EnglishLanguage Techniques
Alliteration
Definition
A repetition of sounds that are similarAre generally consonants and will appear at the beginning of words
Example
The sun sizzled softly in the afternoonThe waves washed wistfully against the shoresThe parched pavement peeled in the hot summer sun
Analogy
Definition
Is a comparison where an idea or a thing is compared to another thing that is quite different from itAims at explaining that idea or thing by comparing it to something that is familiar
Example
How a doctor diagnoses diseases is like how a detective investigates crimesYou are as annoying as nails on a chalkboardJust as a caterpillar comes out of its cocoon, so we must come out of our comfort zone
Cliché
Definition
You may have heard someone say a cliché beforeAre a technique of expressionPeople are able to get the gist of its meaning
Example
In the nick of timeLasted an eternityFrightened to deathWaking up on the wrong side of the bedAll is well that ends wellEvery cloud has a silver lining
Colloquialism
Definition
Vary from region to regionUsed in informal language
Example
To bamboozleWannaGonnaY’allGo nuts
Emotive language
Definition
Relate to or refer to emotionsAdjectives and adverbs are often used
Example
I am veryhappythat you decided to comeDrinkCoco-Cola, you’llloveitThisghastlyidea must be stoppedThe girl was skippingjoyfully
Hyperbole
Definition
Use of exaggeration or overstating in order to get a point acrossUsed for dramatic effect
Example
“I have told you a million times!”“My feet are killing me!”“worked my fingers to the bone!”“was dying to see”
Imperative
Definition
Theimperativeis a grammatical mood that forms commands or requests, including the giving of prohibition or permission, or any other kind of advice or exhortation.
Example
Please be quietStand up straightTake that chewing gum out of your mouth
Metaphor
Definition
Used to compare two like things without using ‘like’ or ‘as’A metaphor is there to make an even stronger image in the reader's head by describing a place, subject or object as somethingunlikely
Example
Hewas a speedingbulletA sea oftroubleDrowning indebtThe world is your oyster
Onomatopoeia
Definition
A word that imitates or suggests the source of the sound it describesIt is common with animal sounds but has expanded to sounds made by other sources
Example
Jameswhackedthe cricket ballBees werebuzzingaround the gardenJaneybounced around on the pogo stick –boing, boing, boing
Oxymoron
Definition
Two words that are close together that contradict each otherShows contrast
Example
Same differenceSmart foolAwfully prettyLiquid gasOriginal copiesSeriously funny
Personification
Definition
Uses human characteristics to describe things that are not human, such as: animals, ideas or objectsGives a more detailed image in the mind of the reader
Example
My flowers were begging for water.The ivy wove its fingers around the fence.The thunder was grumbling like it was angry.Hail pounded the houses and streets.The cactus saluted those who drove past.
Rhetorical questions
Definition
Questions where an answer is not expectedUsually questions that make a responder think about a point, or question that is so obvious
Example
Does a fish have lips?How am I supposed to live without you?Are you for real?
Simile
Definition
Figure of speech that makes a comparisonShows similarities between two different thingsUses word “like” or “as”
Example
He is as funny as a monkeyOur soldiers are as brave as lionsHer cheeks are red like a roseHe is as cunning as a foxJohn is as slow as a snail
Superlatives
Definition
A superlative is used to indicate an extreme or unsurpassed level of emotions, association, or hatred for an object or a person or even an event.Used by adding ‘est’ to an adjective
Example
My cousin is the tallest among thegiantsMy car is the fastest we’ve ever had
“My Home…”
Write a 150/200 wordarticleabout your home town. Include as many of the language techniques you have learned today as you can. 2 points for every technique (underline them please). Maximum – 28 points.
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