Figures of speech
A figure of speech is a word or phrase used in a non-literal, imaginative way to create a special effect, comparison or emphasis. Instead of stating facts plainly, it uses techniques such as comparison, exaggeration or substitution, for example "time flies" or "as brave as a lion", to make language more vivid, persuasive and memorable.
Types of figures of speech
Simile
A direct comparison between two unlike things using 'like' or 'as'.
e.g. as cold as ice, runs like the wind
Metaphor
A comparison that states one thing is another, without 'like' or 'as'.
e.g. time is money, her heart is a stone
Personification
Giving human qualities or actions to non-human things or ideas.
e.g. the wind whispered, opportunity knocked
Hyperbole
Deliberate exaggeration used for emphasis, not meant literally.
e.g. I've told you a million times, this bag weighs a tonne
Idiom
A fixed phrase whose meaning cannot be guessed from the individual words.
e.g. break the ice, cost an arm and a leg
Rules to remember
- Figures of speech are non-literal; do not interpret them word for word.
- Choose the type that fits your purpose: similes and metaphors for comparison, hyperbole for emphasis, personification for imagery.
- Keep idioms and fixed expressions unchanged; altering the wording usually breaks the meaning.
- Use figures of speech sparingly in formal writing so the text stays clear and professional.
- Match the figure of speech to your audience and context; overly casual idioms can seem out of place in academic writing.
Examples in sentences
| Example | How it works |
|---|---|
| Her smile was as bright as the sun. | A simile comparing the smile to the sun using 'as'. |
| The classroom was a zoo during the fire drill. | A metaphor directly equating the classroom with a zoo. |
| The old house groaned in the wind. | Personification gives the house a human-like action. |
| I've asked you a thousand times to tidy your room. | Hyperbole exaggerates the number for emphasis. |
| After months of preparation, she finally broke the ice at the conference. | An idiom meaning she overcame initial awkwardness. |
| The economy is a rollercoaster this year, full of ups and downs. | A metaphor illustrating unpredictable change. |
| He ran like lightning to catch the bus. | A simile emphasising speed through comparison. |
Common mistakes
Incorrect: He is a lion in the battle like.
Correct: He is like a lion in the battle. (Keep 'like' before the comparison, not after.)
Incorrect: I literally died laughing.
Correct: I nearly died laughing. (Avoid pairing 'literally' with an obvious hyperbole; it contradicts the exaggeration.)
Incorrect: She kicked the can down the road meaning she kicked a can.
Correct: She kicked the can down the road, meaning she postponed the decision. (Interpret idioms figuratively, not literally.)
Why this matters for IELTS
Using figures of speech naturally and accurately in IELTS Speaking and Writing can raise your Grammatical Range and Accuracy and Lexical Resource scores, since examiners reward varied, idiomatic language over repetitive literal phrasing. However, overusing idioms or exaggerated hyperbole in Task 2 essays can sound too casual, so reserve vivid comparisons like similes and metaphors for descriptive tasks or speaking, and keep formal writing precise and controlled.
Frequently asked questions
What is a figure of speech in simple words?
It is a creative way of using language where words mean something beyond their literal sense, such as comparisons, exaggerations or human traits given to objects, used to make speech or writing more vivid.
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A simile compares two things using 'like' or 'as' (as brave as a lion), while a metaphor states one thing is another without those words (he is a lion), making the comparison more direct.
Are idioms a type of figure of speech?
Yes, idioms are figures of speech because their meaning cannot be understood from the individual words alone; the whole phrase carries a figurative meaning agreed upon by common usage.
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