Figures of Speech and Literary Devices

Writers use figures of speech and literary devices to make their writing more interesting, more concise, more musical, and more emotional. Some of the more commonly used forms of figures of speech and literary devices are mentioned here.

Metaphor

Metaphors are comparisons between two things. The words “like” or “as” are not used. Writers use metaphors to create a detailed image for the reader. Readers are able to get vivid mental images without having to read a long description.

the years roll by

Similes

Similes are comparisons between two things. The words like or “as” are used. Writers use similes to create a detailed image for the reader. Readers are able to get vivid mental images without having to read a long description.

“I wondered lonely as a cloud.”
William Woodsworth

“Float like a butterfly, sting like a bee.”
Mohammed Ali