6 Types of Figurative Language for Better Writing

6 Types of Figurative Language for Better Writing 6 Types of Figurative Language for Better Writing Figurative language,  such as metaphors and personification, deviates from the literal meaning of words for the sake of more interesting writing. It  evokes comparison, heightens emphasis,  and clarifies a new way of stating an idea or description. The term figuratively speaking derives from figurative language, just as literally speaking means something that actually happened. As a fiction writer, you probably already use figurative language in your stories and novels. The six main types of figurative language are used for different purposes, and understanding their strengths helps you to use each of them  to their greatest possible effect. Examples follow each explanation.   01Simile   duncan1890  / Getty Images   A pun is a form of wordplay that takes advantage of words that have similar pronunciations or multiple meanings. Samuel Johnson,  a witty and renowned British literary figure of the 18th century, called puns the lowest form of humor, while director Alfred Hitchcock praised them as the highest form of literature. Whether you find them tacky,  inelegant, or wildly amusing, puns are everywhere. When used sparingly, they can add whimsy and wit to your stories. Shakespeare is the undisputed master of the literary pun.“Now is the winter of our discontent made glorious summer by this sun of York.” - William Shakespeare, Richard IIIA little more than kin, and less than kind. - William Shakespeare, Hamlet