Figure of speech or rhetorical figure is figurative language in the form of a

single word or phrase. It can be a special repetition, arrangement or omission of words

with literal meaning, or a phrase with a specialized meaning not based on the literal
meaning of the words. Figures of speech often provide emphasis, freshness of
expression, or clarity. However, clarity may also suffer from their use, as figures of
speech can introduce an ambiguity between literal and figurative interpretation
 Simile- is a figure of speech that makes a comparison, showing similarities
between two different things. Unlike a metaphor, a simile draws resemblance
with the help of the words “like” or “as.” Therefore, it is a direct comparison.
Example:As big as an elephant.

 Metaphor-is a figure of speech that, for rhetorical effect, directly refers to one
thing by mentioning another. It may provide clarity or identify hidden similarities
between two ideas.
Examples: Her tears were a river flowing down her cheeks.

 Personification- is a figure of speech where human qualities are given

to objects or ideas.
Examples: Lightning danced across the sky.

 Metonymy - is a figure of speech in which a thing or concept is referred to by the

name of something closely associated with that thing or concept
Examples: The pen is mightier than the sword
"Pen" stands for "the written word."
"Sword" stands for "military aggression."

 Synecdoche-is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that refers to a part

of something is substituted to stand in for the whole, or vice versa.
 Onomatopoeia -is the use of words (such as hiss or murmur) that imitate the
sounds associated with the objects or actions they refer to.
 Hyperbole- is the use of exaggeration as a rhetorical device or figure of speech.
It may be used to evoke strong feelings or to create a strong impression, but is
not meant to be taken literally.
 Paradox- is a figure of speech in which a statement appears to contradict itself
 Pun-also called paronomasia, is a form of word play that exploits multiple
meanings of a term, or of similar-sounding words, for an intended
humorous or rhetorical effect.
 Understatement-is a figure of speech employed by writers or speakers to
intentionally make a situation seem less important than it really is.
  Oxymoron -is a figure of speech in which two opposite ideas are joined to create
an effect. The common oxymoron phrase is a combination of an adjective
proceeded by a noun with contrasting meanings, such as “cruel kindness,” or
“living death”.

Diction can be defined as style of speaking or writing, determined by the choice

of words by a speaker or a writer. Diction, or choice of words, often separates
good writing from bad writing. It depends on a number of factors. Firstly, the word
has to be right and accurate. Secondly, words should be appropriate to the
context in which they are used. Lastly, the choice of words should be such that
the listener or reader understands easily. Proper diction, or proper choice of
words, is important to get the message across. On the other hand, the wrong
choice of words can easily divert listeners or readers, which results in
misinterpretation of the message intended to be conveyed.
Types of Diction
Individuals vary their diction depending on different contexts and settings.
Therefore, we come across various types of diction.

 Formal diction – formal words are used in formal situations, such as press
conferences and presentations.
 Informal diction – uses informal words and conversation, such as writing or
talking to friends.
 Colloquial diction – uses words common in everyday speech, which may be
different in different regions or communities.
 Slang diction – is the use of words that are newly coined, or even impolite.

Syntax is the grammatical structure of words and phrases to create coherent

sentences. Syntax is the grammatical structure of sentences. The format in which
words and phrases are arranged to create sentences is called syntax.
Examples of Syntax in a Sentence:

The boy jumped happily.

The boy happily jumped.
Happily, the boy jumped.
By rearranging just one word in the sentence, a varied syntax is formed. Each is
grammatically correct and acceptable English language form.
A writer will vary sentence syntax to make writing more interesting or to
emphasize a particular point.
Words and phrases must follow English rules for correct arrangement and
coherent sentences.