Which figure of speech best describes the phrase 'Pretty as a picture'?

Prepare for the NES Elementary Education Test with flashcards and multiple-choice questions. Each question comes with hints and explanations to enhance your learning. Get ready for your exam!

Multiple Choice

Which figure of speech best describes the phrase 'Pretty as a picture'?

Explanation:
This phrase uses a comparison with the word as, which signals a simile. By saying someone is "pretty as a picture," the speaker is comparing that person’s appearance to a picture to emphasize how attractive they are. That explicit “as” construction is the hallmark of a simile. It isn’t a metaphor because it doesn’t state that the person actually is a picture or becomes one; it’s just a comparison. It isn’t personification, since it’s not giving human qualities to a non-human thing. And it isn’t hyperbole, since it’s a straightforward compliment rather than an extreme exaggeration.

This phrase uses a comparison with the word as, which signals a simile. By saying someone is "pretty as a picture," the speaker is comparing that person’s appearance to a picture to emphasize how attractive they are. That explicit “as” construction is the hallmark of a simile.

It isn’t a metaphor because it doesn’t state that the person actually is a picture or becomes one; it’s just a comparison. It isn’t personification, since it’s not giving human qualities to a non-human thing. And it isn’t hyperbole, since it’s a straightforward compliment rather than an extreme exaggeration.

Subscribe

Get the latest from Passetra

You can unsubscribe at any time. Read our privacy policy