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Hyperbole Figure of Speech: Definition, Examples, Usage & Worksheet

Have you heard or read something like "I'll be there in two seconds" or "This is the best movie ever"? If yes, then you are somewhat familiar with the hyperbole figure of speech. These are simple examples that use exaggeration to stress the message. Using this figure of speech adds some expression to the language and makes communication impressive and unique. In this blog, you will learn about the hyperbole definition and examples, how to use it in a sentence, and a practice worksheet to help you effectively learn this literary device.    

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Table of Contents

What Is Hyperbole? Meaning & Definition

The hyperbole is a verbal element which is used in speech and sentences to make it look and sound a way better than its actual form. In other words, it can also be understood as the 'inflated claims or views' which are not to be believed practically. After learning the hyperbole meaning, you can stress your feelings or situation. The aim of using this literary device is to create a strong opinion or to influence and not to deceive.

With the help of hyperbole definition and examples, you can easily use it across various settings, which include day-to-day life, literature, movies, advertising, and more. Hyperboles are so exaggerated that they clarify it is just used as a metaphorical gesture and not to mislead. The use of hyperbole in speech or writing is so effective that it creates a unique expression.

How to Use Hyperbole in a Sentence?

 Using hyperbole in a sentence requires choosing extreme descriptions that can help enhance and amplify the message. It is crucial to ensure that it is used in the correct situation, as it must not over exaggerate. Now, let us look at the few tips that can help you use hyperbole in your speech and writing.

1. Begin with a Clear Message

Before using a hyperbole, it is important to learn about the opinion or idea that you want to amplify. This can be done by clarifying your emotions. Starting helps to use hyperbole effectively while ensuring proper delivery of the message.

2. Exaggerate Considerably and Maintain Clarity

After beginning with a clear message, you must pick an unrealistic idea or statement to exaggerate your opinion. Make sure to use an imaginative statement, as it will capture more attention, and others can connect with your message.

3. Don't Overuse It

The most crucial point of using hyperbole in a sentence is not to use it regularly. The frequent use of this verbal element in speech or writing reduces its ability to convey the message accurately. This also makes the speech or writing sound unrealistic. Further, it is also important to use hyperbole as per the situation, as it is possible that a hyperbolic phrase may not work in every situation.

Keeping in mind these few tips can help you use the hyperbole figure of speech perfectly in speaking and writing. Using this perfectly allows for creating a unique expression and conveys the message dramatically to the audience.

Examples of Hyperbole in a Sentence

The hyperbole figure of speech uses exaggeration for emphasis and is not to be taken in a practical manner. It is used in various contexts to overstress the message, so now let us look at the examples of hyperbole in various contexts.

1. Everyday Speech:

  • “I have a million things to do today”
  • That bag weighs a ton
  • It’s so hot outside, you could fry an egg

2. Literature

  • A day was twenty-four hours long, but seemed longer: From the book ‘To Kill a Mockingbird’
  • I had to wait in the station for ten days- an eternity: From the novel ‘Heart of Darkness’

3. Advertising

  • “Red Bull gives you wings”: Red Bull
  • “The happiest place on earth”: Disney World
  • “Makes taste buds dance”: Doritos

In each of the above examples of hyperbole, the exaggeration is noticeable as it is used for the metaphorical gesture, and still, it enhances the message effectively.

Hyperbole Worksheet

After learning about hyperbole meaning and examples, it is crucial to practice it properly to add brilliance and emotional influence to the language. If you practice the use of this verbal element thoroughly, you can enhance your ability to convey the message through speech and writing. There are two exercises for the hyperbole poetic device you can solve, so read below and start practising.

Exercise 1- Underline the hyperbole in the sentences below

This exercise is based on underlining the hyperbole in the phrases given below. You have to read each sentence carefully and underline the hyperbolic expression used. Here, we have the worksheet with answers so you can evaluate your answers quickly.

1. The Hall is as cold as an iceberg

2. Alex runs as fast as the wind

3. That furniture is older than dirt

4. Go ahead and cry me a river

5. That movie was so boring, it seemed like time stopped

Answers for Exercise 1

1. The Hall is as cold as an iceberg

2. Alex runs as fast as the wind

3. That furniture is older than dirt

4. Go ahead and cry me a river

5. That movie was so boring, it seemed like time stopped

Exercise 2- Change the underlined words using hyperbolic expressions

In this hyperbole exercise, you have been given some sentences with an underlined part. Here, you have to change the underlined word using a suitable hyperbolic expression. The answer for this worksheet can vary as per each learner. However, there are sample answers provided, so after your practice, you can go check your progress.

1. Mom, if you don't make me dinner, I will be very hungry.

2. I will be very embarrassed if you make me do this task.

3. She showed a beautiful smile when she heard the good news.

4. My head hurts so much I can't bear the pain.

5. She was very surprised when she saw her cousin at the party.

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Mom, if you don't make me dinner, I will starve to death.

2. I will be embarrassed beyond belief if you make me do this task.

3. She showed a smile that could light up the whole world when she heard the good news.

4. My head hurts so much, it feels like it's going to explode.

5. She was so surprised when she saw her cousin at the party, her jaw nearly hit the floor.

Solving these worksheets can be helpful if you are new to the use of hyperbole in speech and writing. Further, you can also solve worksheets on other crucial elements of grammar, such as active and passive voice, degrees of comparison, and more. For this, you can contact our experts, who can provide learning resources.

Conclusion

To sum up, we have learned about the vital insights about the hyperbole meaning and examples and its use in a sentence in this blog. It is expected that you have solved all the practice worksheets and learn about the use of this literary device in various contexts. In English grammar, this rhetorical device is used to create a dramatic influence, add sarcasm or stress a certain point. Further, if you want to improve your English grammar skills and learn about its elements, such as clauses, nouns, tenses, verbs, conjunctions, adjectives, and more, then you can connect with our experts at Gradding.com. They will help you enhance your overall language skills.

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