How to Use Simile, Metaphor, Irony and Hyperbole in Your Writing

There are many people who don't know what it means to write well. Some people think that writing is simply putting pen to paper. Others think writing means sitting down at the computer and beginning to type. Others confuse proper search engine optimization or editing with writing. Others confuse good writing with proper spelling and grammar.

While all of these things are useful tools in writing, and some are essential, none of them is the definition of truly good writing. So what exactly is truly good writing? Well, it's something that isn't easily pinned down. One thing we can say for certain is that good writing is a highly creative process.

In this article I will go over the basic devices that are necessary to excellent writing. I assume here that you understand the basics of spelling, grammar and formatting. This tutorial is not intended to help the writer to avoid run-on sentences, dangling participles or double negatives. Instead, it is intended to help the writer to find the muse within.

The following devices are useful in many forms of creative writing, including in many cases articles or how-to guides. As you'll see in the examples below, there is a considerable amount of overlap between writing devices, especially comic writing devices. This list is not intended to be comprehensive.

Simile: We use a simile when we say that something is like something else. Simile is essential because words don't always perfectly express what we're trying to say. So when I write that "the BMW 328i Sedan purrs like a kitten", I have used a simile to express the efficient and smooth functioning of the engine. This is more deceptive than "the BMW 328i Sedan has a smooth and efficient engine," although it is something of a cliche.