Understanding figures of speech is essential for students preparing for the SAT, ACT, AP English, or any academic writing assignment. These literary devices help writers add emphasis, clarity, emotion, and imagery to their work.
Below, you’ll find 15 of the most common figures of speech explained in simple terms—with clear examples you can actually understand and use.
What Are Figures of Speech?
A figure of speech is a deliberate use of words or sounds that creates an effect beyond ordinary, literal expression. Figures of speech can create comparisons, emphasize an idea, imitate sounds, or make language more memorable.
They are frequently tested in standardized exams and are commonly used in essays, speeches, and literature.
This list also includes closely related literary devices—such as imagery, foreshadowing, allegory, and symbolism—that students commonly study alongside figures of speech in English classes.
Quick Reference Table
| Figure of Speech | Simple Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | Comparison using “like” or “as” | Her smile shines like the sun. |
| Metaphor | Direct comparison | Her smile is the sun. |
| Alliteration | Repeated consonant sounds | Peter Piper picked... |
| Assonance | Repeated vowel sounds | The rain in Spain... |
| Imagery | Sensory description | The sweet scent filled the air. |
| Foreshadowing | Hint of future events | He always feared the dark… |
| Allegory | Story with deeper meaning | The tortoise and the hare |
| Allusion | Reference to another text | He’s a Romeo |
| Hyperbole | Exaggeration | I’ve told you a million times |
| Understatement | Downplaying something | It’s just a scratch |
| Oxymoron | Contradictory terms | Bittersweet |
| Personification | Human traits to objects | The wind whispered |
| Symbolism | Object represents idea | A rose symbolizes love |
| Onomatopoeia | Sound words | Boom! |
| Irony | Opposite of expectation | A firefighter afraid of fire |
15 Common Figures of Speech: Definitions and Examples
1. Simile
- His smile shone like the sun.
- His smile is as bright as the sun.
2. Metaphor
- His smile is the sun on a rainy day.
3. Alliteration
- Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
4. Assonance
- The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plains.
5. Imagery
Imagery is a literary device that uses descriptive language to appeal to one or more of the five senses: sight, sound, smell, taste, and touch. Writers use imagery to help readers picture a scene or experience it more vividly.
Examples:
- Her eyes were a warm forest green, flecked with tiny brown speckles like the soft Earth around her.
- The shouts of the vendors lining the street combined with the man playing his guitar on the corner gave them a headache.
- A decadent pancake was placed in front of me, the sweet maple-scented steam wafting up into my nose.
- As soon as she bit into the lemon, she winced, the sour stinging flavor of the fruit attacking her taste buds and causing her eyes to water.
- The silky soft blanket was wrapped around his shoulders; the fluffiness of the minky fabric warmed him right up.
6. Foreshadowing
Foreshadowing is a literary device in which an author gives an early clue or hint about something that may happen later in the story. The clue may be subtle or obvious, and readers often recognize its full significance only after the event occurs.
Example:
- She always had bad dreams when she slept alone.
7. Allegory
An allegory is a story, poem, or other work in which characters and events represent a deeper moral, political, or social meaning.
Example:
-
“The Tortoise and the Hare” can be read as an allegory about how steady effort and perseverance can overcome overconfidence.
8. Allusion
An allusion is an indirect reference to a well-known person, place, event, story, or work of art. Writers use allusions to communicate an idea without explaining the entire reference.
Example:
- “He’s a Romeo” (reference to Shakespeare).
9. Hyperbole
- I’ve heard this song a billion times.
- I’m going to explode; I’m so angry!
10. Understatement
Understatement is a figure of speech that, unlike hyperbole’s over-exaggeration, under-exaggerates the situation or concept at hand. Often used for humor or irony.
Example:
- After falling off a cliff: “That was inconvenient.”
11. Oxymoron
- Bittersweet
- Living dead
- Awfully kind
12. Personification
- The leaves danced gracefully in the breeze.
- The sun smiled down on me, kissing my cheeks with its warmth.
13. Symbolism
Symbolism is a literary device in which an object, color, character, action, or setting represents an idea beyond its literal meaning. Symbols often help writers develop a theme or communicate an abstract concept.
Example:
- A rose symbolizes love.
14. Onomatopoeia
An onomatopoeia is a figure of speech where the words being used sound like the noises being described in their respective texts. Common in comics and creative writing.
Example:
- Boom
- Bang
- Thwip
15. Irony
Irony occurs when the intended meaning or actual outcome contrasts with what is said or expected. Verbal irony expresses a meaning different from the literal words, while situational irony occurs when an event produces an unexpected result.
- A lifeguard who can’t swim.
- “Great!” after spilling coffee everywhere.
Learning to recognize figures of speech is only one part of becoming a stronger reader and writer. If your student needs personalized help with English assignments, reading comprehension, or academic writing, explore Pivot Tutors’ one-on-one academic tutoring
Figures of Speech FAQs
What are the most common figures of speech?
Simile, metaphor, hyperbole, personification, and irony are among the most commonly used figures of speech.
What is the difference between simile and metaphor?
A simile uses “like” or “as” to compare, while a metaphor makes a direct comparison without those words.
Are figures of speech literary devices?
Yes. Figures of speech are a type of literary device used to enhance meaning and expression.
Why are figures of speech important for the SAT or ACT?
Recognizing figurative language can help students analyze tone, meaning, and author intent in reading passages; students who need broader test-prep support can also explore Pivot Tutors’ SAT and ACT tutoring
Students studying rhetorical analysis and literary techniques can also learn more about Pivot Tutors’ AP English Language tutoring and AP English Literature tutoring.
