Literal vs Figurative Language
Distinguish literal from nonliteral (figurative) language in context and interpret common idioms and phrases
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“When your child 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?”
Full guide and materials
- Activity. Distinguish literal from nonliteral (figurative) language in context and interpret common idioms and phrases
What to notice. 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)
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When your child 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?
Distinguish literal from nonliteral (figurative) language in context and interpret common idioms and phrases
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Check understanding
- 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)
“When your child 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?”
Curriculum record
- Type
- Conceptual
- Subject
- English
- Domain
- Vocabulary
- Age range
- Ages 8–9