Good Metaphors for Writing Essays for 2025 (With Examples)

by Imed Bouchrika, Phd

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Figurative language has been ingrained in the language used in daily life. Figures of speech are said to give language a more vibrant and colorful quality, as stated by Palmer and Brooks (2004). In a more everyday context, metaphors are often used to move the discourse from one subject to another (Drew & Holt, 1998).

Metaphors are going to be the primary subject of this article since they are one of the most popular figurative language devices utilized today. In the following sections, we will cover the definition of a metaphor, its function, and how to write a metaphor. We will also present instances of appropriate metaphors to use in essays and other forms of writing, as well as for spoken communication.

What Is a Metaphor Table of Contents

1. What is a metaphor?
2. Metaphors vs. Similes
3. Types of Metaphors
4. How can cultural and contextual factors affect metaphor interpretation?
5. The Purposes and Usage of Metaphors
6. Metaphor Comprehension in Kids
7. How can metaphors enhance persuasive writing in essays?
8. How Can Emerging Technologies Enhance Metaphor Analysis?
9. Can a Foundational Bachelor's Program Enhance Your Metaphor Mastery?
10. How Can Graduate Research Empower Metaphor Application?
11. The Role of Metaphors in Creative Writing Education
12. How Can Dual Degree Programs Broaden Metaphor Insight?
13. How Can Practical Training Enhance Metaphor Mastery for Professional Success?

Language has greatly evolved since its emergence in the early prehistory of man. Through the ages, humans have learned to use words not only to express thoughts and emotions but also to use them in a way that deviates from conventionally accepted definitions and conveys more complicated meanings. The latter is what is often referred to as figurative language. According to American rhetorician John F. Genung, figurative language is an “intentional deviation from the plan and ordinary mode of speaking for the sake of greater effect."

One of the earliest forms of figurative language still used today is the metaphor. Several studies have explored metaphors as a fixture of human language. Ortony (1929), for instance, suggested that all languages are of metaphorical quality. Likewise, metaphorical concepts have been heavily used in fields such as psychology, sociology, and education (Zhang & Hu, 2009). It is also prevalent in many art forms, often seen as an essential element of writing a book.

This article delves deeper into the concept of the metaphor, its various types, and popular metaphors to shed light on this figure of speech. The following sections also discuss a number of studies exploring good metaphors to use in creative writing, the use of metaphors in various situations and environments outside literature, and metaphor essay examples. These will help spice up your compositions without a creative writing degree.

What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase denoting one object or idea is used in place of another. Metaphors are often used to suggest a likeness or analogy between these objects or ideas, even when they seem contradictory (Definition of Metaphor, n.d.). Because of their seemingly contradictory nature and ability to add nuance to ideas and concepts, metaphors are often used as literary or rhetorical devices.

One commonly cited example of a metaphor, for instance, is “All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players," found in William Shakespeare’s play As You Like It. In this example, Shakespeare establishes points of comparison between the world and a stage to convey an understanding of how the world works and human behavior.

In 1937, rhetorician Ivor Armstrong Richards identified two parts or components of a metaphor: the tenor and the vehicle. The tenor is the subject of the metaphor, the idea to which attributes are ascribed. Meanwhile, the vehicle carries the weight of the comparison and lends the attributes to the tenor. In the above example from Shakespeare’s As You Like It, for instance, the concept of “the world" is ascribed the attributes of a stage; as such, in the said metaphor, “the world" is the tenor while “a stage" is the vehicle.

Metaphors vs Similes

Because of their similar nature, metaphors are most often compared with similes. Both types of figurative language are used to make comparisons between ideas and objects. However, the distinct difference between these two figures of speech lies in their wording: similes contain the words “like" or “as" to create comparisons. Through the use of these words, similes create direct comparisons. Metaphors, on the other hand, imply comparison. Catchy company name ideas typically use these figures of speech.

The following is an example of a simile in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet: “Is love a tender thing? It is too rough, too rude, too boisterous, and it pricks like thorn." In these lines, love’s potential to inflict pain is compared to a thorn.

Types of Metaphors

Scholarly articles could list anywhere from three to 20 different types of metaphors. The following list includes the most common types of metaphors and metaphors about writing today.

Common Metaphors

Common metaphors are the most frequently used metaphors today. In common metaphors, the links between objects and ideas can be easily identified and understood. For this reason, these metaphors are also sometimes called direct metaphors, primary metaphors, or conventional metaphors.

Examples of common metaphors include:

• beat a dead horse
• early bird
• couch potato
• heart of gold
• a fish out of water

Implied metaphors

Unlike common metaphors, implied metaphors do not make a direct comparison. Implied metaphors do not state the comparison outright but instead, hint at the likeness between objects or ideas. These metaphors create more vivid imagery and allow writers to paint a more detailed picture.

The following are examples of implied metaphors.

Extended metaphors

Extended metaphors can be implied or direct, but one quality that sets these metaphors apart is their length. Also called sustained metaphors, these figures of speech get their name from the fact that they extend for several lines, sentences, or even paragraphs. Extended metaphors build upon simpler metaphors, containing multiple linked tenors and vehicles throughout a body of text, such as a poem or a story.

The following example of an extended metaphor can be found in Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet:

In this extended metaphor, Romeo compares Juliet to the sun, and the comparison extends over multiple lines.

Sensory metaphors

In sensory metaphors, figurative language is used to appeal to the senses of sight, sound, smell, taste, or touch. The following are examples of metaphors that help create a clearer picture in readers’ minds:

• Her voice is music to my ears.
• The boy’s smile lit up the room as he opened birthday presents.
• His vanilla preferences in how to write a thesis statement failed to impress the panel.

Mixed metaphors

In mixed metaphors, two or more inconsistent or incongruent metaphors are used together in a sentence. This often results in an unintentional comic effect due to the disparate nature of the elements used in the metaphor. Used intentionally, however, a mixed metaphor can be effective at making a point. However, for the sake of clarity, it is best to avoid the usage of mixed metaphors.

The following are examples of mixed metaphors and corresponding explanations.

Dead metaphors

Also called a frozen metaphor or a historical metaphor, a dead metaphor is a figure of speech that has lost its connection to the imagery it was meant to evoke due to extensive usage. This means the metaphor is so commonly used that it can be fully understood even without knowledge of its original context.

According to Pawelec (2006), dead metaphors are the result of gradual semantic shifts that occur as a language evolves.

The following are examples of overused metaphors and their origins.

How can cultural and contextual factors affect metaphor interpretation?

Metaphors are deeply rooted in cultural contexts that shape their meaning and resonance. Variations in cultural norms, idioms, and symbolic associations can lead to different interpretations among diverse audiences. In professional and educational settings, understanding these nuances is essential to ensure clarity and avoid miscommunication. Writers and educators should assess how cultural backgrounds influence the reception of a metaphor and tailor their comparisons accordingly. This consideration encourages inclusivity and enhances communication effectiveness, a skill further refined by pursuing an online creative writing degree.

The Purposes and Usage of Metaphors

While metaphors have been described as the fundamental language of poetry (“Metaphor", n.d.), these figures of speech have been commonly applied in a wide variety of settings and environments. As discussed below, a number of studies have explored the purpose and significance of metaphors in settings such as medicine, health, and business.

Metaphor usage in medicine

A 2020 study by Hommerberg et al explored the use of metaphors such as “battle" and “journey" in Swedish blogs about living with advanced cancer. The study found that, through metaphors, individuals were able to highlight different aspects of their experience. The researchers suggested that awareness of metaphors commonly used by patients can help health professionals develop a common language with patients and subsequently improve the quality of palliative care. As such, it is common to utilize metaphors in communication techniques employed in fields such as public health.

Metaphor usage in politics

Several scholars have studied the use of metaphors in politics. According to Goatly (2011), metaphors can be used to deliberately and consciously construct reality by categorizing certain features as critical and others as noncritical. Moreover, Chilton (2003) asserts that metaphors can be used in political discourse to justify the actions or decisions of those in power.

In a more concrete sense, in 2014, Sahragard and Rasti found that the newspaper The Economist used and manipulated metaphorical scenarios to justify and emphasize the effectiveness of West-backed sanctions against Iran and portray Iran’s nuclear plans as illicit and unwarranted.

Metaphor usage in business and management

In 2013, Hoßfeld studied how companies used metaphors in their own mass communication to prevent resistance to downsizing. Hoßfeld found that companies have approached the threat of resistance to downsizing by using metaphors that suggest conformity with ideas of good or correct management. The analysis further identified persuasive concepts—namely concealing metaphor, euphemistic metaphor, and urgency and control metaphor—that companies use to build a facade of legitimacy for managerial practices. Furthermore, metaphors are common techniques leverages in business management strategies in order to communicate with various workforce groups.

Metaphor Comprehension in Kids

A 2015 study by Rubio-Fernandez and Grassmann suggested that preschool-age children encountered difficulties with understanding metaphors because of their limitations with assigning second labels to concepts. The study, which included children aged three and four, found that only four-year-olds were capable of successfully assigning second labels to objects and understanding metaphors.

These findings can help teachers better understand figurative competence in kids and adjust teaching methods accordingly. For instance, given the difficulties kids encounter in assigning second labels to objects or ideas, teachers may consider using a metaphorical essay with comparisons that are easier to understand. These metaphor examples for kids can involve animals (e.g. “The classroom is a zoo," “The ballerina was a swan, moving across the stage.") or nature (e.g. “The boy was a shining star," “Her long hair was a dark, flowing river.") to aid comprehension.

How can metaphors enhance persuasive writing in essays?

Metaphors, while often discussed in the context of creative writing, can also significantly enhance persuasive essays by making arguments more relatable, engaging, and memorable. This technique can help bridge abstract ideas and the reader’s understanding, making complex arguments more digestible.

• Clarifying abstract concepts: Metaphors can help simplify complex or abstract ideas by comparing them to something familiar. For example, describing democracy as a “fragile ecosystem” conveys the delicacy and interdependence of its elements, making the abstract idea of democratic health more understandable.
• Creating emotional impact: Persuasive writing often aims to evoke emotions in the reader. A well-placed metaphor can intensify the emotional response. For instance, comparing injustice to a “deep wound in society” adds a visceral image, making the reader feel the severity of the issue.
• Strengthening argumentation: Metaphors can add depth to an argument, allowing writers to illustrate points more vividly. For example, framing an argument about environmental conservation with a metaphor like “nature is the beating heart of our planet” emphasizes the essential role of nature in sustaining life, supporting the writer’s stance on the importance of preservation.
• Enhancing reader engagement: Using metaphors creatively can make the essay more engaging by breaking the monotony of straightforward facts or logic. They can spark the reader’s imagination, encouraging them to think more deeply about the essay’s arguments.

How Can Emerging Technologies Enhance Metaphor Analysis?

Advances in digital tools and natural language processing have paved new pathways for both scholars and practitioners to dissect and innovate metaphor usage. State-of-the-art algorithms can now identify underlying patterns in extensive datasets, offering precise insights into the evolution and contextual applications of metaphors. These technologies not only refine analytical accuracy but also foster creative experimentation by pairing traditional linguistic methodologies with real-time data analysis. This integration empowers educators and professionals to adapt and innovate their rhetorical strategies by harnessing automated assessments and predictive modeling. For individuals looking to expedite their skill development through intensive study, consider exploring accelerated programs designed to incorporate technological advancements into language studies.

Can a Foundational Bachelor's Program Enhance Your Metaphor Mastery?

Structured bachelor's programs lay a critical groundwork for advanced metaphor comprehension by integrating literature, rhetoric, and composition studies. These programs emphasize analytical skills and critical interpretations that support nuanced metaphor analysis and effective implementation in both creative and professional contexts. Coursework typically combines traditional textual analysis with contemporary digital methodologies, thus encouraging interdisciplinary strategies that bridge theory with practice. For candidates looking to start their academic journey in figurative language studies with a strong foundational boost, exploring the easiest bachelor degree to get may prove particularly advantageous.

How Can Graduate Research Empower Metaphor Application?

Advanced academic research facilitates the intersection of empirical studies and creative innovation in metaphor usage. Interdisciplinary methodologies combining linguistic analysis with insights from cognitive science offer refined strategies for developing metaphors that resonate effectively with diverse audiences. This evidence-based approach enhances persuasive communication and supports the evolution of narrative techniques in professional environments. For those aiming to advance their expertise efficiently, consider exploring our list on the easiest master's degrees to get.

The Role of Metaphors in Creative Writing Education

Metaphors are not merely literary devices; they are indispensable tools for creative writing educators and students. By teaching students to use metaphors effectively, writing instructors cultivate their ability to generate vivid imagery and establish deeper connections between abstract concepts and tangible experiences. For instance, guiding students to replace literal descriptions with metaphorical expressions can transform a mundane narrative into an evocative masterpiece.

In structured education settings, such practice not only enhances creativity but also strengthens critical thinking skills as students analyze relationships between seemingly disparate ideas. This analytical exercise prepares students to craft compelling narratives that resonate emotionally with readers. Furthermore, students aspiring to master creative writing may benefit from exploring academic programs designed to refine their figurative language skills. Those seeking accessible options can consider an online creative writing degree, which provides in-depth instruction on metaphor usage alongside other essential literary techniques.

Incorporating metaphors into lesson plans doesn't stop at the page. Educators often utilize metaphors as teaching aids to elucidate complex writing strategies or principles. For example, comparing the structure of a story to building a house can help learners understand the necessity of a solid foundation (plot) and the importance of embellishing details (figurative language). Through this multifaceted application, metaphors become both a medium and a method for mastering the art of creative writing.

How Can Multidisciplinary Perspectives Enhance Metaphor Utilization?

Integrating insights from cognitive science, linguistics, literature, and digital media studies offers a broader understanding of how metaphors influence thought and communication. This multidisciplinary approach refines the articulation of abstract ideas and supports the development of nuanced, context-sensitive expressions in both academic and professional writing. By embracing diverse theoretical perspectives, educators and practitioners can innovate teaching methods and enhance creative output. Additionally, innovative educational models, such as the best associate degree in 6 months online, exemplify the benefits of cross-disciplinary frameworks that support advanced proficiency in figurative language.

How Can Dual Degree Programs Broaden Metaphor Insight?

Advanced academic programs that integrate diverse fields help professionals and students refine their ability to decode and apply complex figurative constructs. Such cross-disciplinary studies create frameworks for understanding metaphorical language in varied contexts, from analytical discourse to creative narratives. Pursuing online dual degree programs can offer curricula that blend theory and practical insight, enabling a comprehensive mastery of figurative language without reiterating established teaching methods.

How Can Practical Training Enhance Metaphor Mastery for Professional Success?

In professional settings, supplemental training bridges the gap between theoretical understanding and practical application of figurative language. Focused courses enable professionals to refine the delicate nuances of metaphor usage, improving persuasive communication and strategic messaging. Such training promotes innovative narrative techniques that can enhance leadership, negotiation, and overall professional presence. Professionals looking to strengthen these skills may consider exploring short certificate programs that pay well.

Tips on Using Metaphors Correctly

When used correctly, metaphors can provide a number of benefits. These figures of speech can help make concepts more real and tangible, improving understanding. Writers can also use metaphors to create vivid imagery in poetry or prose, maximizing impact on readers. The following tips can help writers create a good metaphor paragraph example and avoid the pitfalls of metaphor usage.

• Objects being compared must have a natural connection. If you want to know how to use a metaphor in an essay the right way, know that it is most effective when the concepts being compared have natural similarities. Avoid forcing similarities to fit an idea.
• Metaphors shouldn’t make a piece of writing unnecessarily complicated. Metaphors should be used to make complex concepts easier to understand. These figures of speech should work to make writing more concise.
• Metaphors should have a purpose. Metaphors should be meaningful. These figures can be used for clarification or emphasis, or to convey the depths of an idea or concept.

Key Insights

• Definition and Function: A metaphor is a figure of speech that implies comparison by using a word or phrase denoting one object or idea in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.
• Comparison with Similes: Unlike similes, which use "like" or "as" to make comparisons, metaphors imply the comparison directly.
• Types of Metaphors: Common types include direct metaphors, implied metaphors, extended metaphors, sensory metaphors, mixed metaphors, and dead metaphors.
• Applications in Various Fields: Metaphors are used in literature, medicine, politics, business, and management to convey complex ideas and emotions in a relatable and understandable way.
• Metaphor Comprehension in Children: Young children, especially preschoolers, often struggle with understanding metaphors due to their developmental stage in assigning second labels to concepts.
• Tips for Effective Usage: Metaphors should connect naturally, simplify rather than complicate, and serve a clear purpose in the text.

FAQ

1. What is a metaphor?

A metaphor is a figure of speech where a word or phrase denoting one object or idea is used in place of another to suggest a likeness or analogy between them.

2. How do metaphors differ from similes?

Metaphors imply comparisons directly without using "like" or "as," whereas similes use these words to make direct comparisons.

3. What are some common types of metaphors?

Common types include direct metaphors, implied metaphors, extended metaphors, sensory metaphors, mixed metaphors, and dead metaphors.

4. How are metaphors used in medicine?

Metaphors in medicine, such as "battle" or "journey," help patients and healthcare professionals communicate complex experiences and improve understanding and care quality.

5. Why are metaphors significant in politics?

In politics, metaphors can shape reality by highlighting certain aspects over others, justifying actions or decisions, and influencing public perception and policy.

6. How do businesses use metaphors?

Businesses use metaphors to communicate changes, manage resistance to downsizing, and create legitimacy for managerial practices through persuasive concepts.

7. At what age do children typically understand metaphors?

According to research, children around the age of four start to understand metaphors, although they may still face challenges in assigning second labels to concepts.

8. What are some tips for using metaphors effectively?

Effective metaphors should have a natural connection between the compared objects, simplify complex concepts, and serve a clear purpose in the text.

9. Can you provide an example of an extended metaphor?

In Shakespeare's "Romeo and Juliet," the comparison of Juliet to the sun extends over multiple lines: "It is the east, and Juliet is the sun. Arise, fair sun, and kill the envious moon..."

10. What are dead metaphors?

Dead metaphors are figures of speech that have lost their original imagery due to extensive usage, making them fully understood even without their original context. Examples include "time is running out" and "heart of gold."

References:

• Chilton, P. (2004). Analyzing Political Discourse: Theory and Practice. Abingdon-on-Thames, England: Routledge. Google Books
• Definition of metaphor (n.d.). Merriam Webster.
• Drew, P., & Holt, E. (1998). Figures of speech: Figurative expressions and the management of topic transition in conversation. Language in Society, 27 (4), 495-522. https://www.jstor.org/stable/4168872
• Goatly, A. (2011). The Language of Metaphors. Abingdon-on-Thames, England: Routledge. Google Books
• Keil, F. C. (1986). Conceptual domains and the acquisition of metaphor. Cognitive Development, 1 (1), 73-96.  https://doi.org/10.1016/S0885-2014(86)80024-7
• Hommerberg, C., Gustafsson, A. W., & Sandgren, A. (2020). Battle, journey, imprisonment, and burden: Patterns of metaphor use in blogs about living with advanced cancer. BMC Palliative Care, 19 (59). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12904-020-00557-6
• Hoßfeld, H. (2013). Corporate dieting. Persuasive use of metaphors in downsizing. Management Revue, 53-70.  https://www.jstor.org/stable/41783738
• Metaphor | Definition & examples (n.d.). Encyclopedia Britannica.
• Palmer, B. C., & Brooks, M. A. (2004). Reading until the cows come home: Figurative language and reading comprehension. Journal of Adolescent & Adult Literacy, 47 (5), 370-379. https://www.jstor.org/stable/40017523
• Pawelec, A. (2006). The death of metaphor. Studia Linguistica Universitatis Iagellonicae Cracoviensis, 123, 117121. Jagiellonian University Repository
• Richards, I. A. (1936). The Philosophy of Rhetoric. Oxford, London: Oxford University Press. Google Books
• Rubio-Fernandez, P., & Grassmann, S. (2016). Metaphors as second labels: Difficult for preschool children? Journal of Psycholinguistic Research, 45 (4), 931-944. https://doi.org/10.1007/s10936-015-9386-y
• Sahragard, R., & Rasti, A. (2014). Metaphors we (de)legitimize by: Patterns of metaphor use in The Economist. International Journal of Applied Linguistics & English Literature, 3 (3), 90. https://doi.org/10.7575/aiac.ijalel.v.3n.3p.90
• Zhang, F., & Hu, J. (2009). A study of metaphor and its application in language learning and teaching. International Education Studies, 2 (2), 77-81. ERIC