English Figures of Speech: Definition and examples

English figures of speech are used in literature to make texts more exciting and varied. They are also often used to convey a hidden message to the reader, to stimulate thought or simply to control the reading pace. To help you recognize the differences in figures of speech when reading English texts, we have compiled an overview of the most commonly used English literary devices below.

Depending on the form of the text, certain English figures of speech fit better. That is why we have differentiated between poems and factual texts for you and explain below which literary means of the English language you should look out for in the respective text type.

English figures of speeches in poetry

Metaphor: Metaphors are often used in poetry to vividly and concisely convey complex ideas.
Comparison (Simile): Comparisons are often used in poetry to reinforce emotional or visual impressions.
Personification: Personifications are often used in poetry to attribute human characteristics to inanimate objects and to evoke emotion.
Hyperbole: Hyperboles are often used in poetry to create strong expressions and exaggerations.
Symbol: Poems often use symbols to convey deeper, abstract meaning and to stimulate thought.
Anaphora: Repetition, such as the anaphora, can be used in poetry to create rhythmic patterns or to emphasize specific ideas.
Alliteration: The sonic effect of alliteration can be used in poetry to create a musical sound.
Onomatopoeia: Sounds and noises can be made more vivid in poetry through onomatopoeia.
Synesthesia: Poems that seek to create intense emotional imagery could use synesthesia to link different senses together.
Epanalepsis: The repetition of words or phrases at the beginning and end of a sentence can add emphasis or structure to poems.

English figures of speech in non-fiction texts

Irony: Nonfiction, especially fiction and essays, often uses irony to convey subtle criticism or humor.
Euphemism: Euphemisms are more common in non-fiction, especially formal texts, to soften awkward or harsh terms.
Juxtaposition: Non-fiction texts, particularly analytical or comparative texts, might use juxtaposition to emphasize contrasts between different concepts.
Paradox: In philosophical or argumentative factual texts, paradoxes can be used to represent profound thoughts or apparent contradictions.
Allegory: Non-fiction texts may use allegory to convey complex ideas or political messages.
Innuendo:In factual texts, allusions could be used to refer to other works, historical events, or cultural aspects.
Acceleration: In factual texts, acceleration can be used to increase tension or focus.

Please note that this list is not strict and that idioms typical of poetry may appear in non-fiction. This list is only intended to give you a better feel for the different types of text. Authors use the English stylistic devices depending on the intentions and desired intentions in the text.

To help you understand English figures of speech, we give you three examples of each literary device. They should help you to use figures of speech in your own texts and to find and explain them in your text analyses.