How to Not Overuse Figurative Language in Essays
by Kathleen M.
Figurative language adds a lot to your writing by making what you say more relatable, showing something about you and your creativity, and making the examples you offer more concrete. But figurative language can go astray if you use it incorrectly.
How can you not overuse figurative language in your essays?
1. Be sure to choose figures of speech that make sense in the context of your essay for your audience and to fulfill your purpose. Whether you use simile, metaphor, personification, hyperbole, or alliteration, you will need to make sure that you don’t lose focus from your topic.
Example:
I could tell I was the most dedicated student in my class because …
This use of hyperbole may work if you finish the sentence with humor, but if you finish the sentence with too much sincerity, readers will be unsure of how to read this.
2. Make comparisons that are clear and insightful.
Choose to compare things that most people have heard of so that it will be easy to imagine the comparison you are drawing. Also, be aware of cliche metaphors and try to avoid them.
Example:
Although my first impulse is to say that every cloud has a silver lining, I knew that I was having the time of my life.
This use of cliche metaphors does not actually communicate anything. It is figurative language being used for its own sake rather than to further your goals as a writer.
Use figurative language sparingly! As with any tip on how to improve your writing, you will want to rein in your sense of adventure and use figurative language only occasionally.
Remember that variety is the key in all writing decisions, so drop a simile or metaphor in every once in a while. But only if it will advance your point and make your essay more accessible for readers.
