Types of Figures of Speech with Definitions and Examples
| Type | Definition | Example |
|---|---|---|
| Simile | Comparison using "like" or "as" | He is as brave as a lion. |
| Metaphor | Direct comparison, saying one thing is another | Life is a journey. |
| Personification | Giving human qualities to non-human things | The wind whispered softly. |
| Hyperbole | Extreme exaggeration | I've told you a million times! |
| Alliteration | Repetition of initial consonant sounds | Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers. |
| Onomatopoeia | Words that imitate sounds | The bees buzzed in the garden. |
| Oxymoron | Joining two opposite ideas | Bitter sweet memories. |
Figures of Speech Exercises with Answers
Figures of speech exercises help you practice identifying different types like simile, metaphor, or personification. These questions often appear in English exams and help in writing and comprehension skills, as seen in competitive tests and school assessments.
Types of Figures of Speech with Examples
The most common types you should know for exams include simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, alliteration, and onomatopoeia. Each type has its rule and use. Practice exercises help you recognise them in sentences and passages.
Examples for Each Type
- Simile: The child was as quick as lightning. (compares speed using "as")
- Metaphor: The classroom was a zoo. (compares by stating one is another)
- Personification: The flowers danced in the breeze. (gives flowers human action)
- Hyperbole: This bag weighs a ton. (extreme exaggeration)
- Alliteration: Silly Sally swiftly shooed seven silly sheep. (repeats 'S')
- Onomatopoeia: The glass shattered with a loud crash. (sound word: crash)
- Oxymoron: She ordered jumbo shrimp. (opposite words together)
How to Identify Figures of Speech in Sentences
To solve figures of speech exercises, look for clues like words of comparison ("like", "as"), person-like actions for things, or words that repeat sounds. With practice, you can quickly spot similes, metaphors, and others in any text or exam question.
Exercise 1 – Identify the Figure of Speech
- Her voice was music to my ears.
- He fought like a lion in the match.
- The sun smiled down on us.
- I’ve told you a thousand times.
- The leaves rustled and whispered secrets.
Answers: 1. Metaphor 2. Simile 3. Personification 4. Hyperbole 5. Personification
Exercise 2 – Multiple Choice (MCQ) Practice
- Which figure of speech is in this sentence: "The classroom was a zoo"?
- a) Metaphor
- b) Simile
- c) Alliteration
- d) Oxymoron
- The phrase "as busy as a bee" is a:
- a) Personification
- b) Simile
- c) Metaphor
- d) Hyperbole
Answers: 1. a) Metaphor (compares without like/as) 2. b) Simile (compares with "as")
Figures of Speech in Exams and Competitive Tests
Figures of speech questions are common in board exams, Olympiads, and competitive exams. Practicing them improves vocabulary, creative writing, and reading comprehension. At Vedantu, we provide targeted exercises to strengthen your understanding for all these purposes.
Tips to Score Well in Figures of Speech Questions
- Read the sentence twice before answering.
- Look for common keywords (like/as for simile, human action for personification).
- Practice different types regularly, not just simile and metaphor.
- Revise with sample papers and MCQ tests.
Download and Practice Figures of Speech Exercises
You can find more practice on figures of speech in our printable worksheets and PDF downloads. For detailed lessons, see our dedicated pages on Figure of Speech, Simile, Metaphor, Alliteration, and Personification.
Page Summary
Practicing figures of speech exercises is key for exam success and everyday English. Knowing types like simile, metaphor, hyperbole, and alliteration strengthens writing and comprehension. Use Vedantu’s resources to learn definitions, spot examples, and build exam confidence. Regular practice makes understanding and using figures of speech easy and fun.
