Language features

Metaphor

A direct comparison saying one thing is another.

Simile

A comparison using “like” or “as”.

Personification

Giving human qualities to non-human things.

Imagery

Descriptive language that appeals to the senses.

Symbolism

An object image or action represents a deeper idea.

Repetition

Repeating words

Rhetorical question

A question asked to make the reader think not answer.

Emotive language

Words chosen to create a strong emotional response.

Juxtaposition

Placing contrasting ideas or images together.

Alliteration

Repetition of the same beginning consonant sound.

Assonance

Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.

Onomatopoeia

A word that imitates the sound it describes.

Hyperbole

Deliberate exaggeration for emphasis or effect.

Irony

A contrast between what is expected and what actually happens.

Contrast

Showing differences between two or more ideas.

Oxymoron

Two contradictory words placed together.

Tone

The writer’s attitude towards the subject.

Mood

The feeling or atmosphere created for the reader.

Diction / Word choice

The specific words a writer chooses to communicate an idea.

Semantic field

A group of words connected by a common topic or idea.

Register

The level or style of language used for a particular situation.

Colloquial language

Informal

Inclusive language

Language such as “we”

Imperative

A command or instruction.

Modal language

Words showing certainty

Short sentence

A brief sentence used for emphasis

Long sentence

An extended sentence used to develop ideas

Sentence fragment

An incomplete sentence used deliberately for emphasis or effect.

Punctuation

Marks such as ! ? … — used to control meaning

Parallelism

Repeating a similar grammatical structure for rhythm or emphasis.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of sentences or clauses.

Tricolon

Three words

Rule of three

Presenting three related ideas to make a point memorable and powerful.