The Ultimate List of Figurative Language for Students

Similes, personification and hyperbole… There are so many types of figurative language for our students to learn, understand and use! Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a handy cheat sheet listing the most common types of figurative language, what each type is used for and a contextual example? You are in luck… such a resource DOES exist!

This two-page list is a student’s go-to resource for understanding and using the most common types of figurative language. Each entry includes the name of the device, a clear student-friendly definition and an example, making it simple for learners to understand how the device helps writers to paint vivid pictures, express emotions and strengthen their message.

The list contains the following types of figurative language:

• Imagery
• Simile
• Metaphor
• Personification
• Idiom
• Hyperbole
• Symbolism
• Allusion
• Analogy
• Oxymoron
• Euphemism

This list of figurative language with examples downloads as a printable PDF or editable Google Slides document. Whichever file you choose, this resource will ensure your students always have access to clear explanations and examples of figurative language devices when they need them most.

Classroom Uses for This List of Figurative Language Devices

A strong understanding of figurative language devices can help students become more thoughtful readers and more expressive writers. This resource can be incorporated into a variety of literacy activities to reinforce learning and encourage active engagement. Here are a few suggestions from our team to get you started:

Reading Activities

• Have students use the cheat sheet to help them identify figurative language devices while reading a shared text or class novel.
• Use the resource as a reference chart when discussing an author’s craft, such as the literary techniques and figurative language most commonly used.
• Challenge students to find real examples of different types of figurative language in short stories, poems or picture books.

Writing Activities

• Encourage students to include specific figurative language devices from the cheat sheet in narrative writing pieces.
• Have students select a specific type of figurative language from the list and create their own original examples.
• Model how figurative language can make writing more vivid and engaging by building paragraphs around the examples provided.

Download This List of Figurative Language and Definitions

Use the Download button above to access either the printable PDF or the editable Google Slides version of this list of figurative language and definitions. (Note: You will be prompted to make a copy of the Google Slides template on your personal drive before accessing it.)

Perfect for student notebooks, this resource makes a great starting point when it comes to exploring figurative language with your students.

Complement This Figurative Language List with More Great Resources

Teach Starter has more great resources to save you time when teaching figurative language to your class. Click below for some more curriculum-aligned, teacher-created activities!

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