Figurative language is language that compares one thing to another in order to convey an idea more precisely. Experienced writers know to compare something new and unfamiliar to something most readers will recognize. As you can imagine, this strategy can help readers narrow down the possible ways to visualize an object or scene--until they're able to imagine exactly what the author wants them to imagine. If you learn how to use figurative language well, your writing will have a powerful effect on readers.
To see how the most common figurative phrases--similes and metaphors--work to improve communication, read each set of sentences and choose the one that seems most precise and interesting.
Which sentence uses figurative language to help readers understand how dingy and dirty a room is?
- She sat on a brown footstool that was old and ugly.
- She sat on a round tan footstool circled with green rick-rack.
- She found a mushroom masquerading as a footstool and sat on it.
This does create a picture, but it's boring.
While certainly more descriptive than answer choice "A," this sentence does not use figurative language.
This metaphor compares an old dirty footstool to a mushroom, an object that also tends to be very dirty.
Which sentence creates the strongest image of Oscar?
- Oscar was a great moon of a man, round and pale and distant.
- Oscar was big as a house that had just been painted white.
- Oscar was a big man with a pale skin and a cold demeanor.
Yes, this metaphor not only creates a physical image of Oscar, but also suggests his personality.
Not the best--this simile doesn't create a very precise image of Oscar. No skin is that white.
While the facts are there, this is not a very interesting description.
Which sentence makes the best use of figurative language to help readers visualize a scene?
- He was like a thirsty man in need of water.
- He ran to her like a thirsty dog to a pan of cool water.
- She was like refreshing water to him.
Since he actually was a man, there's not a lot of comparison here.
Yes, the two comparisons here complement each other well and create a strong image.
This isn't bad, but it's kind of dull when compared with answer choice "B."
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