Language that is used in speech with an informal meaning; 'chill', 'out of this world', 'take a rain check'.

The humorous or sarcastic use of words or ideas, implying the opposite of what they mean.

Attributing a human quality to a thing or idea: the moon calls me to her darkened world.

The repetition of a word or phrase to achieve a particular effect.

The way that words sound the same at the end of lines in poetry. Poems often have a fixed rhyme-scheme (for example, sonnets have 14 lines with fixed rhyme scheme ABAB CDCD EFEF GG).

The use of symbols to signify ideas and qualities by giving them symbolic meanings that are different from their literal sense.

The same vowel sound is repeated but the consonants are different; he passed her a sharp, dark glance, shot a cool, foolish look across the room.

The use of figurative language to represent objects, actions and ideas in such a way that it appeals to our physical senses.

The repetition of a word or words at the beginning of successive phrases, clauses, or lines to create a sonic effect.

Exaggerating something for literary purposes which is not meant to be taken literally; we gorged on the banquet of beans on toast.

A device used in poetry where a sentence continues beyond the end of the line or verse. This technique is often used to maintain a sense of continuation from one stanza to another.

Where two words normally not associated are brought together: 'cold heat' 'bitter sweet'.