What Is Figurative Language?
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What Is Figurative Language?
Figurative language is when writers use words in non-literal ways.
Instead of using words that mean exactly what they say, writers sometimes use figurative language to create deeper ideas, pictures, or feelings.
Figurative language helps make writing more vivid and meaningful.
This page explains what figurative language means and how to write about it in exams.
- Figurative language uses imaginative meanings rather than literal meanings.
- Writers use techniques such as similes or metaphors.
- It helps create imagery, emotion, and deeper meaning.
1) What does “literal” mean?
Literal means the exact and direct meaning of words.
“The classroom was noisy” is literal.
Figurative language is different because the words are used imaginatively.
For example, “the classroom was a zoo” uses figurative language to describe the noisy classroom, it does not literally mean animals are inside the classroom.
2) What does “figurative language” mean?
Figurative language is language that is not meant to be understood literally (literally means in a literal way).
The writer uses comparisons, descriptions, or imaginative ideas to create meaning.
In short, figurative language says something in a creative way.
3) How do these ideas work together?
Writers often combine literal description with figurative language.
Figurative language adds extra meaning, emotion, or imagery to a description.
This means the language shapes both meaning and reader interpretation.
4) A simple example
“The sun smiled down on the playground.”
This uses figurative language because the sun cannot smile.
“The sun shining” would be literal because the sun can shine.
“The sun smiled” is figurative.
The figurative language “smiled” helps describe the sun as bright and warm.
5) How figurative language can appear in texts
Figurative language can appear in several ways.
- through similes (“as cold as ice”)
- through metaphors (“the air smelled of danger”)
- through exaggeration (“I’ve told you a million times”)
Writers use different figurative techniques to shape meaning and mood.
6) How writers use figurative language
Writers use figurative language to:
- create vivid imagery
- develop mood or atmosphere
- express emotions or ideas
- make descriptions more memorable
Figurative language helps bring writing to life for the reader.
7) What to look for when asked about figurative language
When analysing figurative language, look for:
- language that is not meant literally
- the ideas or emotions created
- how the figurative language shapes meaning
Ask: what deeper idea or feeling does this figurative language create?
8) Why figurative language matters
Figurative language matters because it helps the reader understand ideas in more vivid and memorable ways.
It can influence:
- the mood or atmosphere
- the emotional impact of the writing
- how characters or settings are understood
- how meaning is interpreted
Figurative language can create stronger and more imaginative reader responses.
9) A useful comparison
| Type of language | What it does | Possible effect on the reader |
|---|---|---|
| Literal language | Means exactly what it says | Clear understanding |
| Figurative language | Creates imaginative meaning | Stronger imagery and emotion |
Different types of language create different effects for the reader.
10) A common mistake to avoid when asked about figurative language
A common mistake is to only say it uses figurative language.
For higher marks, you should also:
- use a short quotation (evidence)
- explain why it is figurative
- explain how this shapes meaning
- explain the effect on the reader
11) In one sentence
Figurative language is not literal, it uses imaginative language to create deeper ideas, imagery, and emotion.
12) How to write about figurative language
1. Identify the figurative language.
2. Use a short quotation from the text (evidence).
3. Explain why it is figurative.
4. Explain how this shapes meaning.
5. Explain the effect on the reader.
13) An example of how to structure an answer
Example answer structure.
The writer ____ using “____”. This suggests that ____. This shapes meaning ____. This affects the reader ____.
How the steps in section 12 match the example answer structure:
1. Identify the figurative language. → The example answer structure starts with "The writer" and then you insert words that answer the specific question. See the example question and answers below.
2. Use a short quotation from the text (evidence). → using “____”
3. Explain what this figurative language suggests. → This suggests that ____
4. Explain how this shapes meaning. → This shapes meaning ____
5. Explain the effect on the reader. → This affects the reader ____
Example Question: How does the writer use figurative language in the following extract?
The playground was a furnace in the midday heat.
All example answers below are correct and use the example answer structure above.
In the first answer below, the example answer structure words are bold so you can see them more clearly.
Example correct answer:
The writer uses figurative language to describe the heat of the playground using “playground was a furnace”. This suggests that the playground is extremely hot. This shapes meaning by showing the heat is intense. This affects the reader by making the reader picture the hot playground.
(The answer below uses the exact same wording as the first answer above. The word ‘because’ is then used to add more analysis to each sentence and develop the answer.)
Example correct answer:
The writer uses figurative language to describe the heat of the playground using “playground was a furnace”. This suggests that the playground is extremely hot because a furnace is very hot. This shapes meaning by showing the heat is intense because the comparison exaggerates it. This affects the reader by making the reader picture the hot playground because the comparison creates a clear image.
(Below is a different way to develop your answer while still using the example answer structure.)
Example correct answer:
The writer uses figurative language to describe the heat of the playground using “playground was a furnace”, which compares the playground to a place associated with extreme heat. This suggests that the playground is extremely hot, as the metaphor exaggerates the intensity of the midday heat. This shapes meaning by showing the heat is intense, with the furnace comparison making the conditions seem almost unbearable. This affects the reader by making the reader picture the hot playground and imagine the powerful heat of the scene.
Here is another way a question about figurative language might be worded. You can still use the example answer structure above to answer this question:
- How does the writer create figurative language in the following extract?
Practice task: Try questions 14 and 15 yourself
14) How does the writer use figurative language in the following extract?
The playground was a freezer in the icy winter wind.
15) How does the writer create figurative language in the following extract?
The classroom was a volcano of noise as loud voices boomed around the room while books and papers flew across the desks like birds in a storm.
This page is designed as a guide for students studying GCSE English (England), National 5 (Scotland), and equivalent qualifications internationally. It may be used in classrooms or for independent revision.