Figurative Language Devices: Painting with Words

27 February, 2025

What are Figurative Language Devices?

Figurative language devices are powerful tools that add depth and vividness to communication. They use words in ways that differ from their literal meanings and can create a more interesting experience for readers or listeners. Common figurative language devices include similes, metaphors, personification, hyperbole, idioms, onomatopoeia and more.

Why is Teaching Figurative Language Important?

Writers and speakers use figurative language to convey complex ideas, evoke emotions, and paint vivid imagery in the minds of their audience. When students learn how to effectively use figurative language devices such as metaphors, similes, and personification, they become better at expressing their thoughts and emotions. On the flip side, understanding figurative language is crucial for developing strong critical thinking skills, as it enables students to analyse texts on multiple levels.

Engaging Students with Figurative Language Devices

The first step in teaching figurative language devices is to choose one for focus and provide students with a clear definition. Introducing students to familiar examples of similes, metaphors, or personification can also serve as a great starting point. Find examples of these figurative language devices in advertisements or look for instances of onomatopoeia in poems. Discuss the use of hyperbole in common sayings. Such examples can be a great springboard for rich discussions around why each figurative language device has been used and what effect it has.

Once students understand the different figurative language devices, it’s essential to provide opportunities for them to practise using each one. Engaging activities like creating their own similes or writing metaphorical descriptions of everyday objects allow students to explore their creativity while reinforcing their understanding of figurative language.

Finally, feedback plays a crucial role in teaching figurative language devices effectively. With a little practice, students can begin to use figurative language devices. But getting them to use these tools effectively? That takes some time. So, how do we get there? It’s crucial to show students examples of figurative language—both the good ones and the not-so-good ones. Then, have a chat about what makes each example work (or not work). Giving students feedback on their use of figurative language is also important. You can do this through individual conferences or peer review sessions, where students have the opportunity to give and receive feedback on each other’s work.

Figurative Language Devices

Similes

Similes are one of the most common figurative language devices, comparing two seemingly unrelated things using “like” or “as”. For example, saying “The moon shone like a silver coin” helps us visualise the brightness and beauty of the moon. Similes are useful for describing unfamiliar or abstract concepts by comparing them to something more familiar. For instance, the simile “Love is like a roller coaster ride” compares the concept of love to the familiar ups and downs of a roller coaster, making it easier to grasp.

Similes add depth and colour to writing, evoking emotions, creating humour, or making descriptions more memorable. Instead of simply saying someone has blue eyes, you could use the simile, “Her eyes were as blue as the ocean on a clear summer day”. Find figurative language teaching resources on our Similes page.

Metaphors

A metaphor is a figure of speech that is used to make a comparison between two different things, often by stating that one thing is another thing. Unlike similes, metaphors describe one thing as another without using “like” or “as.” For example, “He is a night owl.” Describing someone as being a “night owl” implies that they stay up late and are active during nighttime.

Metaphors allow for the expression of complex ideas and emotions by drawing upon our understanding and experience of familiar objects or concepts. They have the power to evoke strong emotions and create vivid mental images in the reader’s mind. They engage our senses and imagination by connecting seemingly unrelated ideas. Find figurative language teaching resources on our Metaphors page.

Personification

Personification is a figurative language device used to give human qualities or characteristics to non-human objects, animals, or abstract ideas. This technique allows writers to breathe life into inanimate objects or concepts by attributing them with human emotions, actions, or thoughts. For example, rather than saying “the wind blew strongly”, a writer could say, “The wind howled angrily”, which paints a more vivid and emotional picture for the reader.

Personification engages the reader by making abstract or inanimate things seem more relatable, evoking deeper emotional responses. Browse figurative language teaching resources on our Personification page.

Hyperbole

Hyperbole is a figurative language device that involves extravagant exaggeration or overstatement. It is commonly used to emphasise certain ideas or evoke strong emotions in the reader or listener. For example, saying “I’ve told you a million times” is a hyperbole that exaggerates how often something has been said (even if it does feels more like an understatement some days…).

Hyperbole can be a creative tool for writers, adding depth and intensity to their work. By using exaggerated language, writers can make their descriptions more memorable and impactful. For instance, describing a character’s beauty as “radiant enough to blind the sun” creates a powerful image and leaves a lasting impression. Browse figurative language teaching resources on our Hyperbole page.

Onomatopoeia

Onomatopoeia refers to words that mimic the sounds they represent. Examples are abundant in everyday life, such as the “drip-drop” of raindrops or the “boom!” of a loud explosion. Onomatopoeia not only adds excitement to language but also enhances readers’ sensory experiences, making descriptions more vivid and immersive.

Authors use this figurative language device to create imagery and engage readers in a more dynamic way. For instance, words like “clang”, “whack”, or “swish” can transport readers right into the action of a thrilling adventure scene. Find resources to teach this figurative language device on our Onomatopoeia page.

Alliteration

Alliteration is the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words in close proximity. This figurative language device creates a pleasant, rhythmic effect in both written and spoken language. A famous example is the tongue twister, “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”, where the /p/ sound is repeated throughout.

Alliteration is a powerful tool for emphasising key points, creating memorable lines, and engaging readers or listeners in a more enjoyable and captivating way. Browse resources to teach this figurative language device on our Alliteration page.

Looking for ideas and activities for teaching poetry in the primary years? Check out our article Bringing Poetry to Life: Creative Approaches for Teachers. For more worksheets and other downloads, check out our Figurative Language page.