Literal Language versus Figurative Language | Jennifer - Free Printable

Task Explanation:

The task requires you to determine whether the bolded phrases in each sentence are literal or non-literal. A literal phrase means the words are used in their exact, dictionary meaning. A non-literal phrase means the words are used figuratively, often as idioms, metaphors, or expressions that do not mean what they say literally.

Solution:

#### 1. It is raining cats and dogs outside.
- Bolded Phrase: "raining cats and dogs"
- Explanation: This is a common idiom meaning it is raining very heavily. It does not mean actual cats and dogs are falling from the sky.
- Answer: Non-literal

#### 2. Mom told me to dust the furniture.
- Bolded Phrase: "dust the furniture"
- Explanation: This phrase means to clean the furniture by removing dust. The word "dust" is used in its literal sense here.
- Answer: Literal

#### 3. Jerry is an early bird in the mornings!
- Bolded Phrase: "early bird"
- Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression meaning someone who wakes up early. It does not refer to an actual bird.
- Answer: Non-literal

#### 4. Dad told Beth that she is pretty.
- Bolded Phrase: "she is pretty"
- Explanation: Here, "pretty" is used in its literal sense to describe Beth's appearance.
- Answer: Literal

#### 5. Darryl told Jim to break a leg in his play.
- Bolded Phrase: "break a leg"
- Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression used to wish someone good luck, especially before a performance. It does not mean to actually break a leg.
- Answer: Non-literal

#### 6. Dad was feeling under the weather.
- Bolded Phrase: "under the weather"
- Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression meaning someone is feeling unwell or sick. It does not mean being physically under the weather.
- Answer: Non-literal

#### 7. Mark was taking steps to finish his project.
- Bolded Phrase: "taking steps"
- Explanation: This phrase is used literally to mean Mark is making progress or actions toward completing his project.
- Answer: Literal

#### 8. Sydney used a cup to measure the sugar.
- Bolded Phrase: "measure the sugar"
- Explanation: Here, "measure" is used in its literal sense to indicate using a cup to quantify the amount of sugar.
- Answer: Literal

#### 9. Sara would not speak to Jim. She gave him the cold shoulder.
- Bolded Phrase: "cold shoulder"
- Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression meaning Sara is ignoring Jim or treating him with indifference. It does not mean she is literally giving him a cold shoulder.
- Answer: Non-literal

#### 10. Harris told Sara that he didn’t want to talk to her and to get lost.
- Bolded Phrase: "get lost"
- Explanation: This is an idiomatic expression meaning Harris wants Sara to leave or go away. It does not mean Sara should literally get lost.
- Answer: Non-literal

Final Answers:

1. Non-literal
2. Literal
3. Non-literal
4. Literal
5. Non-literal
6. Non-literal
7. Literal
8. Literal
9. Non-literal
10. Non-literal

Boxed Final Answer:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{c}
\text{Non-literal} \\
\text{Literal} \\
\text{Non-literal} \\
\text{Literal} \\
\text{Non-literal} \\
\text{Non-literal} \\
\text{Literal} \\
\text{Literal} \\
\text{Non-literal} \\
\text{Non-literal}
\end{array}
}
\]