List of Figure of Speech and Examples

1
Alliteration
This is a very common figure of speech that involves using words that begin with the same sound.
For instance, Sally sells sea shells by the seashore is alliteration and try saying it fast to see how difficult it is! It is
often used in advertising slogans to create something catchy that more people will remember.

2
Anaphora
This figure of speech uses a specific clause at the beginning of each sentence or point to make a statement.
For instance: Good night and good luck is an example of the beginning word being the same. The more it is used, the
more of an emotional effect is can evoke among those who are listening. Another example is "Mad world! Mad kings!
Mad composition!" from King John, II, I by William Shakespeare.

3
Assonance
Remember the phrase I Like Ike? It was a very common phase for those who supported Dwight Eisenhower during his
presidential run. This is a figure of speech that focuses on the vowel sounds in a phrase, repeating them over and over
to great effect.

4
Hyperbole
It was as big as a mountain! It was faster than a cheetah! It was dumber than a rock! This figure of speech makes
things seem much bigger than they really were by using grandiose depictions of everyday things. Hyperbole is often
seen as an exaggeration that adds a bit of humor to a story.

5
Irony
This figure of speech tries to use a word in a literal sense that debunks what has just been said. Gentlemen, you cant
fight in here! This is the War Room! from Dr. Strangelove is a great example. It is often used to poke fun at a situation
that everyone else sees as a very serious matter.
There are different types of irony and here are the details and examples.
6
Metaphor
The use of metaphor compares two things that are not alike and finds something about them to make them alike.
My heart is a lonely hunter that hunts on a lonely hill from a book by William Sharp is a good example of metaphor.
Some writers try to use this style to create something profound out of comparing two things that appear to have
nothing at all in common.
7
Simile
In this figure of speech, two things are compared that are not really the same, but are used to make a point about each
other.

Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what youre going to get is a famous line from the movie Forrest
Gump that illustrates the simile. This is often used to make an emotional point about something. The difference
between simile and metaphor is that you can obviously see words "like" in the sentence.
8
Metonymy
In this figure of speech, one word that has a very similar meaning can be used for another. Using the word crown for
royalty or lab coats for scientists are two examples. In some ways it can be seen as a nickname for something
else; for instance, The White House said doesnt actually mean the White House said it (a house cant speak!) but
that the President said it. However, we all understand the meaning, and so the words are interchangeable.
9
Onomatopoeia
This is the use of a word that actually sounds like what it means. Good examples include hiss or ding-dong or
fizz. These words are meant to describe something that actually sounds very much like the word itself. This is a trick
often used in advertising to help convey what something is really like.
10
Paradox
This figure of speech completely contradicts itself in the same sentence. Famous quotes that illustrate this from
George Orwells 1984 include: War is peace. Ignorance is strength. Freedom is slavery. Though we know these
things arent true, they present an interesting paradox that makes a person think seriously about what they have just
read or heard.
11
Personification
This is a way of giving an inanimate object the qualities of a living thing. The tree quaked with fear as the wind
approached is an example; The sun smiled down on her is another. This can sometimes be used to invoke an
emotional response to something by making it more personable, friendly and relatable.
12
Pun
This play on words uses different senses of the word, or different sounds that make up the word, to create something
fun and interesting. For instance: I would like to go to Holland some day. Wooden shoe? is a pun that actually means
wouldnt you? Sometimes puns are so subtle that they can be tough to pick up unless you are really listening for
them.

13
Synecdoche
This is a figure of speech in which one thing is meant to represent the whole. A few good examples include ABCs for
alphabet, new set of wheels for car, or 9/11 to demonstrate the whole of the tragedy that happened in the United
States on September 11, 2001. This is often used in journalism as a type of shorthand.
14
Understatement
This is a situation in which the thing discussed is made to seem much less important than it really is. This famous line
from Catcher in the Rye is a good example: I have to have this operation. It isnt very serious. I have this tiny tumor
on the brain. Understatement can often be used to comedic effect.

15
Antithesis
This is a contradiction that pits two ideas against each other in a balanced way. Youre easy on the eyes, hard on the
heart is a line from a country song that illustrates this perfectly. This is often used to indicate just how something can
be more than one thing at the same time.

16
Euphemism
Words that are used to soften the message are often considered euphemisms. Passed away is often used in place of
died or killed. A misunderstanding might be used in place of fight or argument. And who could forget
wardrobe malfunction, which is a fancy way of saying your clothes fell off.
17
Oxymoron
This puts two words together that seem to contradict each other. Military intelligence, real phony, civil war, and
silent yell are all examples of an oxymoron. Many people use these to promote the humor in a situation.

Calculate the percentage of a number solving the equation P% * X = Y for Y or find the percentage of one number to
another solving the equation Y/X = P% for P or find a whole number from a percentage part solving Y/P% = X for X.
Change in percentage as an increase or decrease can be calculated using Percentage Change Calculator while
percentage conversions can be solved with Decimal to Percent, Percent to Decimal, Fraction to Percent, or Percent to
Fraction.
1. How to calculate percentage of a number (P% * X = Y ):
Calculator 1a is a word problem version of the equation P% * X = Y in 1b so they are solved the same way. For
example, how to solve for the percentage of a number:

What is 10% of 150? in equation form is 10% * 150 = Y

We need to first convert the percentage to an equivalent decimal to do our calculation.

Converting a percentage to a decimal we remove the percentage sign and divide by 100

Converting 10% to a decimal; 10% = (10/100) = 0.10

10% * 150 = Y becomes

0.10 * 150 = Y

Y = 15

Or, 10% of 150 is 15

Combining the calculations you can get the formula for P% * X = (P/100) * X = Y so 10% * 150 = (10/100) * 150 =
15
2. How to calculate percentage of one number to another, a ratio (Y/X = P%):
Calculator 2a is a word problem version of the equation Y/X = P% in 2b so they are solved the same way. This
calculation is converting a ratio or fraction to a percentage. For example, how to solve for the percentage of one
number to another:

15 is what percent 150? in equation form is 15/150 = P%

15/150 = 0.10

We now need to convert the decimal to an percentage so we end up with a percentage

Converting a decimal to a percentage we multiply by 100 and append a percentage sign to the result

Converting 0.10 to a percent; 0.10 = (0.10 * 100) = 10%

So, 15/150 = 10%

Or, 15 is 10% of 150

Combining the calculations you can get the formula for Y/X = ((Y/X) * 100)% = P% so 15/150 = ((15/150) * 100)% =
10%
3. How to calculate a value from the percentage part, a ratio (Y/P% = X):
Calculator 3a is a word problem version of the equation Y/P% = X in 3b so they are solved the same way. For example,
how to solve for a value when you know what a percentage part is:

15 is 10% what number? in equation form is 15/10% = X

We need to first convert the percentage to an equivalent decimal to do our calculation.

Converting a percentage to a decimal we remove the percentage sign and divide by 100

Converting 10% to a decimal; 10% = (10/100) = 0.10

15/10% = X becomes

15/0.10 = X


X = 150

Or, 15 is 10% of 150

Combining the calculations you can get the formula for Y/P% = Y/(P/100) = X so 15/10% = 15/(10/100) = 150
How to convert a percentage to a decimal:

Remove the percentage sign and divide by 100

15.6% becomes 15.6/100 = 0.156

How to convert a decimal to a percentage:

Multiply by 100 and append a percentage sign

0.156 becomes 0.156 * 100 = 15.6%

To learn more about any of the properties below, visit that property's individual page.

Distributive Property

Associative Property
Commutative Property
Properties and Operations
Let's look at how (and if) these properties work with addition, multiplication, subtraction and division
Addition
Property

Example with Addition

Distributive Property

Associative

Commutative
Summary: All 3 of these properties apply to addition
Multiplication
Property

Example with Multiplication

Distributive Property

The distributive property is an application of multiplication (so there is nothing to

Property

Example with Multiplication

show here)

Associative

Commutative
Summary: All 3 of these properties apply to multiplication
Subtraction
Property

Example with Subtraction

Distributive Property

Associative

Commutative
The distributive property is the only one that applies to subtraction.
Division
Property
Distributive Property

Example with Subtraction

Property

Example with Subtraction

Associative

Commutative
The distributive property does not apply to any of these 4 properties.
Lists of Philippine Presidents
Emilio F. Aguinaldo (served March 22,1897 April 1, 1901)
Born: March 23, 1869
Political Party: Katipunan, National Socialist Party
Vice President: Mariano Trias
Aguinaldo was the first President of the First Philippine Republic. This Republic was first in Asia
First Lady: Hilario del Rosario
..........................................................................
Manuel L. Quezon (served November 15, 1935 August 1, 1994)
Born: August 19, 1879
Political Party: Nacionalista Party, Democratic Party
Vice President: Sergio Osmena
Quezon was the first President of the Commonwealth Government. He was also called the Father of National Language
because of this effort toward having a national language.
First Lady: Aurora Aragon
.........................................................................
Jose P. Laurel (served October 14, 1942 October 14, 1943)
Born: March 9, 1891
Political Party: Nacionalista (1945 1959), KALIBAPI (1942 1945)
Prime Minister: Jorge Vargas
Laurel was the President of the Republic Sponsored by Japan. This Republic was called a Puppet Republic.
First Lady: Pacencia Hidalgo
.........................................................................
Sergio S. Osmena (served August 1, 1944 May 28,1946)
Born: September 9, 1978
Political Party: Nacionalista Party
Vice President: None
Osmena was the second President of the Commonwealth Government.
First Lady: Esperanza Limjap
..........................................................................
Manuel A. Roxas ( served July 4, 1946 April 15, 1948
Born: January 1, 1892
Political Party: Liberal Party
Vice President: Elpidio Quirino
Roxas was the First President of the Third Republic
First Lady: Trinidad de Leon
...........................................................................
Elpidio E. Quirino (served April 17, 1948 December 30, 1953)
Born: November 16, 1890
Political Party: Liberal Party, Nacionalista Party
Vice President: Fernando Lopez
First Lady: Alicia Syquia

...........................................................................
Ramon F. Magsaysay (served December 30, 1953 March 17, 1957)
Born: August 31, 1907
Political Party: Nacionalista Party (1953 1957), Liberal Party (1946 1953)
Vice President: Carlos P. Garcia
Magsaysay was called the Champion of the Masses. It was in his term that SSS (Social Security System) was
established.
First Lady: Luz Banzon
.............................................................................
Carlos P. Garcia (served March 17, 1957 December 30, 1961)
Born: November 4, 1896
Political Party: Nacionalista Party
Vice President: Diosdado Macapagal
First Lady: Leonila Dimataga
..............................................................................
Diosdado P. Macapagal (served December 30, 161 December 30, 1965)
Born: September 28, 1910
Political Party: Liberal Party
Vice President: Emmanuel Pelaez
First Lady: Eva Macaraeg, M.D.
..............................................................................
Ferdinand E. Marcos (served December 30, 1965 February 25, 1986)
Born: September 11, 1917
Political Party: Kilusang Bagong Lipunan
Marcos was the longest President who served the country. He was the President for more than twenty years.
First Lady: Imelda R. Marcos
...............................................................................
Corazon S. Aquino ( served February 25, 1986 June 30, 1992)
Born: January 26, 1933
Political Party: Liberal Party, UNIDO, PDP-Laban
The first female President of the Philippines
Vice President: Salvador Laurel
...............................................................................
Fidel V. Ramos ( served June 30, 1992 June 30,1998)
Born: March 18, 1928
Political Party: Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Vice President: Joseph Estrada
First Lady: Amelita Martinez
...............................................................................
Joseph E. Estrada (served June 30, 1998 January 20, 200
Born: April 19, 1937
Political Party: PMP
Vice President: Gloria Macapagal Arroyo
He was the President with a slogan, Erap para sa Mahirap
First Lady: Luisa Pimental
..............................................................................
Gloria Macapagal Arroyo ( served January 20, 2001 June 30, 2010)
Born: April 15, 1947
Political Party: Lakas-Kampi-CMD
Vice President: Noli de Castro
First Gentleman: Josue Miguel Arroyo
................................................................................
Benigno S. Aquino ( present President)
Born: February 8, 1960
Political Party: Liberal Party
Vice President: Jejomar Binay
Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas Deputy Governor Diwa C. Guinigundo today reminded the public that the old banknote
series launched in 1985 can still be used for daily transactions up to December 31, 2015.
From January 1, 2016 up to December 31, 2016, the old banknotes can still be exchanged in authorized agent banks
and the BSP Cash Department. However, starting January 1, 2017, the old banknote series will be fully demonetized or
without monetary value.

This means that the New Generation Banknotes introduced in December 2010 will result in the circulation of a single
currency series in the country. The New Generation Banknotes have more and enhanced security features to protect
the safety of the public against counterfeiters.
The demonetization process of the old banknotes is in line with the provisions of Section 57 of Republic Act No. 7653,
otherwise known as the New Central Bank Act, which authorizes the BSP to replace banknotes that are more than 5
years old. The old banknotes have been in circulation for almost three decades.
The public is advised of the following important information:
1. The public may continue to use the old banknotes up to 31 December 2015 in paying and buying of goods and
services and other business or financial transactions requiring the use of cash. Thereafter, these old banknotes will no
longer be accepted for payment transactions;
2. From 1 January 2015 to 31 December 2016, the public may exchange with authorized financial institutions, namely
universal and commercial banks, thrift banks, and rural as well as cooperative banks, their old banknotes with the New
Generation Currency (NGC) Series at full face value, without charge. The public may also opt to exchange their old
banknotes with the BSP or any of its regional offices/branches around the Philippines.
3. Government institutions holding old banknotes which could not be exchanged during the prescribed period, such as
banknotes used as evidence in a litigation case, will have to request the BSP Cash Department in writing, within the
period of exchange, for a special exchange arrangement;
4. For Overseas Filipinos (OFs) abroad, who have in their possession old banknotes which could not be exchanged
within the prescribed period, they may register online starting 1 October 2016 to 31 December 2016 through the BSP
Website. These old banknotes may be exchanged with the BSP within one (1) year from date of registration; and
5. Starting 1 January 2017, NDS banknotes that have not been exchanged shall no longer have any monetary value,
and are considered demonetized.
"NEW GENERATION" bank-notes featuring fresh and old elements as well as upgraded security features
were bared yesterday and will go into circulation starting this month.
Old faces were maintained with the late former president, Corazon C. Aquino, the only new addition. She joined her
husband, the late former senator Benigno "Ninoy" Aquino, Jr. on the P500 bill.
The P500 bill is historic as it features three Aquinos: the two democracy icons and the signature of their son, President
Benigno S. C. Aquino III, Bangko Sentral ng Pilipinas (BSP) Governor Amando M. Tetangco, Jr. said at the launch in
Malacaang.
The bills reverse sides were all changed to feature a landmark, an animal and indigenous designs: the P20 gets the
Banaue Rice Terraces, a palm civet and a weave from the Cordilleras; the P50, Taal lake, a Giant Trevally fish and
embroidery from Batangas; the P100, Mayon volcano, a whale shark and an indigenous textile detail from Bicol; the
P200, the Chocolate Hills, a Philippine tarsier and a design from the Visayas; the P500, the Subterranean River National
Park in Palawan, a blue-naped parrot and a woven cloth design from the Southern Philippines; and for the P1,000, the
Tubbataha Reef Marine Park in Sulu, the Pinctada maxima oyster, and a tinalak design from Mindanao.
Younger faces were also used for the personalities featured: former presidents Manuel L. Quezon (P20); Sergio Osmea
(P50); Manuel A. Roxas (P100); Diosdado P. Macapagal (P200); Mr. Aquinos parents (P500); and Girls Scouts of the
Philippines founder Josefa Llanes Escoda, first Filipino West Point graduate Vicente P. Lim and former Chief Justice Jose
Abad Santos (P1,000).
Colors for the most part were retained.
Mr. Tetangco said the launch of the new banknotes marked the start of a gradual shift to a new currency series, adding
that new security features "are representative of the reforms we are undertaking to ensure honest transactions." -- A.
M. G. Roa
Dividing Positive and Negative Integers
The rules for division are exactly the same as those for multiplication. If we were to take the
rules for multiplication and change the multiplication signs to division signs, we would have an
accurate set of rules for division.
Here are three examples:
Example 1: -9 3 = -3
Example 2: 20 (-4) = -5
Example 3: -18 (-3) = 6
Multiplying Positive and Negative Integers

The best place to start with multiplication, is with the rules:

Rules for Multiplication
Positive x Positive

Positive

Positive x Negative

Negative

Negative x Positive

Negative

Negative x Negative

Positive

Now we have to understand the rules. The first rule is the easiest to remember because we
learned it so long ago. Working with positive numbers under multiplication always yeilds positive
answers. However, the last three rules are a bit more challenging to understand.
The second and third steps can be explained simultaneously. This is because numbers can be
multiplied in any order. -3 x 7 has the same answer as 7 x -3, which is always true for all integers.
[This property has a special name in mathematics. It is called the commutative property.] For us,
this means the second and third rules are equivalent.
One reason why mathematics has so much value is because its usefulness is derived from its
consistency. It behaves with strict regularity. This is no accident, mind you. This is quite
purposeful.
Keeping this in mind, let's take a look at Figure 2a below. There is a definite pattern to the
problems in the table. The values in the first column remain constant but the values in the second
column are decreasing by one, each step down the table. Consequently, the answer column is
changing. The answers to each problem have a definite pattern as we go down the table too. It
should be relatively easy to determine the two missing answers.
Figure 2a
2x3=6
2x2=4
2x1=2
2x0=0
2 x -1 = ?
2 x -2 = ?
If you understand the pattern, you will see that the values in the answer column are
decreasing. Each value in the answer column is two less than the value above it. See Figure 2b to
see the solutions to those last two problems.
Figure 2b
2x3=6
2x2=4
2x1=2
2x0=0
2 x -1 = -2
2 x -2 = -4
This should provide some meaning why a positive number times a negative number is always a
negative number. Since we can multiply numbers in any order, it also explains why a negative
number times a positive number is always a negative number.
5 x -6 = -6 x 5 = -30
Now, let us turn our attention to Figure 3a below. This table has a pattern similar to the one
in Figure 2a. However, Figure 3a begins with a negative number in the first column. As we scan
the list of answers in the last column, we can see that the last two problems remain unanswered.
Figure 3a
-8 x 3 = -24
-8 x 2 = -16
-8 x 1 = -8
-8 x 0 = 0
-8 x -1 = ?
-8 x -2 = ?
With a little concentration, we can see that the two unanswered questions must have positive

answers to maintain mathematical consistency. Why? The pattern within the last column shows
that the values are increasing by 8 as we travel down the column. Figure 3bshows the table
completely filled in.
Figure 3b
-8 x 3 = -24
-8 x 2 = -16
-8 x 1 = -8
-8 x 0 = 0
-8 x -1 = 8
-8 x -2 = 16
This should help us understand why a negative number times a negative number is always a
postive number.
Here are some examples:
Example 1: 4 x -8 = -32
Example 2: -6 x 8 = -48
Example 3: -20 x -3 = 60
Subtracting Positive and Negative Integers
Instead of coming up with a new method for explaining how to subtract integers, let us borrow
from the explanation above under the addition of integers. We will learn how to transform
subtraction problems into addition problems.
The technique for changing subtraction problems into addition problems is extremely
mechanical. There are two steps:
1.

Change the subtraction sign into an addition sign.

2.

Take the opposite of the number that immediately follows the newly placed addition sign.

Let's take a look at example 1:

3-4
According to step #1, we have to change the subtraction sign to an addition sign. According to
step #2, we have to take the opposite of 4, which is -4. Therefore the problem becomes:
3 + (-4)
Using the rules for addition, the answer is -1.
Here are a few other examples:
Example 2: -2 - 8 = -2 + (-8) = -10
Example 3: 6 - (-20) = 6 + 20 = 26
Example 4: -7 - (-1) = -7 + 1 = -6
Adding Positive and Negative Integers
There are three appealing ways to understand how to add integers. We can
usemovement, temperature and money. Lastly, we will take a look at the rules for addition.

Movement
You are probably familiar with a number line (see below). Traditionally, zero is placed in
the center. Positive numbers extend to the right of zero and negative numbers extend to
the left of zero. In order to add positive and negative integers, we will imagine that we are
moving along a number line.

Example 1:
If asked to add 4 and 3, we would start by moving to the number 4 on the number line
-- exactly four units to the right of zero. Then we would move three units to the right.
Since we landed up seven units to the right of zero as a result of these movements, the
answer must be 7.
Example 2:
If asked to add 8 and -2, we would start by moving eight units to the right of zero. Then
we would move two units left from there because negative numbers make us move to the
left side of the number line. Since our last position is six units to the right of zero, the
answer is 6.
Example 3:
If asked to add -13 and 4, we start by moving thirteen units to the left of zero. Then we
move four units to the right. Since we land up nine units to the left of zero, the answer is
-9.
Example 4:
If asked to add -6 and -5, first move six units to the left of zero. Then move five units
further left. Since we are a total of eleven units left of zero, the answer is -11.
Here is a video that explains how to use a number line to add and subtract numbers.

Temperature
The temperature model for adding integers is exactly the same as the movement
model because most thermometers are really number lines that stand upright. The
numbers can be thought of as temperature changes. Positive numbers make the
temperature indicator rise. Negative numbers make the temperature indicator fall.
Adding two positive temperatures will result in a positive temperature, similar to
example 1 above. Adding two negative temperatures will result in a negative
temperature, similar to example 4 above.
Examples 2 and 3 can be understood in a different way by imagining a battle between
two temperatures. When we added 8 and -2 in example 2, there was more positive
temperature than negative temperature which would explain the result --positive 6. In
example 3 there was more negative temperature than positive. That will explain why the
answer is negative.

Money
It can be helpful to think of money when doing integer addition. The positive numbers
represent income while the negative numbers represent debt.
When adding two incomes, like example 1 above, the answer has to be a bigger income
and the result is a positive number. When adding two debts, like example 4 above, the
answer has to be another debt. In fact, accountants would call it 'falling deeper in debt.'
Similar to our temperature battle between warm temperatures and cold temperatures,
adding positive and negative numbers is like comparing income to debt. If there is more
income than debt the answer will be positive, like example 2. If there is more debt than

income the answer will be negative, like example 3.

Rules for Addition

Below is a table to help condense the rules for addition. Note the second and third rows
of the body of the table. Those answers are dependant upon the original values.
Rules for Addition
Positive + Positive

Positive

Positive + Negative

Depends

Negative + Positive

Depends

Negative + Negative

Negative