figure of speech

USAGE SUMMARY

"figure of speech" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to any phrase or expression that is not meant to be taken literally, such as metaphors, similes, and idioms. For example, you could say, "His words were just a figure of speech - he didn't actually mean it."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Encyclopedias

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

It is not a figure of speech".

The New Yorker

Maybe that's just a figure of speech".

The New York Times

The name is no figure of speech.

The New York Times - Food

This isn't entirely a figure of speech.

The New Yorker

Is it a rhetorical figure of speech?

The Guardian - Film

It was just a figure of speech.

The Guardian - Sport

It is more than a figure of speech.

The New York Times

The iron curtain was more than a figure of speech.

The Guardian - Books

That's not, it turns out, a figure of speech.

The Guardian

The author is attracted to that vivid figure of speech.

The New York Times - Magazine

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

1 human-written examples

George W. Bush's department of figure-of-speech ripostes did fairly well.

The New York Times - Magazine

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use "figure of speech" to clearly indicate that an expression should not be taken literally, ensuring your audience understands the intended meaning.

Common error

Avoid taking a "figure of speech" at face value; consider the context and intended meaning to prevent miscommunication.

Linguistic Context

The primary grammatical function of "figure of speech" is that of a noun phrase. It refers to a word or phrase used in a non-literal sense to add rhetorical force to a spoken or written piece. Ludwig AI confirms its correct usage in various contexts.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

50%

Encyclopedias

25%

Science

25%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Wiki

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "figure of speech" is a common and grammatically correct noun phrase used to describe expressions that are not meant to be taken literally. As Ludwig AI confirms, it is widely employed across various contexts, particularly in news and media, encyclopedias, and science. While its register is generally neutral, its purpose is to enhance communication through emphasis, emotion, or vivid imagery. When using a "figure of speech", ensure the audience understands the intended non-literal meaning to prevent misinterpretation. Related terms include "trope", "rhetorical device", and "figurative language".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

figurative language

Language that uses words or expressions with a meaning that is different from the literal interpretation.

turn of phrase

A distinctive or effective way of expressing something.

metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

simile

A figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, used to make a description more emphatic or vivid.

trope

A more concise and literary term for a figure of speech, often referring to recurring themes or devices.

rhetorical device

A broader term encompassing various techniques used for persuasive or impactful communication, including figures of speech.

literary device

A technique used in literature to achieve a particular effect, often involving figurative language.

idiom

A phrase whose meaning is not predictable from the usual meanings of its elements.

poetic language

The set of linguistic forms regarded as characteristic of poetry.

expression

A general term for a way of conveying meaning, which can include both literal and figurative language.

FAQs

How can I identify a "figure of speech" in writing?

Look for expressions that deviate from literal meaning or use comparisons, exaggerations, or indirect language. Context is key to understanding whether a phrase is meant figuratively.

What's the difference between a "figure of speech" and a literal statement?

A literal statement means exactly what it says, while a "figure of speech" uses imaginative language to create an effect or convey a deeper meaning. A "metaphor", for example, is a type of "figure of speech".

How to use "figure of speech" in a sentence?

You can say something like: "That was just a "figure of speech"; I didn't mean it literally."

What are some common types of "figure of speech"?

Common types include "metaphors", "similes", "idioms", "personification", and "hyperbole", each using language in a non-literal way to create a specific effect.