Frequently Asked Questions on Figurative Language in English Grammar

Practice Questions on Figurative Language

Que 1. What is figurative language?

Figurative language refers to the use of words in a way that deviates from the conventional order & meaning in order to convey a complicated meaning or clarity.

Que 2. What is the purpose of figurative language?

Figurative language is use of literary devices, techniques, & figures of speech to heighten sensory response & add meaning, clarity, or bring impact to one’s writing.
Figures of speech color one’s prose, giving a sense of immediacy to readers. It evokes a strong emotional reaction.
Creates an image in the reader’s mind. It calls on the reader’s senses via sounds, scents, tastes, images, & touch which makes an idea accessible.
Helps to simplify complex ideas.

Que 3. Why should you use figurative language?

a) Figurative language is the creative way to describe a person, place, object or event. It helps in creating a more descriptive picture in the reader’s mind.

b) It helps writers make a point that normal sentences can’t.

c) It incites emotions in the reader, as per the author’s intentions.

Que 4. Give some examples of similes.

a) Sneha works like a sloth.

b) Neha is as cunning as a fox.

c) My children chatter like monkeys.

d) My parents are as proud as a peacock.

Que 5. How to use figurative language in your own writing?

Figurative language when used effectively, can improve any piece of writing. Below mentioned are four ways to use figurative language in your own writing:

Spare use of figurative language – Little use of figurative language, goes a long way.
Figurative language & humor -Apart from creating more engaging writing & helping to explain complex ideas, figurative language is also great for a laugh. Comedians & comic writers often use it for punchlines & humorous analogies.
Careful use of figurative language when used as a dialogue – Excessive use of figurative language as a dialogue can ruin the reader’s immersion & make them feel like they’re actually reading a story.
Focus on clarity– Use figurative language when you want the reader to understand something very clearly.

Que 6. What Is the Function of Figurative Language?

Figurative language is one of the most commonly used literary devices.

It is used by the author to let the reader feel connected.
Essential part of how people communicate.
Stirs our imagination
Captures our attention
Helps us in understanding when one comes across new ideas
Writer gets a clear expression of what s/he wants to convey to the readers
Conveys the author’s message to the reader in an enhanced manner

Que 7. What is the Difference Between Literal and Non-literal Language?

LITERAL LANGUAGE	NON-LITERAL LANGUAGE
Literal Language means the use of words & phrases that reflect their definitions in the dictionary. The words & the meaning are exactly what they say.	Non-literal language means the use of words & phrases that mean one thing but are used to describe something else.
Example:- 1. Tell a secret- I have been waiting since so long to tell you a secret.	Examples:- 1. Spill the beans– Sheela spilled the beans.
In this sentence, tell a secret means simply meaning letting out a secret, the words & the meaning are exactly what they say.	In this sentence, spilled the beans means letting out a secret & not the literal meaning of beans being spilled over.

What is Figurative Language?

Figurative language is one of the ways of expressing ourselves that does not restrict to a word’s real meaning. It is used to give a creative edge to written or spoken language or when we have to explain a complicated idea. Fiction writers often are seen using figurative language to engage their audience by using a more creative tone which provokes thinking & at times humor. This makes fiction writing interesting & dramatic. Figurative language refers to a way of expressing oneself by not using a word’s realistic meaning. Common in comparisons & exaggerations, it is usually used to add creativity to written or spoken language or to explain a complicated idea.