English: Figures of speech

Figures of speech

1) Simile: 

A simile shows likeness between two things. A simile is usually introduced by the words 'as' or 'like'. It is an indirect comparison.

E.g. i) He is as vain as a peacock.

       ii) She is like a beautiful flower.

2) Metaphor:

Metaphor is an implied simile. There are no words like 'as' or 'like'. It is a direct comparison. 

E.g. i) He was a lion in the fight.

Here, he was compared to a lion.

       ii) Her words were dagger to his heart.

Here, her words pierced his heart like a dagger.

3) Personification:

In personification,  inanimate things or even ideas are treated as though they were human beings or persons. Things are given as human qualities.

E.g. i) The stars danced playfully in the                       moonlight.

Here, the verb 'dance' is a human quality which is implied to stars. 

      ii) The ball was jumping here and there.

Here, the verb 'jumping' is a human quality which is implied to the ball.

4) Interrogation:

Interrogation means asking a question. This figure of speech always ends with a question mark.

E.g. i) Did you do your homework yesterday? 

       ii) Are you looking for something?