Literal or Not for Kids: What Words Really Mean (Grade 3 English)

Hi, I'm Luna from DoodleBeez. Sometimes words mean exactly what they say. Sometimes they mean something else. Today we will learn the difference between literal and nonliteral language.

Literal means the words mean exactly what they say. The dog jumped over the fence. A dog really did jump over a real fence. Nothing is hidden. That is literal.

Nonliteral means the words do not mean exactly what they say. I am so hungry I could eat a horse. Nobody really eats a horse! It means I am very, very hungry.

The same phrase can be literal or not, depending on the story. Break the ice can mean cracking real ice on a pond. It can also mean helping people feel relaxed when they first meet.

Here are more nonliteral phrases. Take a step forward can mean make progress. Keep an eye on it means watch it carefully. Ask yourself, could this really happen?

To decide, look at the other words in the sentence. They are clues. If the words could not really happen, or would be silly, the phrase is probably nonliteral.

Now it's your turn. Grandpa said the test was a breeze. Is that literal or nonliteral? Pause and try. It is nonliteral. A test is not wind. It means the test was very easy.

Great job! Remember, literal means exactly what the words say. Nonliteral means something different. Use clues to decide. Practice literal and nonliteral language in the English Lab at doodlebeez.com. See you next time!