Purposes of Figures of Speech

Alliteration

to create a memorable or melodic effect

Antithesis

to highlight contrast

Euphemism

change of word or phrase for the sake of sympathy or civility or soften the impact of sensitive subjects

Hyperbole

adds emphasis, urgency, or excitement to a statement.

Irony

highlights contrasts between appearance and truth or intention and outcome, creating a humorous, tragic, or thought-provoking effect

Metaphor

to create more vivid imagery or understanding

Metonymy

gives a writer more variability with descriptions, add a layered meaning, or give more concise descriptions

Onomatopoeia

to make the description more expressive and vivid

Simile

to give the reader a more vivid understanding of something

Understatement

to create a humorous or deadpan effect in writing

Parallel Structure

to create balance, clarity, and emphasis

Oxymoron

to create a unique and often surprising expression, drawing attention to the contrast between opposing ideas and adding depth, complexity, or humor

Synecdoche

to create vivid imagery and concise language by using a part to represent the whole or vice versa, enhancing the impact and memorability of writing