Read Lovely Books
Of course, your writing needs to be easily understood by the reader, but it’s crucial that
Figures of speech can dramatically improve your storytelling, strengthen your voice, and help highlight your point or
When crafting figures of speech into your writing, it’s important to first know what exactly a
Which figure of speech you choose to use will often depend on the tone of your story
However, if you’re writing dystopia, too many puns will likely take away the credibility of your
Choosing which figures of speech are best for your story is essential
And using figures of speech at the appropriate times are the secret to helping them support your
Figures of speech are meant to bring power to a story, not stand out in and of
This will help ensure you have a good understanding of the definitions, as well as give you
Use them sparingly, on purpose, and don’t use them in a way that draws attention to
Definitiona: The repetition of usually initial consonant sounds in two or more neighboring words or syllables (such
Definition: An implied or indirect reference especially in literature
Definition: Repetition of a word or expression at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, sentences, or verses
Definition: The usually sudden transition in discourse from a significant idea to a trivial or ludicrous idea
Definition: The usually ironic or humorous use of words in senses opposite to the generally accepted meanings
Example: The 6th grade boy measured at the incredibly short height of 5’ 11”
Example: “Action, not words” or “they promised freedom and provided slavery
Definition: The use of a grammatical substitute (such as a pronoun) that has the same reference as
Example: After she bought the groceries, the girl left the store
Definition: An inverted relationship between the syntactic elements of parallel phrases (as in Goldsmith’s to stop
Definition: The omission of one or more words that are obviously understood but that must be supplied
Definition: The substitution of an agreeable or inoffensive expression for one that may offend or suggest something
Example: “He is no longer with us,” instead of, “He died
Definition: The use of words to express something other than and especially the opposite of the literal
Definition: A figure of speech in which a word or phrase literally denoting one kind of object
Definition: A combination of contradictory or incongruous words (such as cruel kindness)
Definition: A statement that is seemingly contradictory or opposed to common sense and yet is perhaps true
Example: Nobody goes to the cafe anymore because it’s always packed with people
Definition: The usually humorous use of a word in such a way as to suggest two or
Definition: Needless repetition of an idea, statement, or word
Example: “First and foremost,” “In my opinion I think,” “He walked through the open door
Definition: A statement that represents something as smaller or less intense, or less important than it really
Once you have a general understanding of them, you can use them well
However, knowing what they are and how to use them is helpful
For instance, if you use a tautology and don’t realize it, you may appear redundant
Saying, “I’m a new student who just started here” is a tautology
To avoid this redundancy, simply cut one of the two information pieces
Certain metaphors can appear to lack awareness if used in specific circumstances
Litotes might be helpful to use with a reserved character or to communicate an unwillingness to give
For instance, if you’re writing a YA story focused on a boy trying to earn his
” That sounds much more in character than, “You played well today, son
As you study figures of speech and incorporate them into your writing, remember to have fun with
The verbiage you choose to communicate with is powerful, but it’s also enjoyable