THE ENGLISH FIGURES OF SPEECH

DEFINITION Figures of speech are literary devices or expressions used to convey meaning or effect by
departing from the usual or literal meaning of words. They add color, emphasis, clarity, and freshness to
language, often making communication more effective and interesting.

EXPLANATION Figures of speech are used in both spoken and written language to create images,
emphasize points, or express things in a more imaginative or vivid manner. They rely on imaginative
language and are key tools in poetry, prose, rhetoric, and everyday conversation.

DISCUSSION There are many types of figures of speech, each serving a unique purpose in enhancing
communication. Some of the most commonly used include simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole,
irony, oxymoron, onomatopoeia, alliteration, metonymy, synecdoche, and others. Below are
explanations and 20 examples of each of the most common figures of speech.

1. SIMILE Definition: A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words
like or as.

Examples:

1. He is as brave as a lion.

2. Her smile is like sunshine.

3. The boy ran like the wind.

4. She was as graceful as a swan.

5. The water sparkled like diamonds.

6. His words were sharp like a knife.

7. As cunning as a fox.

8. The child was as quiet as a mouse.

9. The car moved like a bullet.

10. Her eyes shone like stars.

11. The cake is as light as air.

12. He slept like a baby.

13. The girl is as strong as an ox.

14. His heart was as cold as ice.

15. She sings like a nightingale.

16. The student was as busy as a bee.

17. The floor was as slippery as ice.

18. The room was as hot as an oven.

19. He is as old as the hills.

20. She is as fresh as a daisy.

2. METAPHOR Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying
one thing is another.

Examples:

1. Time is money.

2. The classroom was a zoo.

3. He is a shining star.

4. The world is a stage.

5. Her voice is music to his ears.

6. The snow is a white blanket.

7. His words were pearls of wisdom.

8. The sun was a golden ball.

9. She has a heart of stone.

10. Life is a journey.

11. He has a lion’s heart.

12. The river was a silver ribbon.

13. His temper was a volcano.

14. She’s a night owl.

15. The city is a jungle.

16. He’s a walking dictionary.

17. Her skin was silk.

18. Their home was a prison.

19. His eyes were burning coals.

20. That idea is a dead end.

3. PERSONIFICATION Definition: Personification is a figure of speech in which non-human things are
given human characteristics.

Examples:

1. The wind whispered through the trees.

2. The sun smiled at us.

3. The clock stared at me.

4. The car coughed and spluttered.

5. The fire roared to life.

6. The flowers danced in the breeze.

7. Time marched on.

8. The leaves waved goodbye.

9. The storm attacked the town.

10. The river ran wild.

11. The moon played hide and seek.

12. The stars winked at me.

13. The phone screamed for attention.

14. The clouds cried all night.

15. The thunder grumbled in anger.

16. The rain tapped gently on the roof.

17. The wind sang a lonely song.

18. The trees whispered secrets.

19. The engine groaned in protest.

20. The lightning danced across the sky.

4. HYPERBOLE Definition: Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect, not meant
to be taken literally.

Examples:

1. I’ve told you a million times.

2. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

3. She cried a river.

4. He runs faster than lightning.

5. It’s raining cats and dogs.

6. This bag weighs a ton.

7. I was dying of laughter.

8. My feet are killing me.

9. He is older than the hills.

10. The whole world was watching.

11. That joke is so old, the dinosaurs heard it.

12. She has a brain the size of a pea.

13. I’ve waited forever.

14. You snore louder than a freight train.

15. That test was the easiest thing in the universe.

16. I have a mountain of homework.

17. He drinks like a fish.

18. Her smile was a mile wide.

19. I'm freezing to death.

20. He has a heart of gold.

5. IRONY Definition: Irony is a figure of speech where the intended meaning is different from the literal
meaning, often the opposite.

Examples:

1. A plumber's house has leaking pipes.

2. A fire station burns down.

3. The police station gets robbed.

4. The pilot is afraid of heights.

5. Saying "Lovely weather" during a storm.

6. A vegan working at a meat shop.

7. A traffic cop gets his license suspended for unpaid tickets.

8. A dentist with bad teeth.

9. A lifeguard drowns.

10. Posting a video on YouTube complaining how useless YouTube is.

11. The English teacher makes a spelling mistake.

12. A marriage counselor files for divorce.

13. A pilot crashes a flight simulator.

14. A chef eats fast food every day.

15. A fitness coach is out of shape.

16. Saying “What a pleasant surprise” when clearly annoyed.

17. Saying “Great job” after someone spills coffee.

18. A banker goes bankrupt.

19. A librarian who hates reading.

20. A doctor who is constantly sick.

Great! Here's the continuation:

6. OXYMORON Definition: An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite or contradictory

terms are combined to create a new meaning.

Examples:

1. Deafening silence

2. Bitter sweet

3. Living dead

4. Clearly confused

5. Seriously funny

6. Original copy
7. Open secret

8. Awfully good

9. Jumbo shrimp

10. Act naturally

11. Alone together

12. Small crowd

13. Only choice

14. Pretty ugly

15. True myth

16. Freezer burn

17. Passive aggression

18. Virtual reality

19. Exact estimate

20. Working vacation

7. ONOMATOPOEIA Definition: Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which a word imitates the natural
sound of a thing.

Examples:

1. Buzz

2. Hiss

3. Bang

4. Sizzle

5. Pop

6. Crackle

7. Murmur

8. Whirr

9. Whoosh
10. Clap

11. Moo

12. Meow

13. Chirp

14. Roar

15. Tick-tock

16. Sniff

17. Rattle

18. Slurp

19. Squeak

20. Thump

8. ALLITERATION Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a
sequence of words.

Examples:
1. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

2. Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

3. Big brown bears baked bread.

4. Larry’s lizard likes leaping.

5. The wild winds whipped wildly.

6. She silently slipped shoes on.

7. Freddy the frog flipped forward.

8. Cute cats climb carefully.

9. Greg gave green grapes.

10. The tall trees trembled.

11. Busy bees buzzed by.

12. Sam swiftly slid sideways.

13. Polly planted pretty petunias.

14. Happy hippos hop hastily.

15. Blue birds bellowed boldly.

16. Daring dogs danced daily.

17. Fast fish flip forward.

18. Tiny turtles trotted together.

19. Red roses rustled rapidly.

20. Smart snakes slither silently.

9. METONYMY Definition: Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by

the name of something closely associated with it.

Examples:

1. The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen = writing, Sword = force)

2. The crown will find an heir. (Crown = monarchy)

3. Hollywood is producing more remakes. (Hollywood = film industry)

4. The White House issued a statement. (White House = U.S. President)

5. He drank the whole bottle. (Bottle = its contents)

6. Wall Street is in panic. (Wall Street = financial markets)

7. The press is after him. (Press = journalists)

8. The suits walked into the boardroom. (Suits = business people)

9. The bench made a fair decision. (Bench = judges)

10. Let me give you a hand. (Hand = help)

11. The kitchen is busy tonight. (Kitchen = cooks)

12. The school called today. (School = administration)

13. He reads Shakespeare. (Shakespeare = works of Shakespeare)

14. The stage is calling her. (Stage = acting profession)

15. He has a Picasso in his living room. (Picasso = painting by Picasso)

16. She admires the Oval Office. (Oval Office = U.S. Presidency)

17. The kettle is boiling. (Kettle = water inside)

18. The throne is powerful. (Throne = monarch)

19. The Pentagon responded. (Pentagon = U.S. military leadership)

20. Congress passed the bill. (Congress = lawmakers)

10. SYNECDOCHE Definition: Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the
whole or vice versa.

Examples:

1. All hands on deck. (Hands = people)

2. He has many mouths to feed. (Mouths = people)

3. The sails are on the horizon. (Sails = ships)

4. Nice wheels! (Wheels = car)

5. The brains behind the project. (Brains = intelligent person)

6. The law caught up with him. (Law = police)

7. Lend me your ears. (Ears = attention)

8. The strings played beautifully. (Strings = string instruments)

9. The farm has ten head of cattle. (Head = cattle)

10. He got a new set of wheels. (Wheels = vehicle)

11. The world treated him unfairly. (World = people)

12. A pair of hands is needed. (Hands = worker)

13. The crown will not allow that. (Crown = monarch)

14. The suits are in a meeting. (Suits = businessmen)

15. The eyes watched in fear. (Eyes = people)

16. The city slept. (City = people of the city)

17. The house voted in favor. (House = representatives)

18. They counted twenty heads. (Heads = people)

19. The foot soldiers advanced. (Foot = infantry)

20. The wheels spun wildly. (Wheels = car)

11. PUN Definition: A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-
sounding words for a humorous or rhetorical effect.

Examples:

1. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

2. I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.

3. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

4. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.

5. The bicycle couldn’t stand on its own—it was two-tired.

6. I have a few jokes about unemployed people, but none of them work.

7. I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.

8. The man who survived pepper spray and mustard gas is now a seasoned veteran.

9. Writing with a broken pencil is pointless.

10. A chicken crossing the road is truly poultry in motion.

11. The calendar’s days are numbered.

12. He drove his expensive car into a tree and found out how the Mercedes bends.

13. I’m reading a book on the history of glue—can’t put it down.

14. The duck said to the bartender, "Put it on my bill."

15. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

16. I used to be a banker but I lost interest.

17. I’m glad I know sign language; it’s pretty handy.

18. Did you hear about the guy who got hit with a can of soda? He was lucky it was a soft drink.

19. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love, and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the
reception was excellent.

20. He had a photographic memory but never developed it.

12. EUPHEMISM Definition: Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one
considered to be too harsh or blunt.
Examples:

1. Passed away (instead of died)

2. Let go (instead of fired)

3. Economically disadvantaged (instead of poor)

4. Between jobs (instead of unemployed)

5. Use the restroom (instead of go to the toilet)

6. Correctional facility (instead of prison)

7. Senior citizen (instead of old person)

8. Pre-owned (instead of secondhand)

9. Ethnic cleansing (instead of genocide)

10. Visually impaired (instead of blind)

11. Powder room (instead of toilet)

12. Put to sleep (instead of euthanized)

13. Pregnancy termination (instead of abortion)

14. Sanitation worker (instead of garbage man)

15. Custodian (instead of janitor)

16. Collateral damage (instead of civilian deaths)

17. Downsize (instead of reduce workforce)

18. Let nature take its course (instead of die)

19. Mentally challenged (instead of mentally disabled)

20. Intimate apparel (instead of underwear)

13. PARADOX Definition: A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may
express a deeper truth.

Examples:

1. Less is more.

2. I know that I know nothing.

3. The beginning of the end.

4. This is the only rule: there are no rules.

5. I must be cruel to be kind.

6. The more you learn, the less you know.

7. I can resist anything except temptation.

8. The silence was deafening.

9. You must lose yourself to find yourself.

10. The more you give, the more you get.

11. This statement is false.

12. To bring peace, we must prepare for war.

13. I am a compulsive liar.

14. You have to spend money to make money.

15. He was a wise fool.

16. It’s the beginning of the end.

17. Freedom is slavery.

18. I always lie.

19. I’m nobody.

20. You shouldn't go near the water until you know how to swim.

14. APOSTROPHE Definition: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent
person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object.

Examples:

1. O death, where is thy sting?

2. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!

3. O grave, where is thy victory?

4. Welcome, O life!

5. O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?

6. Ah, Liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!

7. Time, thou must untangle this, not I.

8. Oh, cruel fate!

9. O mighty sword, defend me!

10. Come, gentle night; come, loving black-browed night.

11. O wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

12. O moon, shine your light on my sorrow.

13. Oh, my lost youth!

14. O Love, where have you gone?

15. Sing, Muse, of the rage of Achilles.

16. Sleep, sweet sleep, come and soothe my soul.

17. O heart, be strong!

18. Oh, sun, do not set so soon!

19. O Freedom, thou art dear!

20. O Conscience, how relentless thou art!

15. CLIMAX Definition: Climax is a figure of speech in which words, phrases, or clauses are arranged in
ascending order of importance.

Examples:

1. I came, I saw, I conquered.

2. He risked his reputation, his fortune, and even his life.

3. Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!

4. She laughed, she cried, she screamed.

5. First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

6. I struggled, I survived, I succeeded.

7. It’s a scratch, a break, a total wreck.

8. We need food, shelter, and love.

9. He is strong, he is brave, he is a hero.

10. They fought, they bled, they died.

11. She is kind, she is generous, she is noble.

12. He crawled, he walked, he ran.

13. The house was quiet, then a whisper, then a scream.

14. From a spark to a flame to a raging fire.

15. He begged, he pleaded, he wept.

16. I studied, I learned, I mastered.

17. I searched, I found, I conquered.

18. It started as a whisper, turned into a shout, then became a roar.

19. He endured hunger, pain, and despair.

20. I believed, I hoped, I achieved.

16. ANTI-CLIMAX Definition: Anti-climax is a figure of speech in which an idea is intentionally set up to
lead to a conclusion that is less important or dramatic than expected.

Examples:

1. He lost his job, his house, and then, to top it off, his keys.

2. The general gave a speech full of heroism, only to announce that the battle was postponed.

3. She prepared for the meeting all week, only to forget her notes.

4. He was a mighty warrior, a noble king, and a terrible cook.

5. They searched for treasure across the seven seas, only to find an old boot.

6. After running a marathon, I sat down and had a sandwich.

7. The battle raged on for hours, but they only lost a few pens and pencils.

8. She climbed the corporate ladder, only to end up as the office secretary.

9. The mountain was climbed by many, only for the team to discover a flat plateau.

10. He fought for glory, only to receive a plaque for participation.

11. They were on a mission to save the world, but ended up fixing a broken door.
12. The hero returned to town after a great war, only to sit down for a quiet cup of tea.

13. The thunder rolled, the lightning cracked, and then it started raining lightly.

14. They built an empire, only to lose it over a penny.

15. She prepared for a grand concert, only to play a simple tune.

16. The wizard cast a powerful spell, only to turn a frog into a newt.

17. They searched for hidden riches, only to find an empty chest.

18. After a long day of work, I watched a TV show about nothing.

19. He conquered kingdoms, only to return to a very ordinary home.

20. The storm raged for days, only to turn into a soft drizzle.

17. IRONY Definition: Irony is a figure of speech in which there is a contrast between appearance and
reality, often producing a humorous or poignant effect.

Examples:

1. A fire station burns down.

2. A police officer gets arrested for breaking the law.

3. The marriage counselor gets a divorce.

4. A pilot is afraid of heights.

5. A vegetarian eats a hamburger.

6. A lifeguard drowns while on duty.

7. A dentist who has bad teeth.

8. The teacher fails the exam she just gave to her students.

9. A traffic cop gets caught in a traffic jam.

10. A plumber's house has leaky pipes.

11. A man who loves to sing never gets a chance to perform.

12. The mechanic’s car is always in disrepair.

13. A fireman’s house burns down.

14. The librarian has a loud and obnoxious voice.

15. The weather forecast says "clear skies," and it pours rain all day.

16. An actor who hates the spotlight.

17. A chef who can’t cook.

18. A dog afraid of bones.

19. The country’s strongest man is afraid of weights.

20. A fashion designer who wears outdated clothes.

18. LITOTES Definition: Litotes is a figure of speech that uses negative understatement to emphasize a
point.

Examples:

1. He is not unkind.

2. She is not the worst singer in the choir.

3. It’s not bad.

4. I’m not unhappy with the results.

5. She’s not without talent.

6. It’s not impossible to finish by tomorrow.

7. He’s not entirely unhelpful.

8. That wasn’t the worst mistake I’ve made.

9. It’s not the end of the world.

10. I’m not completely satisfied with the work.

11. He’s not unfamiliar with the subject.

12. She’s not unattractive.

13. I’m not going to say that you’re wrong.

14. That’s not exactly the best solution.

15. It’s not the best idea in the world.

16. It’s not a bad idea.

17. I’m not too upset about it.

18. It’s not the worst situation we’ve faced.

19. He’s not a stranger to hard work.

20. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible.

19. HYPERBATON Definition: Hyperbaton is a figure of speech where the normal order of words is
inverted or rearranged for emphasis.

Examples:

1. "Powerful you have become" (Yoda from Star Wars).

2. "Into the water, we went."

3. "This I must see!"

4. "The night is dark and full of terrors."

5. "A great city is New York."

6. "For me, a king's love would mean nothing."

7. "The dreams I have for you, how they soar."

8. "A tale of woe, this is."

9. "Of my own country, I dream."

10. "A sword, she carries."

11. "Nothing will be forgotten."

12. "Full of life, the garden was."

13. "With much sadness, he walked away."

14. "A wonderful surprise, it was!"

15. "To the mountain, we climbed."

16. "Happy, the dog was, when I returned home."

17. "Great things, we can achieve."

18. "Good friends, you are to me."

19. "Against the rules, it was."

20. "Such a feeling, I have never known."

20. PLEONASM Definition: Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, often
for emphasis or clarity.

Examples:

1. Free gift

2. True fact

3. Advance planning

4. End result

5. Close proximity

6. I saw it with my own eyes.

7. A round circle

8. Completely finished

9. A new beginning

10. Absolutely necessary

11. I’ll return back.

12. Wet water

13. Past history

14. Future plans

15. A total loss

16. Revert back

17. Joint collaboration

18. Each and every one

19. Final conclusion

20. Add in moreTHE ENGLISH FIGURES OF SPEECH

DEFINITION Figures of speech are literary devices or expressions used to convey meaning or effect by
departing from the usual or literal meaning of words. They add color, emphasis, clarity, and freshness to
language, often making communication more effective and interesting.

EXPLANATION Figures of speech are used in both spoken and written language to create images,
emphasize points, or express things in a more imaginative or vivid manner. They rely on imaginative
language and are key tools in poetry, prose, rhetoric, and everyday conversation.
DISCUSSION There are many types of figures of speech, each serving a unique purpose in enhancing
communication. Some of the most commonly used include simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole,
irony, oxymoron, onomatopoeia, alliteration, metonymy, synecdoche, and others. Below are
explanations and 20 examples of each of the most common figures of speech.

1. SIMILE Definition: A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words
like or as.

Examples:

1. He is as brave as a lion.

2. Her smile is like sunshine.

3. The boy ran like the wind.

4. She was as graceful as a swan.

5. The water sparkled like diamonds.

6. His words were sharp like a knife.

7. As cunning as a fox.

8. The child was as quiet as a mouse.

9. The car moved like a bullet.

10. Her eyes shone like stars.

11. The cake is as light as air.

12. He slept like a baby.

13. The girl is as strong as an ox.

14. His heart was as cold as ice.

15. She sings like a nightingale.

16. The student was as busy as a bee.

17. The floor was as slippery as ice.

18. The room was as hot as an oven.

19. He is as old as the hills.

20. She is as fresh as a daisy.

2. METAPHOR Definition: A metaphor is a figure of speech that compares two unlike things by saying
one thing is another.
Examples:

1. Time is money.

2. The classroom was a zoo.

3. He is a shining star.

4. The world is a stage.

5. Her voice is music to his ears.

6. The snow is a white blanket.

7. His words were pearls of wisdom.

8. The sun was a golden ball.

9. She has a heart of stone.

10. Life is a journey.

11. He has a lion’s heart.

12. The river was a silver ribbon.

13. His temper was a volcano.

14. She’s a night owl.

15. The city is a jungle.

16. He’s a walking dictionary.

17. Her skin was silk.

18. Their home was a prison.

19. His eyes were burning coals.

20. That idea is a dead end.

3. PERSONIFICATION Definition: Personification is a figure of speech in which non-human things are

given human characteristics.

Examples:

1. The wind whispered through the trees.

2. The sun smiled at us.

3. The clock stared at me.

4. The car coughed and spluttered.

5. The fire roared to life.

6. The flowers danced in the breeze.

7. Time marched on.

8. The leaves waved goodbye.

9. The storm attacked the town.

10. The river ran wild.

11. The moon played hide and seek.

12. The stars winked at me.

13. The phone screamed for attention.

14. The clouds cried all night.

15. The thunder grumbled in anger.

16. The rain tapped gently on the roof.

17. The wind sang a lonely song.

18. The trees whispered secrets.

19. The engine groaned in protest.

20. The lightning danced across the sky.

4. HYPERBOLE Definition: Hyperbole is an exaggerated statement used for emphasis or effect, not meant
to be taken literally.

Examples:

1. I’ve told you a million times.

2. I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.

3. She cried a river.

4. He runs faster than lightning.

5. It’s raining cats and dogs.

6. This bag weighs a ton.

7. I was dying of laughter.

8. My feet are killing me.

9. He is older than the hills.

10. The whole world was watching.

11. That joke is so old, the dinosaurs heard it.

12. She has a brain the size of a pea.

13. I’ve waited forever.

14. You snore louder than a freight train.

15. That test was the easiest thing in the universe.

16. I have a mountain of homework.

17. He drinks like a fish.

18. Her smile was a mile wide.

19. I'm freezing to death.

20. He has a heart of gold.

5. IRONY Definition: Irony is a figure of speech where the intended meaning is different from the literal
meaning, often the opposite.

Examples:

1. A plumber's house has leaking pipes.

2. A fire station burns down.

3. The police station gets robbed.

4. The pilot is afraid of heights.

5. Saying "Lovely weather" during a storm.

6. A vegan working at a meat shop.

7. A traffic cop gets his license suspended for unpaid tickets.

8. A dentist with bad teeth.

9. A lifeguard drowns.

10. Posting a video on YouTube complaining how useless YouTube is.

11. The English teacher makes a spelling mistake.

12. A marriage counselor files for divorce.

13. A pilot crashes a flight simulator.

14. A chef eats fast food every day.

15. A fitness coach is out of shape.

16. Saying “What a pleasant surprise” when clearly annoyed.

17. Saying “Great job” after someone spills coffee.

18. A banker goes bankrupt.

19. A librarian who hates reading.

20. A doctor who is constantly sick.

Great! Here's the continuation:

6. OXYMORON Definition: An oxymoron is a figure of speech in which two opposite or contradictory

terms are combined to create a new meaning.

Examples:

1. Deafening silence

2. Bitter sweet

3. Living dead

4. Clearly confused

5. Seriously funny

6. Original copy

7. Open secret

8. Awfully good

9. Jumbo shrimp

10. Act naturally

11. Alone together

12. Small crowd

13. Only choice

14. Pretty ugly

15. True myth

16. Freezer burn

17. Passive aggression

18. Virtual reality

19. Exact estimate

20. Working vacation

7. ONOMATOPOEIA Definition: Onomatopoeia is a figure of speech in which a word imitates the natural
sound of a thing.

Examples:
1. Buzz

2. Hiss

3. Bang

4. Sizzle

5. Pop

6. Crackle

7. Murmur

8. Whirr

9. Whoosh

10. Clap

11. Moo

12. Meow

13. Chirp
14. Roar

15. Tick-tock

16. Sniff

17. Rattle

18. Slurp

19. Squeak

20. Thump

8. ALLITERATION Definition: Alliteration is the repetition of the same initial consonant sounds in a
sequence of words.

Examples:

1. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.

2. Sally sells seashells by the seashore.

3. Big brown bears baked bread.

4. Larry’s lizard likes leaping.

5. The wild winds whipped wildly.

6. She silently slipped shoes on.

7. Freddy the frog flipped forward.

8. Cute cats climb carefully.

9. Greg gave green grapes.

10. The tall trees trembled.

11. Busy bees buzzed by.

12. Sam swiftly slid sideways.

13. Polly planted pretty petunias.

14. Happy hippos hop hastily.

15. Blue birds bellowed boldly.

16. Daring dogs danced daily.

17. Fast fish flip forward.

18. Tiny turtles trotted together.

19. Red roses rustled rapidly.

20. Smart snakes slither silently.

9. METONYMY Definition: Metonymy is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by

the name of something closely associated with it.

Examples:

1. The pen is mightier than the sword. (Pen = writing, Sword = force)

2. The crown will find an heir. (Crown = monarchy)

3. Hollywood is producing more remakes. (Hollywood = film industry)

4. The White House issued a statement. (White House = U.S. President)

5. He drank the whole bottle. (Bottle = its contents)

6. Wall Street is in panic. (Wall Street = financial markets)

7. The press is after him. (Press = journalists)

8. The suits walked into the boardroom. (Suits = business people)

9. The bench made a fair decision. (Bench = judges)

10. Let me give you a hand. (Hand = help)

11. The kitchen is busy tonight. (Kitchen = cooks)

12. The school called today. (School = administration)

13. He reads Shakespeare. (Shakespeare = works of Shakespeare)

14. The stage is calling her. (Stage = acting profession)

15. He has a Picasso in his living room. (Picasso = painting by Picasso)

16. She admires the Oval Office. (Oval Office = U.S. Presidency)

17. The kettle is boiling. (Kettle = water inside)

18. The throne is powerful. (Throne = monarch)

19. The Pentagon responded. (Pentagon = U.S. military leadership)

20. Congress passed the bill. (Congress = lawmakers)

10. SYNECDOCHE Definition: Synecdoche is a figure of speech in which a part is made to represent the
whole or vice versa.

Examples:

1. All hands on deck. (Hands = people)

2. He has many mouths to feed. (Mouths = people)

3. The sails are on the horizon. (Sails = ships)

4. Nice wheels! (Wheels = car)

5. The brains behind the project. (Brains = intelligent person)

6. The law caught up with him. (Law = police)

7. Lend me your ears. (Ears = attention)

8. The strings played beautifully. (Strings = string instruments)

9. The farm has ten head of cattle. (Head = cattle)

10. He got a new set of wheels. (Wheels = vehicle)

11. The world treated him unfairly. (World = people)

12. A pair of hands is needed. (Hands = worker)

13. The crown will not allow that. (Crown = monarch)

14. The suits are in a meeting. (Suits = businessmen)

15. The eyes watched in fear. (Eyes = people)

16. The city slept. (City = people of the city)

17. The house voted in favor. (House = representatives)

18. They counted twenty heads. (Heads = people)

19. The foot soldiers advanced. (Foot = infantry)

20. The wheels spun wildly. (Wheels = car)

11. PUN Definition: A pun is a form of wordplay that exploits multiple meanings of a term or similar-
sounding words for a humorous or rhetorical effect.

Examples:
1. Time flies like an arrow. Fruit flies like a banana.

2. I used to be a baker, but I couldn’t make enough dough.

3. I wondered why the baseball was getting bigger. Then it hit me.

4. I’m reading a book about anti-gravity. It’s impossible to put down.

5. The bicycle couldn’t stand on its own—it was two-tired.

6. I have a few jokes about unemployed people, but none of them work.

7. I used to play piano by ear, but now I use my hands.

8. The man who survived pepper spray and mustard gas is now a seasoned veteran.

9. Writing with a broken pencil is pointless.

10. A chicken crossing the road is truly poultry in motion.

11. The calendar’s days are numbered.

12. He drove his expensive car into a tree and found out how the Mercedes bends.
13. I’m reading a book on the history of glue—can’t put it down.

14. The duck said to the bartender, "Put it on my bill."

15. No matter how much you push the envelope, it’ll still be stationery.

16. I used to be a banker but I lost interest.

17. I’m glad I know sign language; it’s pretty handy.

18. Did you hear about the guy who got hit with a can of soda? He was lucky it was a soft drink.

19. Two antennas met on a roof, fell in love, and got married. The ceremony wasn’t much, but the
reception was excellent.

20. He had a photographic memory but never developed it.

12. EUPHEMISM Definition: Euphemism is a mild or indirect word or expression used in place of one
considered to be too harsh or blunt.

Examples:

1. Passed away (instead of died)

2. Let go (instead of fired)

3. Economically disadvantaged (instead of poor)

4. Between jobs (instead of unemployed)

5. Use the restroom (instead of go to the toilet)

6. Correctional facility (instead of prison)

7. Senior citizen (instead of old person)

8. Pre-owned (instead of secondhand)

9. Ethnic cleansing (instead of genocide)

10. Visually impaired (instead of blind)

11. Powder room (instead of toilet)

12. Put to sleep (instead of euthanized)

13. Pregnancy termination (instead of abortion)

14. Sanitation worker (instead of garbage man)

15. Custodian (instead of janitor)

16. Collateral damage (instead of civilian deaths)

17. Downsize (instead of reduce workforce)

18. Let nature take its course (instead of die)

19. Mentally challenged (instead of mentally disabled)

20. Intimate apparel (instead of underwear)

13. PARADOX Definition: A paradox is a statement that seems self-contradictory or absurd but may
express a deeper truth.

Examples:

1. Less is more.

2. I know that I know nothing.

3. The beginning of the end.

4. This is the only rule: there are no rules.

5. I must be cruel to be kind.

6. The more you learn, the less you know.

7. I can resist anything except temptation.

8. The silence was deafening.

9. You must lose yourself to find yourself.

10. The more you give, the more you get.

11. This statement is false.

12. To bring peace, we must prepare for war.

13. I am a compulsive liar.

14. You have to spend money to make money.

15. He was a wise fool.

16. It’s the beginning of the end.

17. Freedom is slavery.

18. I always lie.

19. I’m nobody.

20. You shouldn't go near the water until you know how to swim.

14. APOSTROPHE Definition: Apostrophe is a figure of speech in which the speaker addresses an absent
person, an abstract idea, or an inanimate object.

Examples:

1. O death, where is thy sting?

2. Twinkle, twinkle, little star, how I wonder what you are!

3. O grave, where is thy victory?

4. Welcome, O life!

5. O Romeo, Romeo, wherefore art thou Romeo?

6. Ah, Liberty! What crimes are committed in thy name!

7. Time, thou must untangle this, not I.

8. Oh, cruel fate!

9. O mighty sword, defend me!

10. Come, gentle night; come, loving black-browed night.

11. O wind, if winter comes, can spring be far behind?

12. O moon, shine your light on my sorrow.

13. Oh, my lost youth!

14. O Love, where have you gone?

15. Sing, Muse, of the rage of Achilles.

16. Sleep, sweet sleep, come and soothe my soul.

17. O heart, be strong!

18. Oh, sun, do not set so soon!

19. O Freedom, thou art dear!

20. O Conscience, how relentless thou art!

15. CLIMAX Definition: Climax is a figure of speech in which words, phrases, or clauses are arranged in
ascending order of importance.
Examples:

1. I came, I saw, I conquered.

2. He risked his reputation, his fortune, and even his life.

3. Look! Up in the sky! It’s a bird! It’s a plane! It’s Superman!

4. She laughed, she cried, she screamed.

5. First they ignore you, then they laugh at you, then they fight you, then you win.

6. I struggled, I survived, I succeeded.

7. It’s a scratch, a break, a total wreck.

8. We need food, shelter, and love.

9. He is strong, he is brave, he is a hero.

10. They fought, they bled, they died.

11. She is kind, she is generous, she is noble.

12. He crawled, he walked, he ran.

13. The house was quiet, then a whisper, then a scream.

14. From a spark to a flame to a raging fire.

15. He begged, he pleaded, he wept.

16. I studied, I learned, I mastered.

17. I searched, I found, I conquered.

18. It started as a whisper, turned into a shout, then became a roar.

19. He endured hunger, pain, and despair.

20. I believed, I hoped, I achieved.

16. ANTI-CLIMAX Definition: Anti-climax is a figure of speech in which an idea is intentionally set up to
lead to a conclusion that is less important or dramatic than expected.

Examples:

1. He lost his job, his house, and then, to top it off, his keys.

2. The general gave a speech full of heroism, only to announce that the battle was postponed.
3. She prepared for the meeting all week, only to forget her notes.

4. He was a mighty warrior, a noble king, and a terrible cook.

5. They searched for treasure across the seven seas, only to find an old boot.

6. After running a marathon, I sat down and had a sandwich.

7. The battle raged on for hours, but they only lost a few pens and pencils.

8. She climbed the corporate ladder, only to end up as the office secretary.

9. The mountain was climbed by many, only for the team to discover a flat plateau.

10. He fought for glory, only to receive a plaque for participation.

11. They were on a mission to save the world, but ended up fixing a broken door.

12. The hero returned to town after a great war, only to sit down for a quiet cup of tea.

13. The thunder rolled, the lightning cracked, and then it started raining lightly.

14. They built an empire, only to lose it over a penny.

15. She prepared for a grand concert, only to play a simple tune.

16. The wizard cast a powerful spell, only to turn a frog into a newt.

17. They searched for hidden riches, only to find an empty chest.

18. After a long day of work, I watched a TV show about nothing.

19. He conquered kingdoms, only to return to a very ordinary home.

20. The storm raged for days, only to turn into a soft drizzle.

17. IRONY Definition: Irony is a figure of speech in which there is a contrast between appearance and
reality, often producing a humorous or poignant effect.

Examples:

1. A fire station burns down.

2. A police officer gets arrested for breaking the law.

3. The marriage counselor gets a divorce.

4. A pilot is afraid of heights.

5. A vegetarian eats a hamburger.

6. A lifeguard drowns while on duty.

7. A dentist who has bad teeth.

8. The teacher fails the exam she just gave to her students.

9. A traffic cop gets caught in a traffic jam.

10. A plumber's house has leaky pipes.

11. A man who loves to sing never gets a chance to perform.

12. The mechanic’s car is always in disrepair.

13. A fireman’s house burns down.

14. The librarian has a loud and obnoxious voice.

15. The weather forecast says "clear skies," and it pours rain all day.

16. An actor who hates the spotlight.

17. A chef who can’t cook.

18. A dog afraid of bones.

19. The country’s strongest man is afraid of weights.

20. A fashion designer who wears outdated clothes.

18. LITOTES Definition: Litotes is a figure of speech that uses negative understatement to emphasize a
point.

Examples:

1. He is not unkind.

2. She is not the worst singer in the choir.

3. It’s not bad.

4. I’m not unhappy with the results.

5. She’s not without talent.

6. It’s not impossible to finish by tomorrow.

7. He’s not entirely unhelpful.

8. That wasn’t the worst mistake I’ve made.

9. It’s not the end of the world.

10. I’m not completely satisfied with the work.

11. He’s not unfamiliar with the subject.

12. She’s not unattractive.

13. I’m not going to say that you’re wrong.

14. That’s not exactly the best solution.

15. It’s not the best idea in the world.

16. It’s not a bad idea.

17. I’m not too upset about it.

18. It’s not the worst situation we’ve faced.

19. He’s not a stranger to hard work.

20. I wouldn’t say it’s impossible.

19. HYPERBATON Definition: Hyperbaton is a figure of speech where the normal order of words is
inverted or rearranged for emphasis.

Examples:

1. "Powerful you have become" (Yoda from Star Wars).

2. "Into the water, we went."

3. "This I must see!"

4. "The night is dark and full of terrors."

5. "A great city is New York."

6. "For me, a king's love would mean nothing."

7. "The dreams I have for you, how they soar."

8. "A tale of woe, this is."

9. "Of my own country, I dream."

10. "A sword, she carries."

11. "Nothing will be forgotten."

12. "Full of life, the garden was."

13. "With much sadness, he walked away."

14. "A wonderful surprise, it was!"

15. "To the mountain, we climbed."

16. "Happy, the dog was, when I returned home."

17. "Great things, we can achieve."

18. "Good friends, you are to me."

19. "Against the rules, it was."

20. "Such a feeling, I have never known."

20. PLEONASM Definition: Pleonasm is the use of more words than necessary to convey meaning, often
for emphasis or clarity.

Examples:

1. Free gift
2. True fact

3. Advance planning

4. End result

5. Close proximity

6. I saw it with my own eyes.

7. A round circle

8. Completely finished

9. A new beginning

10. Absolutely necessary

11. I’ll return back.

12. Wet water

13. Past history

14. Future plans

15. A total loss

16. Revert back

17. Joint collaboration

18. Each and every one

19. Final conclusion

20. Add in more