Figurative language

The second one is a lot more enticing, right? The first sentence consists of plain, ordinary language while the second is unique and vivid because it contains figurative language. Such language “paints a picture for readers” and allows them to better visualize what’s depicted or gain a deeper understanding of what’s being conveyed. In the above example, readers know the writer spends a lot of time watching movies. However, the writer does not actually “get lost in the canyons of time.” Figurative language is not meant to be taken literally. For example, “He is as strong as steel” conveys that he is powerful and strong, yet no human could equal the strength of steel. Even though figurative language is not factually true, it helps writers re-create an experience for readers, describe something vividly, or express a thought that literal language could never convey.