Literal and Nonliteral Phrases Worksheet for Language Arts Practice

Problem Overview:

The task involves identifying whether certain phrases are being used literally or non-literally. A literal phrase is used in its exact, dictionary meaning, while a non-literal phrase uses figurative language, such as idioms, metaphors, or hyperbole.

Additionally, the task requires explaining the meaning of each non-literal phrase.

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Step-by-Step Solution:

#### Part 1: Identify Literal vs. Non-Literal Phrases

1. "You must be carrying my bag with that crazy excuse."
- Literal: This would mean physically carrying a bag.
- Non-Literal: Here, "carrying my bag" is used figuratively to mean accepting or dealing with someone's excuse.
- Answer: Non-Literal

2. "We had to fetch out of walking in the mud. But we still did it."
- Literal: This would mean physically fetching something from the mud.
- Non-Literal: The phrase "fetch out of walking in the mud" does not make sense literally. It seems like a typo or unclear phrasing. Assuming it means something like "we had to walk through the mud," this could be literal if taken at face value.
- Answer: Literal (assuming the context is about walking through mud).

3. "Would you please pick up your stuff when the bus stops?"
- Literal: This means physically picking up belongings.
- Non-Literal: There is no figurative meaning here; it is a straightforward request.
- Answer: Literal

4. "Auntie will be giving us a different hug when she finds out how expensive it is."
- Literal: This would mean Auntie will give a physical hug.
- Non-Literal: The phrase "a different hug" suggests a reaction or response, likely metaphorical for disapproval or disappointment.
- Answer: Non-Literal

5. "Don't waste a piece of paper, but notice creases."
- Literal: This means not wasting paper and observing creases.
- Non-Literal: There is no figurative meaning here; it is a direct instruction.
- Answer: Literal

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#### Part 2: Explain the Meaning of Each Non-Literal Phrase

6. "Don't cry over spilled milk."
- Explanation: This is an idiom that means there is no point in feeling sad or upset about something that has already happened and cannot be changed. It encourages acceptance and moving forward.

7. "Butterflies in my stomach."
- Explanation: This is a metaphor that describes a feeling of nervousness or anxiety, often experienced before doing something stressful or important. The fluttering sensation in the stomach is compared to butterflies flying around.

8. "A dog in the manger."
- Explanation: This is an idiom that refers to someone who prevents others from using something, even though they are not using it themselves. It comes from a fable where a dog lay in a manger and prevented the horses from eating the hay.

9. "Put my foot in my mouth."
- Explanation: This is an idiom that means saying something embarrassing or inappropriate, often accidentally. It suggests making a social blunder by speaking without thinking.

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Final Answers:

#### Part 1: Literal vs. Non-Literal
1. Non-Literal
2. Literal
3. Literal
4. Non-Literal
5. Literal

#### Part 2: Explanation of Non-Literal Phrases
6. "Don't cry over spilled milk.": Don't feel sad about things that cannot be changed.
7. "Butterflies in my stomach.": Feeling nervous or anxious.
8. "A dog in the manger.": Preventing others from using something you are not using yourself.
9. "Put my foot in my mouth.": Saying something embarrassing or inappropriate.

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Final Answer Box:

\[
\boxed{
\begin{array}{ll}
\text{1. Non-Literal} & \text{6. Don't feel sad about things that cannot be changed.} \\
\text{2. Literal} & \text{7. Feeling nervous or anxious.} \\
\text{3. Literal} & \text{8. Preventing others from using something you are not using yourself.} \\
\text{4. Non-Literal} & \text{9. Saying something embarrassing or inappropriate.} \\
\text{5. Literal} &
\end{array}
}
\]