech
Keeping in mind the commonly used figurative phrases
Works Cited
“Dos & DON’TS.” Academic Writing in English, 15 June 2021, www.awelu.lu.se/language/register-and-style/dos-donts/.
Drew, Paul, and Elizabeth Holt. “Figures of Speech: Figurative Expressions and the Management of Topic Transition in Conversation.” Language in Society, vol. 27, no. 4, 1998, pp. 495–522, https://doi.org/10.1017/S0047404500020200.
“How to Identify and Avoid Slang in Your English Writing.” StyleWriter4, 1 Mar. 2021, www.stylewriter-usa.com/articles/how-to-avoid-slang-in-your-writing.php.
“Idioms: Why We Shouldn’t Use Them in Formal Writing.” Capstone Editing, 20 July 2017, www.capstoneediting.com.au/blog/misuse-of-idioms-in-academic-writing.
Schick, Kurt, and Laura Schubert. So What?: The Writer’s Argument. 2nd ed., Oxford University Press, 2017.
Shea, Amanda. “Phrasal Verbs.” ENGL145, 15 Dec. 2022, sites.google.com/view/engl145/phrasal-verbs?authuser=0.
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