Figures of Speech

Figures of speech make language more expressive and imaginative. Here are some important types with examples:

Alliteration: Repetition of the same sound at the beginning of words.  

- Betty bought some butter. The butter was bitter. So she bought some more butter to make the butter better.  

- She sells seashells on the seashore. 

Notice how the repeated b and s sounds create rhythm.

Repetition: Whole words or phrases repeated for emphasis.  

- Good morning, Mrs Willow.  

- Good morning, Sir.

Simile: A direct comparison using like or as.  

- Meena is as tall as a coconut tree.  

- Sita is as proud as a peacock.  

- Rana is like a furnace.

Metaphor: An indirect comparison, saying one thing is another.  

- Sita is a peacock. 

- Meena is a coconut tree.

Imagery: Language that creates a picture in the mind, appealing to the senses.  

It helps the audience visualise and understand the situation more vividly.

Personification: Giving human qualities to non‑human things.  

- Laughter holding both her sides. 

- Death lays its icy hands on kings.