Learn: English 101 - Language Features

Simile

An image which

compares two things

using like or as

Metaphor

An image which

compares two

things without

using like or as

Personification

An image which gives human qualities to non-human things

Symbolism

Use of an object (concrete

noun) to represent some

emotion or belief system

or other abstract noun

Euphemism

Use of a less

objectionable or

harsh expression to

avoid upsetting or

offending people

Onomatopoeia

Words sound like

their meaning.

Alliteration

Repetition of the

same consonant

sound at the

beginning of words

- usually close in

succession.

Assonance

Vowel sounds are

repeated at the

beginning or

middle of nearby

words.

Repetition

Repeating the same

or nearly the same

words for effect.

Rhetorical Question

A question that

does not expect an

answer from the

reader or audience

Imperatives

This is the

verb/command used

alone (without a

noun or pronoun).

Can be used with

adverbs or other

word classes.

Listing

Objects/reasons/pa

rts of a whole, etc.

are listed - in text,

usually with

commas separating

them

Emotive Language

Choice of words

which are intended

to evoke an

emotional response

in the reader

Colloquialism

Words that are

informal, or

everyday use. Often

shortened words.

Personal Pronouns

Words like we, us,

I, they, you,

everyone, no-one

(exclusive pronoun)

Positive/Negative Connotations

Words that we

associate feelings

with.

Hyperbole

Deliberate

exaggeration

Analogy

Compares two

distinct, often

unrelated things, to

explain a complex

idea by relating it to

something familiar.

Jargon

Technical words/words specified to a particular profession or group that may be difficult for outsiders to understand

Imagery

Uses descriptive language to create vivid mental pictures, appealing to the senses

Juxtaposition

the placement of two or more contrasting elements side by side to highlight their differences, often used to enhance meaning or create a specific effect.