Literary techniques

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How to use descriptive language techniques effectively

Descriptive language is used to help the reader feel almost as if they are a part of the scene or event being described. Description is useful because it helps readers engage with the world of the story, often creating an emotional response. It can help a reader visualise what a character or a place is like.

There are a number of literary techniques that can make descriptions more vivid and creative. Here are some examples:

Technique	Examples
Simile - compares one thing with another using 'as' or 'like'.	The trees stood as tall as towers.
Metaphor - uses an image or idea to represent something else.	The circus was a magnet for the children. (ie The children were pulled towards the circus).
Personification - when something is given human feelings or characteristics	The sunlight winked through the branches.
Onomatopoeia - words sound like the noise they represent.	The autumn leaves and twigs cracked and crunched underfoot.
Alliteration - repetition of a consonant sound in a series of words.	The seahorse spiralled, seeking safety and solace.
Assonance - repetition of a vowel sounds in a series of words.	He sneezed and wheezed, could hardly breathe.
Oxymoron - a phrase combining two or more contradictory terms.	There was a deafening silence
Antithesis - putting two opposite ideas together to highlight contrasts.	‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ (Neil Armstrong)
Parenthesis - a phrase that adds extra detail.	Jess, who was fifteen, loved her English lessons.

Technique	Simile - compares one thing with another using 'as' or 'like'.
Examples	The trees stood as tall as towers.

Technique	Metaphor - uses an image or idea to represent something else.
Examples	The circus was a magnet for the children. (ie The children were pulled towards the circus).

Technique	Personification - when something is given human feelings or characteristics
Examples	The sunlight winked through the branches.

Technique	Onomatopoeia - words sound like the noise they represent.
Examples	The autumn leaves and twigs cracked and crunched underfoot.

Technique	Alliteration - repetition of a consonant sound in a series of words.
Examples	The seahorse spiralled, seeking safety and solace.

Technique	Assonance - repetition of a vowel sounds in a series of words.
Examples	He sneezed and wheezed, could hardly breathe.

Technique	Oxymoron - a phrase combining two or more contradictory terms.
Examples	There was a deafening silence

Technique	Antithesis - putting two opposite ideas together to highlight contrasts.
Examples	‘That’s one small step for man, one giant leap for mankind.’ (Neil Armstrong)

Technique	Parenthesis - a phrase that adds extra detail.
Examples	Jess, who was fifteen, loved her English lessons.

Example

In the example below, look at how the writer uses literary techniques to create a vivid description.

The ground crumbled like icing sugar under my feet as I heaved towards the summit. The trees below were dots to my squinting eyes. The sun was relentless and beat down on my back as I wiped drips of salty sweat from my neckline. The deafening silence of the chasm below filled me with dread. Suddenly, eagles came into view, breaking the silence, screeching in hunger.

Analysis

The writing opens with a to show the texture of the ground. The sun is : it is described as ‘relentless’, giving it a ruthless personality. The silence is described as ‘deafening’, an that helps emphasise how unbearable the situation is for the character. has also been used here - the uncomfortable heat mirrors the character’s struggle as she continues on her journey. These literary techniques make the writing more interesting and draw the reader into the details of the scene.

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