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Figures of speech

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech

Figures of speech (or 'rhetorical tropes') are ways of using words that may seem unusual but have a specific and desired effect. Read as 'normal words' they often break normal rules of grammar, but can be nevertheless understood They are common in poetry and eloquent speech.

What are figures?: It's about shaping.
Figures of speech (full alphabetic list)

Here is a classification of figures of speech by type, to help you find the one you want:

And of course, the

Full list of figures of speech

Note that it is often difficult distinguishing between true 'figures of speech', 'figurative devices', linguistic idioms and so on. In the spirit of creating a longer list, a number of items are included that may not be considered to be true figures of speech but which nevertheless may be useful for anyone who is seeking some form of figurative eloquence.

Figures of speech

See also