Ever notice how the right turn of phrase can make words sparkle? That’s the magic of figures of speech. They transform plain sentences into something memorable, funny, or even goosebump-worthy.
In this guide, we’ll break down what figures of speech are, why they matter, and share 30+ clear examples (from classics like metaphor and irony to clever antithesis) that show exactly how they work in everyday language and literature.
Figures of Speech vs. Rhetorical Devices vs. Literary Devices
It can be confusing to understand the exact difference between these three. So, let’s break it down.
Figures of Speech
- What they are: Specific ways of bending language to make it more expressive, imaginative, or memorable.
- Examples: Metaphor, simile, hyperbole, personification.
- Where you see them: Everyday conversations, poems, novels, ads.
Think of figures of speech as the individual tricks in the writer’s toolbox.
Rhetorical Devices
- What they are: Techniques used mainly in speeches, persuasion, or arguments to influence an audience.
- Examples: Rhetorical questions, repetition (like anaphora), appeals to emotion or logic.
- Where you see them: Political speeches, debates, TED Talks, essays.
Rhetorical devices are all about persuading and making language stick in people’s minds.
Literary Devices
- What they are: A big umbrella term for all the techniques writers use to tell stories and shape meaning.
- Examples: Plot, foreshadowing, irony, symbolism, imagery, AND (yes) figures of speech.
- Where you see them: Novels, short stories, plays, poems—basically, all of literature.
Literary devices are the whole playground of techniques, and figures of speech are just one part of it.
Quick way to remember it:
- Figures of speech = the spice (metaphor, simile, irony).
- Rhetorical devices = the strategy (persuade, emphasize, inspire).
- Literary devices = the whole kitchen (everything from plot to imagery to figures of speech).
What Are Figures of Speech?
Figures of speech are the little shortcuts that make language come alive. Instead of stating something in a flat, literal way, they let us bend the rules to make words stick in your mind. They’re the reason a joke lands, a poem lingers, or a speech gives you chills.
Think about it: saying “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse” is way more fun than simply saying “I’m very hungry.” That’s the whole point: figures of speech turn ordinary sentences into ones that carry emotion, humor, or power.
At the end of the day, they’re not just fancy writers’ tools; they’re part of how we all talk, argue, flirt, and tell stories.
Your Publishing Journey Awaits – Start NowHow Many Figures of Speech Are There?
Here’s the funny thing: there’s no single, official number. Some experts say there are about 30 main figures of speech, while others claim the list stretches well past a hundred. It really depends on how you group them and how picky you get with the categories.
But here’s the good news: you don’t need to memorize them all to understand how they work. Most of the time, just knowing the most common ones – like metaphor, simile, hyperbole, and antithesis – will give you plenty of tools to recognize (and use) figures of speech in everyday life.
Think of it like spices in a kitchen. There may be dozens out there, but mastering a handful can already make your cooking unforgettable. Language works the same way.
Types of Figures of Speech
Not all figures of speech do the same job. Some are meant to make you picture an idea more vividly, while others are designed to persuade, emphasize, or just make you smile. Broadly speaking, they fall into two camps:
- Tropes – These mess with the meaning of words. Think of metaphors, similes, irony, or hyperbole. They stretch or twist the meaning to add depth or surprise.
- Schemes – These play with the arrangement of words. Things like alliteration, repetition, or parallel structure. They make language sound musical, rhythmic, or more memorable.
Together, these types give writers and speakers endless ways to grab your attention. And the best part? You’ve probably used both tropes and schemes without even realizing it, whether cracking a joke, writing a text, or giving a pep talk.
30+ Figures of Speech with Examples
Here’s where the magic really happens. Let’s walk through some of the most common (and most powerful) figures of speech you’ll run into. Each one comes with a quick definition and an easy example you can actually picture.
1. Metaphor
Comparing two unrelated things by saying one is the other.
“Time is a thief.”
2. Simile
A comparison using “like” or “as.”
“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
3. Hyperbole
Exaggeration for effect.
“I’ve told you a million times.”
4. Personification
Giving human traits to non-human things.
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
5. Antithesis
Placing contrasting ideas side by side.
“Speech is silver, but silence is golden.”
6. Alliteration
Repetition of initial sounds.
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
7. Onomatopoeia
Words that sound like what they describe.
“The bacon sizzled in the pan.”
8. Oxymoron
Two opposite words paired together.
“Bittersweet memories.”
9. Pun
A play on words, often humorous.
“Time flies like an arrow; fruit flies like a banana.”
10. Apostrophe
Addressing someone or something that isn’t present.
“O Death, where is thy sting?”
11. Euphemism
A polite way of saying something harsh.
“Passed away” instead of “died.”
12. Synecdoche
Using a part to represent the whole.
“All hands on deck.”
13. Metonymy
Substituting one word for something closely related.
“The crown will decide.” (crown = king/queen)
14. Anaphora
Repetition at the beginning of sentences.
“We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds…”
15. Rhetorical Question
A question asked for effect, not an answer.
“Isn’t it a bit too late to start now?”
16. Irony
Saying the opposite of what is meant.
Calling a big dog “Tiny.”
17. Paradox
A statement that contradicts itself but holds truth.
“Less is more.”
18. Litotes
An understatement using negatives.
“Not bad” (meaning very good).
19. Allusion
A brief reference to something well-known.
“He’s a real Romeo with the ladies.”
20. Chiasmus
Reversing word order in parallel phrases.
“Ask not what your country can do for you—ask what you can do for your country.”
21. Climax
Arranging ideas in ascending order of importance.
“I came, I saw, I conquered.”
22. Anticlimax
A sudden drop in intensity for humor or irony.
“He lost his family, his fortune, and his car keys.”
23. Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds.
“The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.”
24. Consonance
Repetition of consonant sounds.
“The lumpy, bumpy road.”
25. Zeugma
One word applies to two others in different ways.
“She broke his car and his heart.”
26. Tautology
Redundant phrasing for emphasis.
“Free gift.”
27. Pleonasm
Using more words than necessary.
“I saw it with my own eyes.”
28. Anadiplosis
Repetition of the last word of a clause at the beginning of the next.
“Fear leads to anger. Anger leads to hate. Hate leads to suffering.”
29. Epistrophe
Repetition at the end of sentences.
“See no evil, hear no evil, speak no evil.”
30. Polyptoton
Repetition of the same root word in different forms.
“Choosy mothers choose Jif.”
31. Pun on Antithesis (bonus!)
Blending humor with contrast.
“I used to be indecisive, but now I’m not so sure.”
Why Figures of Speech Matter in Writing
So why bother with all these language tricks? Because figures of speech are what make writing stick. They turn plain statements into words that can inspire, persuade, or stay in someone’s head long after they’ve read them.
Think about some of the most famous lines in history: Shakespeare’s plays, Martin Luther King Jr.’s speeches, even catchy song lyrics. What do they all have in common? Figures of speech. They add rhythm, color, and personality, making ideas more powerful and easier to remember.
But here’s the real secret: you don’t need to be a poet or a public speaker to use them. We all lean on figures of speech every day. When we exaggerate a story, crack a pun, or describe a tough day as “a rollercoaster.” They’re not just literary flourishes; they’re part of how humans connect with each other through words.
Figures of speech are what keep language from being boring. Use them well, and your writing (and even your conversations) will have more punch, personality, and staying power.
Figures of Speech FAQ
Q: What are figures of speech?
Figures of speech are expressions where words are used in a non-literal way to create a stronger impact. Instead of simply stating facts, they bend the rules of language to make ideas more vivid, funny, or powerful. For example, saying “time is a thief” doesn’t mean time literally steals, it paints a picture of how quickly it slips away.
Q: Why are figures of speech important?
Without figures of speech, language would be flat and mechanical. They’re the spark that makes writing memorable, persuasive, and emotional. Speeches that inspire, poems that linger, and even everyday jokes often rely on them. They help us connect with others by turning plain statements into words that resonate.
Q: What are some figures of speech examples?
There are dozens of figures of speech, but a few common ones include:
Metaphor – “Life is a journey.”
Simile – “Her laugh was like music.”
Hyperbole – “I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
Antithesis – “Speech is silver, silence is golden.”
Each one works differently, but they all add color and meaning beyond the literal.
Q: How many figures of speech are there?
There’s no exact number. Some language experts group them into around 30–40 main types, while others break them down into over 100 variations. The number often depends on how narrowly or broadly you define them. What matters most is learning the common ones, you’ll encounter them everywhere in literature, speeches, and daily conversation.
Q: What is the definition of figures of speech?
The definition of a figure of speech is: a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to create a particular effect. It could be to exaggerate (hyperbole), to compare (simile, metaphor), or to emphasize contrast (antithesis). Essentially, it’s when language is stretched beyond its everyday meaning to achieve something more powerful.
Q: What is the difference between figures of speech, rhetorical devices, and literary devices?
Figures of speech are specific twists in wording (like metaphor or personification) that make writing expressive.
Rhetorical devices are strategies aimed at persuasion and emphasis (like repetition, rhetorical questions, or appeals to emotion).
Literary devices is the broadest category—it includes everything writers use to shape stories and meaning, from foreshadowing and symbolism to figures of speech themselves.
In short: figures of speech are the tools, rhetorical devices are the strategies, and literary devices are the entire toolbox.
Q: Where are figures of speech used?
Pretty much everywhere. Writers use them in novels and poems to create beauty and depth. Public speakers use them to inspire or persuade. Advertisers rely on them to make slogans catchy and memorable. And everyday people use them without even thinking about it—when we exaggerate, crack a pun, or describe a tough day as “a rollercoaster.”
Q: Can I use figures of speech in my own writing?
Definitely! Figures of speech aren’t just for poets or novelists. If you’re writing an essay, giving a presentation, or even drafting a social media caption, slipping in a metaphor, simile, or rhetorical question can make your words more engaging. The trick is not to overdo it—use them where they feel natural, and they’ll give your writing extra punch and personality.
