Language Techniques Flashcards
(19 cards)
Simile
Creates a vivid imagery: helps reader picture or feel something more clearly
A comparison between two different things using “like” or “as” to highlight similarities.
“Her smile was as bright as the sun.”
Metaphor
Adds deeper meaning or symbolism: makes abstract ideas more powerful
A direct comparison between two unrelated things, stating one is the other.
“Time is a thief.”
Personification
Brings the setting or object to life: creates atmosphere or emotion
Attributing human characteristics to non-human objects or abstract concepts.
“The wind whispered through the trees.”
Hyperbole
Emphasises emotion, intensity or drama
Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally.
“I’m so hungry I could eat a horse.”
Oxymoron
A figure of speech in which apparently contradictory terms appear in conjunction.
“Deafening silence.”
Alliteration
Adds a rhythm, flow or emphasis: can create a mood (e.g. harsh or soft tone)
Repetition of the same consonant sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words.
“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
Assonance
Repetition of vowel sounds within nearby words.
“The early bird catches the worm.”
Onomatopoeia
Adds sensory details: helps the reader hear the action
Words that imitate the natural sounds associated with objects or actions they refer to.
“The bees buzzed in the garden.”
Antithesis
Placing two opposite ideas together to highlight contrasts.
“It was the best of times, it was the worst of times.”
Juxtaposition
Highlights differences, creates conflict or irony
Placing two elements side by side to highlight their contrasts.
“The bright city lights contrasted with the dark alleyways.”
Pathetic Fallacy
Symbolises emotions or foreshadow events
Attributing human emotions or feelings to nature or inanimate objects, often reflecting the mood of characters or events.
“The angry storm lashed against the windows, mirroring his fury.”
Colloquial Language
Informal language or slang used in everyday conversation.
“Gonna” instead of “going to.”
Euphemism
A mild or indirect word or expression substituted for one considered to be too harsh or blunt.
“Passed away” instead of “died.”
Emotive language
Semantic field
Adjectives (Descriptive Language)
Imperative (command)
Inclusive pronouns (We, us)
Exclusive pronouns (they, them)
Visual imagery
Auditory imagery
Olfactory imagery
Gustatory imagery
Tactile imagery
Kinesthetic imagery
