Hyperbole: What it is and how to use it in English

“With love’s light wings did I o’erperch these walls,
For stony limits cannot hold love out.” — Romeo and Juliet; Act 2, Scene 2*

What it is

Hyperbole is a figure of speech that involves exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. It’s used to emphasize a point or create a strong impression.

• Emphasis: Its primary purpose is to emphasize a feeling, idea, or situation.  
• Exaggeration: Hyperbole relies on overstating something to an extreme degree.  
• Not literal: It’s understood that the statement is not meant to be taken as factual.  

How to use it

• To create emphasis
  • Hyperbole can make a statement more impactful and memorable.  
  • It can draw attention to a particular aspect of what you’re describing.  
• To add humor
  • Exaggeration can be funny, making hyperbole a useful tool for comedic effect.  
• To express strong emotions
  • It can convey intense feelings, such as excitement, frustration, or sadness.  
• Examples
  • “I’m so hungry, I could eat a horse.”  
  • “I’ve told you a million times.”  
  • “This bag weighs a ton.”
  • “I’m so tired I could sleep for a year.”  

Key considerations

• Audience: Consider your audience’s understanding and sense of humor.
• Context: The effectiveness of hyperbole depends on the context in which it’s used.  
• Overuse: Avoid overusing hyperbole, as it can weaken its impact.

*Explanation of the Shakespeare quote

The hyperbole lies in Romeo’s exaggeration that love gave him “wings” to fly over the walls. It’s an overstatement meant to emphasize the intensity of his feelings and how love empowers him beyond physical limitations. Shakespeare often uses such exaggerated language to heighten the emotional stakes of the play.

More literary devices to learn about:

• Alliteration
• Allusion
• Hyperbole
• Idioms
• Metaphor
• Onomatopoeia
• Personification
• Simile

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