Literal vs Figurative Language
English · Vocabulary · conceptual
Distinguish literal from nonliteral (figurative) language in context and interpret common idioms and phrases
What mastery looks like
- Identify whether 'It's raining cats and dogs' is literal or nonliteral and explain what it means
- Read a passage and circle three phrases used nonliterally, restating each in literal terms
- Explain the difference between 'She was on fire' (figurative — performing well) and 'The log was on fire' (literal)
Check your understanding
When Literal vs Figurative Language reads a phrase like "it's raining cats and dogs" or "she had butterflies in her stomach," do they know it doesn't mean what the words literally say?
Prerequisites
Required first
Helpful