Literal versus Nonliteral Language Worksheets

Related ELA Standard: RL.3.4

Core Standard
Answer Keys Here

Any form of written communication is open for interpretation. If we look at many different pieces of classic literature, you will see how the same work means different things to different people. Any form can be taken literally which means that it is taken at face value for what the dictionary meaning is. There is also nonliteral language which means the work goes beyond the dictionary. This is common in figurative language. You will find that this backpack of worksheets helps students learn to differentiate between the different forms of language.

Literal versus Nonliteral Language Worksheets:

Metaphors 1 – Find the metaphors in the sentences. Read each sentence below. Circle the metaphor in each sentence. Then rewrite each sentence without the metaphor, to show what is actually happening.

Superhero Roundup! – You will need to have read a few comic books for this one. A superhero's name can be a metaphor. Match the names of each superhero on the right to the literal descriptions of his or her power on the left.

Metaphor | Simile – Add a "like" in there and over there too. Remember, a simile uses the words "like" or "as" to compare one thing to another. Use the pictures for inspiration!

Paul Bunyan – The story of a baby Bunyan. Read the story below. Underline the hyperboles.

Amy at Bedtime – What happens when a monster doesn't want to go to bed? : Read the story below. Fill in the blanks with figurative language to make Amy's story more interesting.

Personification – You are mostly looking for action words to help you here.

Figurative Language Matchup – Identify which sentence contains a metaphor, a simile, a hyperbole or personification.

Literal or Figurative? – Identify the type of language used within each sentence.

Using Figurative Language in Poetry – Time to bounce it over to the rhyme time.

Metaphor | Simile | Personification | Hyperbole – Similar to a previous worksheet, but the sentence here are slight more complex.

Idioms 1 – Some of these will be totally new for kids.

Idioms 2 – Complete each sentence to make it work.

Summer Storm – A bit of a super storm is coming in now.

Sweet Samantha – Samantha is not a huge fan of bugs. Join the club!

The Giraffe – Wanda meets up with her tall friend for the first time.

What is the Difference between Literal and Nonliteral Language?


English is a vast language to learn from. The direct and indirect writing and conversation words make it more appealing and deeper to explore. For instance, you can literally directly say "it's raining outside" or be a little dramatic with "It's raining cats and dogs outside".


This article is all about literal and non-literal language to guide you with some exciting different features of English Language.


What is Literal Language?


Literal Language refers to the words that directly represents the dictionary meaning version. This language type usually represents the daily or normal language we speak most of the time. Literal languages are easy to understand because they express our ideas and thoughts in a clear manner.


For Example:

- The grass looks green

- The sand feels rough


What is Non-Literal Language?


The non-literal language also known as figurative language focuses on words or expressions from which the accepted meaning is required to be extracted and understood. The non-literal language does not refer to the literal meaning or interpretation of the words.


For Example:

- The grass looks like spiky green hair

- Sand is solid water

Characteristics Literal Language Non-literal Language
Words Represents the words with original dictionary meanings Represents words or expressions that deviate from original dictionary meanings or interpretation.
Styles It can be used for normal daily conversation, writing and spoken language It is rarely used in spoken language but often used in written language.
Usage It is used in official documents i.e. assignments, contracts, etc. It is often used in literature, books and poetry
Perception It is direct and simple for people to understand It is complicated and complex for people to understand
Manner The tone is to express ideas clearly and in a simple manner. The tone is used to express ideas in a nebulous manner

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 



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