Being a stay-at-home parent has many benefits. You enjoy more significant involvement in your children’s daily lives, and they generally experience less stress and have better school performance. However, you also forfeit your income and sometimes feel a little stir-crazy. Accepting freelance writing jobs online for beginners can be an excellent way to feel like an adult again, save your sanity, and earn money!

Get Started With Freelance Writing Jobs Online for Beginners

Starting an online writing career as a stay-at-home parent may seem like an overwhelming prospect. You like to write, but there are other variables to consider. How can you juggle kids and assignments and still be productive? Where do you find online writing jobs without prior experience? Here are some tips for beginning your new career from home:

1. Share Your Goals

If your kids are old enough, let them know your plans. Tell them why you are starting a writing career and share your objectives. Make a chart, a poster or a vision board and tell them how they can help you achieve your dreams. Share your enthusiasm for embarking on this project, and let them know how they can participate. When your spouse and family understand your goals, they will be more willing to help you obtain them.

2. Create a Productivity Plan

Landing freelance writing jobs online for beginners and meeting deadlines requires a strategy. Take time to plan out your days. Each day’s routine may look different depending on your family’s needs and obligations, but if everyone knows what to expect, you will all get more tasks accomplished.

Children function better with a schedule, and you will, too. Schedule your work time just as you would schedule any other appointment. Set timers for your little ones and for yourself. Give them specific play activities during this time. You can also assign children age-appropriate chores to help with housework and other duties so you have more time to dedicate to writing. Once your family knows the routine, they will be less likely to interrupt.

3. Spend Time With Your Children First

You may think you should finish all your work and then give your family attention. However, focusing on your children first thing each morning works best. When you play with, snuggle or talk with your family at the start of the day, it is much easier to address tasks without struggles. Dedicating this time to your children will help them feel secure and valued, making the transition to independent play while you write less stressful.

4. Write When You Have Downtime

When doing freelance writing jobs online for beginners, schedule time for writing when your children are napping, at school or participating in activities. Planning to work when your family has other obligations is an excellent way to stay productive and maximize your time.

Eliminate distractions as much as possible to remain hyper-focused on your writing. When you know you have limited time, you can accomplish more than when you try to write for long periods and divide your attention among several things. Scheduling writing time in this way also forces you to work in short bursts, improving productivity, focus and concentration.

5. Be Realistic

If you expect perfection during this process from yourself or your family, you will end up frustrated and disheartened. Set attainable goals, and understand there will be hiccups along the way and likely some messes. Only accept freelance writing jobs online for beginners that you have the time and energy to complete. It may be tempting to tackle a wordy, specialized project, but it will only cause stress if you cannot accomplish the task while caring for your family’s needs. Start small and grow your skills and opportunities over time.

Be mindful of the family calendar, too. If you have a school party, a piano recital and a soccer game to attend in the same week, don’t accept new projects. Take a break from writing, and jump back in when you have more breathing room to meet deadlines without feeling frantic.

6. Enlist Help

If you have toddlers, it can be especially challenging to get any work done while they are awake. And often, you are too tired once they are asleep. Consider hiring part-time childcare or swapping babysitting hours with another parent. Your little ones will love having playdates, and you will get time to focus without distraction.

You Can Get Freelance Writing Jobs Online for Beginners!

Earning money from home as a writer is within your reach. If you are self-motivated and ready to start, you can achieve your goals by taking one step at a time. Making a plan, creating a schedule and finding freelance work that provides training will get you on the path to a new, flexible career or side hustle. Share your thoughts in the comments if you have insights or tips for beginners looking for freelance writing jobs online.

So, you’ve been wondering how to get into freelance writing. You have a lot going on in your life, and a work-from-home gig seems like the right fit. Whether you want a side hustle to supplement your 9-to-5, a flexible work schedule to meet your family’s needs, or the ability to travel while still earning a living, freelance writing may be just the thing for you.

The great thing about freelance writing is structuring your days to fit your goals and needs. I work odd hours between family obligations and pesky life problems because that works for me. Maybe you especially like the idea of working in your pajamas. Whatever your reasons and objectives, you can start working in freelance content creation without prior experience.

7 Tips for How To Get Into Freelance Writing

As a freelance writer, you can write stories, blogs, articles, emails, instruction manuals, technical documents and more. Try the following suggestions to obtain work that meets your skill set, interests and schedule so you can launch your new career getting paid to write.

1. Plan and Prepare

As with any career, you need to do some background work and outline your success strategy. Before looking for writing jobs, consider following these tips:

• Make time to learn about the freelance writing industry.
• Read about the types of work available to help you find your niche.
• Educate yourself about different style guides and current writing conventions to get a head start.
• Increase your grammatical knowledge and work on improving your writing skills by writing more often.
• Determine how you will stay organized and on task once you find writing jobs.

2. Set Up a Website

As a freelancer, you need a way to show your work and abilities to potential clients. Creating a site to showcase your writing samples can help you acquire jobs. Without previous professional writing experience, you are unlikely to have published content online. That’s OK! Start a blog on your site creating the type of content you want to write for others. You can link your website to potential clients so they can see what you offer. The more you write, the better your chances of success.

3. Find a Content Creation Company

Applying for work with a content creation business is an excellent way to jumpstart your writing career when you lack previous experience in the industry. Companies such as BKA Content will train you to write specific types of content. They provide you with available jobs that match your skill set from their established customers, so you don’t have to do the legwork, pricing and client management.

When learning how to get into freelance writing, working with an existing content writing operation helps you gain experience, learn the ropes of content creation and ensure ongoing work opportunities. It also allows you to become familiar with the ins and outs of the industry.

4. Post on Job Boards

​Search online for freelance writing job boards to find work that fits your interests and goals. Many job boards cater specifically to freelancers and make finding suitable opportunities for full- or part-time work easier. By perusing job postings, you can find options for many writing gigs, such as web content, instructional papers, ghostwriting, technical writing and more.

5. Write Guest Posts

Become familiar with blogs that write in your niche. Look for opportunities to create guest blogs on other bloggers’ sites. Perhaps they are going on trips or want additional submissions for certain sections of their blogs. Reach out to the site owner with your bio and a link to your work so they know what you offer upfront. Consider including a sample post in your email so bloggers have something they can use right away. When you secure a guest posting on an established writer’s site, you gain visibility and traffic to your website. Additionally, you have more published works to include in your professional profile.

6. Network Using Social Media

Connecting with others in your industry is a great way to accelerate your writing career. Social media platforms make finding and building relationships with other writers easy. These connections help you,

• Expand your network.
• Build brand awareness.
• Learn valuable tips and tricks.
• Find opportunities.
• Attract new clients.

7. Write for Friends and Family

Get your foot in the door by reaching out to people you know and offering your services. You likely know people close to you who would benefit from a blog, email newsletter or consistent social media content. Contracting with family and friends enables you to publish more work, increasing your chances for growth and opportunities.

Learn How To Get Into Freelance Writing Today

Take the time to research and educate yourself about the freelance writing industry and make a strategic plan for your growth and success. By doing so, you can jumpstart a new profession writing content and allow yourself to work from anywhere on a flexible schedule. If you have tips on how to get into freelance writing, share your thoughts in the comments!

So, you went down a home renovation / DIY rabbit hole on TikTok, and you have so many amazing new ideas to share with your spouse about your living room, kitchen, bedroom and front porch. Oh, and all the bathrooms, too. You get out your phone to text the news, but wait, do you need alot or a lot of things from the hardware store?

There are some words I always have to stop and think about when I’m writing. Sometimes, it’s because I can’t for the life of me remember how many double letters to use for words like accommodate, recommend and occurrence. (I legitimately misspelled occurrence just now while typing this. Also, don’t get me started on the word misspell.) Other times, I can’t remember which vowels to use in words like independent, separate and ambiance. Let’s face it. The English language can be incredibly confusing.

The good news is that alot vs. a lot has a simple rule: alot is not a word. If you can commit to memory that a lot is two words, you are good to go. You can confidently send your home reno text and start your new DIY life.

Alot or A Lot at a Glance

A lot can mean different things depending on the context, but you always spell it with two words. People often misspell this expression as alot, but that is never correct.

• A lot: The “a” in this phrase is an indefinite article used to introduce the noun lot. The word lot usually means “a large number” or “a great many.”
• Alot: This is a common misspelling, but not an actual word in the English language.

What’s the Difference Between Alot and A Lot?

When considering alot vs. a lot, remember that alot is a misspelling of the phrase a lot. It is not a legitimate word. A lot refers to a significant number or a great many. Think of it this way: you would not say you had alittle piece of cake or agreatdeal of work to do. In this context, lot is a noun meaning many, and a is the article you place in front of it.

When To Use Alot

Alot is not a real word in the English language, so you should never use it.

When To Use A Lot

If you want to convey a large number of things, you can use the noun phrase a lot. You can also use a lot as an adverb to express a degree of something. For example, in the sentence, “She likes math a lot.” The word lot can also refer to a portion of land or an article for sale at an auction, but you likely don’t confuse that particular meaning with alot.

Examples of using a lot in a sentence:

• My parents have a lot of boxes in their garage.
• Johnny ate a lot of candy on Halloween.
• There are usually a lot of parking spaces on the south side of the building.
• Thanks a lot!
• It took me a lot longer to sort my photos than I expected.

Alot or A Lot Is a Common Grammar Question

Using alot instead of a lot is a common spelling error. When deciding whether to use alot or a lot, think of it this way: A lot is a lot of words. Yes, I know it’s only two words, but that may help you remember to put a space after the a! You wouldn’t say abunch, so don’t say alot.

Now, you can let your partner know you both need to start saving a lot of pennies for that DIY resin penny floor in the bathroom. And, you will be heading to a craft store today to pick up a lot of woven baskets for chic storage around the house.

If you have a lot to say regarding alot vs. a lot, or other commonly misspelled words and commonly confused phrases, leave a comment below. We are happy to try and make words a little (or hopefully a lot) less confusing!

The fireplace is dancing and crackling as large fluffy snowflakes make their way to the ground outside my window. The softly glowing flames of a candle fill the air with scents of cinnamon and cloves. Snuggled in my cozy, knit sweater, I sip my steaming cup of hot chocolate as I sit down to my keyboard to describe the ambiance of my living room this evening and ponder on the ambience vs. ambiance debate.

What is the difference between these often-confused words? How do you spell ambiance? What do these words mean? Why do I not know this? Am I a writer or an impostor? Let’s answer these questions before the ambiance changes.

Ambience vs. Ambiance at a Glance

OK, do not panic (like me). You will be happy to know these words mean the same thing. And, more good news, both spellings are correct.

• Ambience describes the atmosphere, mood and character of a place.
• Ambiance describes, well, the atmosphere, mood and character of a place.

What’s the Difference Between Ambience and Ambiance?

Are ambience vs. ambiance really the same? There must be some difference, right? Other than that one pesky letter, no. Both words refer to the feeling or atmosphere of a place. The usage of the two terms is the same.

So, why are there two spellings for the same word? With origins in the Latin word ambient, meaning going round, and the French word ambiant, meaning surrounding, the word ambience was first used in the English language at the end of the 19th century. It was borrowed directly from the French term ambiance but was Anglicized with an e instead of an a. The meaning remained the same.

Ambience is technically the accurate English spelling. However, later, it became trendy to use French words in the English language, and people began using the original French spelling of ambiance. Both versions are considered correct. There’s no need to be a grammar snob when it comes to ambiance or ambience.

When To Use Ambience

Although some dictionaries list the standard spelling as ambiance, ambience is the most used English spelling.

Ambience Examples:

• The ambience of the Italian restaurant in my neighborhood is warm and inviting.
• Creating the right ambience is critical for a romantic evening.

When To Use Ambiance

Ambiance is a French word meaning the mood or atmosphere of the surroundings. This spelling is often used in texts referring to design or art, although either term is correct in any circumstance.

Ambiance Examples:

• The hotel room’s soothing white and blue tones, coupled with soft lighting, create a calm and relaxing ambiance, making it an excellent choice for a weekend getaway.
• Enhance the ambiance of your room with carefully chosen artwork.

Ambience vs. Ambiance: Let’s Improve the Ambience Here

My hot chocolate got icy cold while we were discussing ambience vs. ambiance. I need to restore that cozy mood. While it may seem confusing (and altogether unnecessary) to have two different spellings of the same word, rest assured you are correct no matter which one you choose.

You just need to decide if you want to stick with the English spelling or throw a little French into your text. Whether you use ambiance or ambience, I am going to add some whipped cream to my cup and put on the movie “Chocolat.” That will improve the ambiance here.

What are some other commonly confused words that throw you into a panic? Let us know in the comments below!

We learn about consonants and vowels in elementary school, but what is a consonant in the context of writing? And how do consonants create consonance, which affects the overall style and mood of your text? What types of writing benefit from a careful selection of consonants?

If you have ever been in a choir or taken vocal lessons, you know consonants as those short sounds that connect one vowel sound to another while crooning your tunes. Singers emphasize open vowel sounds because consonants require specific articulation by stopping the air stream in some way.

Are Consonants the Framework of Consonance?

Before we talk about consonance, we have to understand what consonants are. A consonant is a speech sound you produce by blocking your breath with your lips, throat, tongue or teeth. Any sound that is not a vowel is a consonant. When speaking or singing, you cannot sustain the sound or control the volume of most consonants. This inability is why vocalists focus on the vowel sounds of words. In writing, all letters that are not vowels (i.e., A, E, I, O and U) are consonants.

Consonance Definition

consonance (noun): A literary device using the repetition of similar sounds, particularly consonants, in close sequence to emphasize specific letter sounds within the words

What Are the Essential Elements of Consonance?

You can identify consonance within a piece of writing by looking for key components:

• Consonance is a figure of speech that focuses on repeating sounds. The specific letters you choose are not relevant to this writing method as long as they make the same sound.
• You can place recurring sounds at the beginning, middle or end of your words. The concentration is on the repetition of the sound, not the placement of the letters.
• Consonance can occur in both stressed and unstressed syllables.
• Words containing similar sounds do not need to be directly next to each other. Consonance works effectively as long as the sounds are relatively close to one another in your text.

Consonance Examples

Choosing words with a lilting, lyrical flow allows readers to linger on the fluidity of sound replication, leaving them longing for more. You can use this stylistic device in any type of written composition.

Sentences

Repeating sounds at the beginning of words is a type of consonance called alliteration. However, you can place similar sounds anywhere within the terms and texts when you use consonance.

• A flock of ducks kept quacking back at the dock.
• Sylvester slumped against the wall, slid to the floor and slipped into a deep slumber.
• A flash of light created a phantom glow, framing the fridge.
• Zoey’s amazing days at the zoo include lizards, zebras and chimpanzees.
• I wish we had fresh fish to put in my dish.
• Fred figures waffles will be enough food for breakfast on Friday.

Poems

Poets often use consonance in poetry to intensify language, add interest, heighten emotion and enhance the imagery. Consider these consonance examples created by well-known poets:

“The Acrobats” by Shel Silverstein

“I’ll swing by my ankles. / She’ll cling to your knees. / As you hang by your nose, / From a high-up trapeze. / But just one thing, please, / As we float through the breeze, / Don’t sneeze.”

“Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

“He gives his harness bells a shake / To ask if there is some mistake. / The only other sound’s the sweep / Of easy wind and downy flake.”

“Poem 315” by Emily Dickinson

“Your breath has time to straighten, / Your brain to bubble cool, / Deals one imperial thunderbolt / That scalps your naked soul.”

Literature

Authors use consonance to evoke a feeling and capture the reader’s attention. Here are additional consonance examples in popular works of fiction:

“Moby Dick” by Herman Melville

“Nearly all joined in singing this hymn, which swelled high about the howling of the storm.”

“Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare

“Come, he hath hid himself among these trees, / To be consorted with the humorous night: / Blind is his love and best befits the dark.”

“If love be blind, love cannot hit the mark. / Now will he sit under a medlar tree, / And wish his mistress were that kind of fruit / As maids call medlars, when they laugh alone.”

Tongue Twisters

In addition to old standbys like “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers” and “She sells seashells by the seashore,” “Fox in Socks” by Dr. Seuss contains an entire book of funny-sounding words and consonance-heavy rhymes.

“Bim comes. Ben comes. Bim brings Ben broom. Ben brings Bim broom. / Ben bends Bim‘s broom. Bim bends Ben‘s broom. Bim‘s bends. Ben‘s bends. Ben‘s bent broom breaks. Bim‘s bent broom breaks. / Ben‘s band. Bim‘s band. Big bands. Pig bands. / Bim and Ben lead bands with brooms. Ben‘s band bangs and Bim‘s band booms.”

Songs

The rhythmic quality of this literary device makes it ideal for song lyrics.

“Dental Care” by Owl City

“I’d rather pick flowers instead of fights / And rather than flaunt my style / I’d flash you a smile / Of clean pearly whites“

“Subterranean Homesick Blues” by Bob Dylan

“Maggie comes fleet foot / Face full of black soot / Talkin’ that the heat put / Plants in the bed but / The phone’s tapped anyway”

“We Go Together” from “Grease”

This popular song from “Grease” uses nonsense words to create consonance:

“We go together / Like rama lama lama ka dinga da dinga dong / Remembered forever / As shoo-bop sha wadda wadda yippity boom da boom / Chang chang changitty chang sha-bop / That’s the way it should be”

Why Do Writers Use Consonance?

Consonance emphasizes groups of words, giving them a rhythmic quality. This literary method creates memorable passages by producing the desired sound to convey an emotion or mood.

Choosing specific sounds builds the intended atmosphere for your writing. Hard consonant sounds can produce a loud, intrusive or energetic feeling. The repeated use of soft sounds can evoke intimacy, mystery or sleepiness. Repetition of letter sounds with a hissing or hushing quality, like “s” or “sh,” generates an inherent whispering sound when speaking the words.

Can Consonance Enhance Your Writing?

Understanding these consonance examples allows you to craft sections of your own prose or poetry with a specific feel. Compose your consonants carefully to construct text or lyrics that grab your reader’s consideration, intensify imagery and convey a particular feeling.

Try as I might, I cannot always light the fire to inspire my productivity, despite my desire to do so. While managing tasks at hand, distractions often command my attention, damaging my aspirations by amassing catastrophe and calamity. OK, maybe that’s a tad dramatic, but I was trying to create a rhythm to get you interested and help you understand assonance.

So far, I’m guessing you think I’m a bit cuckoo, and maybe that’s somewhat true, but we can discuss that later. Right now, let’s focus on creating rhythmic phrases in our writing, shall we?

What Is Assonance?

Assonance refers to placing similar vowel or consonant sounds in close enough proximity to create memorable rhythmic phrases. Typically, consonance refers to the repetition of consonants, and assonance refers to repeated vowel sounds.

Once you understand this literary technique, how it enhances your writing and affects your reader, you will have a powerful tool to create lyrical works of art with the written word.

Assonance Definition

assonance (noun): The repetition of similar vowel sounds or diphthongs within words, sentences or phrases close enough to one another to create a discernable rhythm using nonrhyming stressed syllables.

Assonance Purpose

The primary function of assonance is to create rhythm. Poets often employ this poetic device to guide the reader naturally through the poem, creating a flowing effect that stresses the intended syllables. Assonance can set the mood and tone of your writing and create indelible passages that the reader will linger on and remember. This approach grabs people’s attention, making your work more attractive and intriguing. The melodic quality of assonance pulls the readers through the words and embeds them in their memories.

Assonance Examples

Writers use assonance in all types of works. Here are some examples:

Poetry

You often see assonance in poems due to its melodic nature and ability to evoke a mood.

In John Updike’s poem, “Player Piano,” he uses many literary devices to create rhythm. In the last stanza, he uses assonance to produce an effect on the reader:

“At times I’m a jumble of rumbles,
At others I’m light like the moon
But never my numb plunker fumbles,
Misstrums me, or tires a new tune.”

In “Ode on a Grecian Urn” by John Keats, we experience the effect of this literary device in the first two lines:

“Thou still unravish’d bride of quietness,
Thou foster-child of Silence and slow Time,”

The poem “Travel” by Edna St. Vincent Millay repeats the long “a” sound to create a train-like cadence:

“The railroad track is miles away,
And the day is loud with voices speaking,
Yet there isn’t a train goes by all day
But I hear its whistle shrieking.”

Novels

Authors use assonance in novels and other literary works to create atmosphere, enhance or emphasize a phrase or connect the reader to the prose by devising a memorable flow.

Some examples in literature include:

• “Lolita” by Vladimir Nabokov: “A lanky, six-foot, pale boy with an active Adam’s apple …”
• “In Our Time” by Ernest Hemingway: “There were wet dead leaves on the paving of the courtyard. It rained hard. All the shutters of the hospital were nailed shut.”
• “A Portrait of the Artist as a Young Man” by James Joyce: “Soft language issued from their spitless lips as they swished in low circles round and round the field, winding hither and thither through the weeds.”

Everyday Expressions

Many common expressions use assonance:

• Don’t let the cat out of the bag.
• It was just dumb luck.
• The early bird catches the worm.
• The squeaky wheel gets the grease.

Songs

Using assonance in lyrics is an effective way to build rhythms and emphasize words or ideas. Some examples include:

“Something in the Way” by Nirvana

“And the animals I’ve trapped
Have all become my pets
And I’m living off of grass
And the drippings from the ceiling”

“ME!” by Taylor Swift

“I promise that you’ll never find another like me
I know that I‘m a handful, baby, uh
I know I never think before I jump
And you’re the kind of guy the ladies want”

The rapper Eminem is adept at using assonance to structure phrases and add weight to certain words in his songs:

“Without Me” by Eminem

“Some vodka that’ll jump start my heart quicker
Then a shock when I get shocked at the hospital
By the doctor when I’m not cooperating
When I’m rocking the table while he’s operating”

Why Do Writers Use Assonance?

Word choice affects many aspects of your writing. Assonance intensifies your language, creating memorable sequences of words that evoke a particular mood, produce a rhythm or cause the reader to notice and make deeper connections with the material. This literary technique creates pleasant-sounding sections that are enjoyable to read. It can enhance the significance of words in an impactful manner by generating the meaning rather than telling you directly.

By calling attention to your words in this way, you can relay greater meaning and weightiness to convey the nature of your poetry and prose more persuasively. Leave a comment below to give us a brief rundown of your ideal examples of assonance.

Often, I find myself addressing my computer directly, begging it to cooperate with me. “My computer hates me,” is a common phrase I mention to people nearby. I also tend to complain about the ton of socks that need folding and the millions of things I have to do. Basically, I complain a lot, using figure of speech devices like apostrophe, personification and hyperbole.

Describing events in a literal way can be dry and uninteresting. Using figures of speech communicates deeper meaning to deliver more expressive imagery to the listener or reader. In this way, writers and speakers can suggest visuals, create rhetorical effects or produce vivid ideas.

What Is Figure of Speech?

A figure of speech involves using language in a unique way to paint a distinct picture for the reader. This literary device can be in the form of a phrase or a single word. The intended meaning differs from its ordinary meaning to create an enhanced experience.

Figure of Speech Definition

figure of speech (noun): a word or phrase that intentionally deviates from its literal meaning to produce a rhetorical effect, emphasize or embellish language or create a striking impression.

Why Do Writers Use Figures of Speech?

A skilled writer will use a figure of speech to develop a more memorable description, create an unforgettable impression or convey a specific atmosphere or feeling. Figures of speech communicate information in a more lively and colorful way. These figurative language tools effectively bring words to life, taking readers on a journey through the writer’s intent.

A figure of speech can:

• Add richness to descriptions or events
• Enhance understanding through the use of comparisons
• Develop striking imagery
• Communicate abstract or complex ideas
• Elicit emotion
• Connect ideas that do not have an apparent relationship
• Create memorable sections of prose
• Make the content more relatable and enjoyable

Figure of Speech Examples

Conversational

People often use figures of speech in everyday conversation.

Hyperbole: Exaggerating to highlight a feature or quality

• My backpack weighs a ton.
• I’ll die if I can’t go to the concert.
• That guy is older than dirt.

Oxymoron: Connecting two opposing ideas

• small crowd
• controlled chaos
• original copy
• deafening silence
• clearly confused

Pun: Using words that have similar sounds or applications to create a double meaning

• This vacuum sucks.
• Make like a tree and leave.
• Some bunny loves you.
• Crabs don’t share because they are shellfish.

Understatement: Expressing less emotion than expected to create an effect or show irony

• A person who gets 100% on an exam saying, “I think I did OK.”
• Someone who crashes a car stating, “I put a few scratches on it.”
• Describing below zero weather as “a little chilly.”

Verbal paradox: Using contradictory statements to reveal a truth

• All I know is I know nothing.
• Less is more.
• You make money by spending it.
• The only constant is change.

Euphemism: Replacing harsh phrases with more pleasant words

• Our organization is going to have to let you go.
• My grandpa is over the hill.
• I need to powder my nose.

Writing

Writers employ figures of speech in their work for many reasons.

Simile: Connecting two things with comparison words

• busy as a bee
• cute as a kitten
• run like the wind
• grows like a weed

Metaphor: Comparing things without comparison words

• drowning in a sea of paperwork
• rollercoaster of emotions
• time is a thief

Personification: Attributing human characteristics to an object

• The sunlight danced across the lake.
• That piece of pizza is calling my name.
• The flowers nodded in the breeze.

Literature

Some figure of speech examples found in works of literature include the following:

Personification 

William Wordsworth, “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud”

“A host, of golden daffodils; / Beside the lake, beneath the trees, / Fluttering and dancing in the breeze.”

Alliteration

Toni Morrison, “Sula“

“It was a fine cry – loud and long – but it had no bottom, and it had no top, just circles and circles of sorrow.”

Paradox

William Shakespeare, “Julius Caesar“

“Cowards die many times before their deaths; The valiant never taste of death but once.”

Understatement

J.D. Salinger, “The Catcher in the Rye“

“It isn’t very serious. I have this tiny little tumor on the brain.”

Simile

F. Scott Fitzgerald, “The Great Gatsby“

“In his blue gardens, men and girls came and went like moths …”

Common Figures of Speech

What Are the Types of Figures of Speech?

There are numerous kinds of figurative language that are figures of speech. Scholars divide the many forms into two primary categories: tropes and schemes.

Tropes

A literary trope utilizes figurative language to create an artistic image. It originates from the Greek word “trepein,” which means “to turn, to alter, to change.” Tropes change the usual meaning of words to convey a vivid picture or description. Below is the full list of literary tropes.

Schemes

Schemes change word order, patterns, syntax, sounds or letters instead of altering the meanings of words or phrases. Below is the full list of literary schemes.

Use Figure of Speech To Create Dynamic Prose

With so many figure of speech examples, you are sure to find a way to craft engaging works that leap off the page and hook the reader with the penetrating power of carefully chosen prose.

Leave a comment and tell us which figure of speech techniques you use in your writing or everyday life. We are all ears!

So, you have to write a report but you are stuck on step one. What is step one anyway? For me, the worst part about writing anything is the moments of dread before I begin typing. Often, the most formidable obstacle to overcome is just getting started. The good news is that the essentials of how to write a report are the same whether you are writing a work, school, research or scientific piece.

How To Write a Report

The structure of a report is basically the same regardless of the type or purpose. Your goal is to clearly communicate the findings that support your topic, making organization and attention-to-detail vital elements for your success. Following step-by-step guidelines ensures you have the necessary components.

Create a timeline for meeting your deadline to avoid procrastination, mistakes and sloppiness. If you allow plenty of time to research, plan and proofread, you will find that report writing is not as intimidating as you thought.

I have broken down the process, so you can stop overthinking and get on your way to a well-written paper.

1. Format Your Report

In order to properly format your report, you must do the following:

Understand the Prompt

Thoroughly read the assignment’s guidelines to have a clear picture of what your boss or teacher expects. Have you ever gotten half-way through making a recipe only to discover that your ingredients need to marinate overnight? I have done this multiple times and do not recommend it. Your instructions are your recipe for success. Make sure you understand all the directives. These should include the report’s purpose, format, structure and intended audience.

Ask Questions

After carefully reviewing the details, reach out to your supervisor or professor with any questions to clarify what is expected. Do not wait until the deadline to do this! Trust me; I have a fair amount of procrastination experience, and it is a smoother process if you take the time upfront to address any issues or concerns. Determine whether you have the necessary information to begin:

• Subject matter
• Requirements
• Purpose
• Audience
• Deadline

Identify Your Audience and Objective

A thorough understanding of both your audience and objective allows you to connect with your reader. Think about the goal of your report. Is your intent to persuade, explain or describe? Once you have a clear focus, determine who your reader will be. Adjust your language and tone to communicate effectively with the desired audience.

Choose a Topic

If there is some freedom regarding your subject matter, pick a topic that interests you. If you are intrigued by your research, your reader is likely to find it engaging as well. Be as specific with your subject as possible to avoid broad, generalized writing.

2. Research Your Topic

Here are a few easy steps to help you research your report topic:

Brainstorm the Information You Already Know

Brainstorming helps you create a writing plan and discover the additional areas you need to research.

Find Credible Sources

Your research efforts must contain data from relevant and appropriate references. Some places to gather evidence include the following.

• Recommended texts: Your prompt may have required reading or a list of sources and materials you must incorporate.
• Online sources: When you utilize the internet to conduct research, make sure you use credible information from experts in the subject, government sites or other reliable sources. Check the author’s credentials, the publisher’s reputation and the date the article was published.
• Public library: Yes, it’s old-school, but a library has an excellent selection of traditional reference materials to gather information for your report.
• Relevant experts: Speak with people knowledgeable in your report topic to gain new and unique insights.

Take notes while you research

As you read, write down the things you want to include in your report. Also, take note of the reference material, page number, author, date of the publication and the publisher. This will make it easy to cite your sources later.

Create a thesis statement

Your thesis should be specific and summarize the point of your report. While you are gathering your findings, you will start to notice a theme stand out. Use this main idea to formulate your statement.

Create an outline

Begin organizing the rest of your paper. Choose the research ideas that support your thesis, then outline your report with those points.

3. Structure Your Report

Your structure may vary depending on the type of report but will include many of the following sections:

• A title page indicates the date, who the essay is written for and what it is about.
• A list of contents consists of the sections and page numbers.
• An introduction sets the scene for your paper, providing a general background of the subject and objectives.
• An executive summary is a paragraph that summarizes the main contents and contains evidence, conclusions and recommendations. You typically write this after you have finished the report.
• A procedure section explains the process and data collection of an experiment.
• A results section includes the findings of a study.
• Closing information summarizes the conclusion and gives recommendations.
• Appendices contain supporting elements, such as a glossary, survey results or interview transcripts.
• A references section details the authors cited in your report.
• The terms of reference section explains the motivation and purpose of the report.

Stick to the Guidelines

Pay close attention to the required elements of your piece. Save yourself the time and headache of rewrites and include all the specifics indicated in your instructions. Some particulars of your assignment that may differ are:

• The type of report
• The formality
• The length

Strictly Follow the Formatting Instructions

You may want to format your margins, spacing and font as directed before you start writing to save time and trouble at the end. If your instructions do not include specifics, use a classic serif font, such as Times New Roman. Your font should be a 12-point minimum with 1.5 line spacing. Place a blank line in between paragraphs, but do not indent them.

4. Write Your First Draft

A report typically contains the following:

Introduction

The introduction presents your topic, some background information and your thesis in an engaging way. This section tells the reader what your report is about.

Body

The body contains evidence that supports your main idea and consists of the following elements:

• Sections are more manageable for your reader to take in and comprehend.
• Topic sentences introduce the focus of each body paragraph.
• Research findings support the topic sentences. You can accomplish this by restating the evidence and using direct quotes. Make sure you do not plagiarize from your sources. Always paraphrase information using your own words, cite quote authors and use quotation marks correctly.
• Commentary explains your ideas about how the evidence supports your thesis. Showing how the information supports the main idea creates a good flow for your report, helping the reader understand your concepts.

Conclusion

The conclusion should not contain any new thoughts or discussion points. It should be a summary of your thesis that concisely unites the report’s information.

Table of Contents

The table of contents should be written after you have finished writing your report. Ensure this section matches your heading and subheadings to show the reader what is in your paper and where to find it.

Reference Section

The reference section lists each of your research sources in alphabetical order. This gives the appropriate credit to the original authors and provides verifiable proof for your readers.

Appendix

An appendix is typically not a necessary element but can provide additional technical data to support your findings further.

5. Revise for Clarity

Whew, now that you have finished writing your report, you can kick back and relax, right? Well, not just yet. You will need to spend time revising your paper. Take a break for a while, or put it away until tomorrow so you can go over it with fresh eyes. It is easy to overlook errors or areas that need improvement if you do not have time away from the report. This is another reason not to procrastinate. Follow these steps for revision:

Read for Understanding

Read your report out loud in its entirety. You catch errors easier if you hear them. Try to view your report from the standpoint of your intended reader. Did you provide sufficient evidence to support your thesis? Is the information you have presented easy to follow and digest? If you were seeing this information for the first time, would it make sense to you?

Review for Errors

Double-check your writing for any grammar, spelling or punctuation mistakes. Edit and revise, then set the report aside for a few more days if you have the time before your deadline.

Proofread Again

Read through your report at a time of day you are most alert. Look for errors you make often or proofread for one type of mistake at a time. Try reading your paper backward, line by line or paragraph by paragraph, to catch things you may have missed.

Enlist Help

Ask a classmate or colleague to read your report and help you identify confusing sections or other issues.

Ensure You Have Met all the Requirements

Use your assignment guidelines as a checklist to make sure you have followed the directions. Determine the following:

• Are all the required elements included?
• Did you fulfill the assignment’s objective?
• Is your paper using the indicated formatting and structure?
• Does your evidence support your thesis?

6. Rest Easy That You Now Know How to Write a Report!

Following this writing format ensures a well-organized report that is easy to read and understand. Learning how to write a report step by step should help remove your reluctance to begin. Procrastination is the enemy of writing, so get started today to create an engaging, credible and well-written report. What are some helpful tips you use when writing a report? Share your knowledge below!

Wouldn’t it be great to understand why someone asks a rhetorical question? How many times a day do you ask questions that don’t have an answer? Don’t we all do this in everyday speech? Who knew? Is the sky blue?

You may have noticed I was not waiting for a response to any of the above queries. That’s the thing about rhetorical questions; the questions do not require an answer.

When used effectively, these sassy, confident inquiries can enhance your written and spoken communication by emphasizing critical points, inspiring contemplation or creating a mood. When executed poorly, rhetorical questions may seem rude, arrogant and off-putting.

What Is a Rhetorical Question?

A rhetorical question requires no reply. People typically use this kind of figurative language to highlight a point. It may already have an obvious answer, but the speaker asks anyway, using sarcasm for emphasis. It may be a broad inquiry to inspire thinking or introspection or a query put forward in advertising to persuade consumers. Regardless of the intended result, rhetorical questioning aims to produce an effect on the listener, not to gain information.

Usually, you pose inquiries to obtain knowledge. However, this is not the case with rhetorical questions. Because the speaker does not want an answer, many people think this type of figure of speech should not end with a question mark. In the late 1500s, Henry Denham, an English printer, designed a reverse question mark specifically for these questions. He called it a percontation point. People used this punctuation until the 17th century, when it fell out of use. Writers today sometimes choose to end rhetorical queries with an exclamation point or period.

Rhetorical Question Definition

A rhetorical question is a speech technique posed to make a point or create a dramatic effect rather than gather information. The questioner does not expect a direct response.

For example, I say, “How many times have I told you that your laundry belongs in the basket and not on the floor?” at least once a day, but I do not want my child to provide me with an exact number. I merely desire that she, please, for the love of baked goods, put the clothes in the hamper already. Oh my gosh.

Why Do People Use Rhetorical Questions?

There are various reasons someone may use a rhetorical question. Authors and musicians often use rhetorical language as a style choice to create allure, interest or engagement. During debates, participants may use it as a tool to declare an opinion. Speechwriters use this method to inspire reflection. Marketers use this approach to persuade customers to take action. There are many possible intended objectives, such as:

• To emphasize an idea or intent
• To suggest doubt
• To start a conversation
• To point out the obvious
• To challenge the reader or listener
• To provoke deep thinking
• To impose sarcastic reasoning
• To convey the speaker’s opinion

Rhetorical Question Examples

When I ask a household youth, “Do you want to set the table for dinner?” I intend this to be rhetorical. I do not desire a reply. I want the plates on the table already, before the food gets cold, please. When a teacher asks a pupil, “Will you please stop playing with your pencil?” trust me, the teacher does not want an answer. It is best for everyone involved if the children do not respond when parents ask, “Do you want me to call Santa? Do you want to go to bed without dinner tonight? Were you born in a barn?”

Bold and Brazen

When you feel sassy and wish to emphasize your point, you might ask the following:

• Do birds fly?
• Do ducks quack?
• Is the sun bright?
• Are your toys going to pick themselves up?
• How do you like them apples?

Complimentary

You can use rhetorical questions to make positive statements, too. You don’t always need to be so negative. For example:

• Have I ever told you how magnificent you are?
• Do you know I love you?
• Why are you the cutest?
• Did you know you’re the best?
• What would I do without you?
• Why are you so talented?
• How are you so beautiful?
• How is it that you are good at everything?

Moody

Sometimes, people illuminate their current mood with a rhetorical question, such as:

• Why me?
• Will it ever end?
• How should I know?
• What on Earth?
• Why does this always happen?
• How could I be so stupid?
• Who cares?
• Are you kidding me?
• Sure, why not?

Persuasive

Using rhetorical devices is common in advertising. If executed well, marketers engage the audience and convince them to conclude on their own that they need the product or service. Some examples include:

• Do you want to get rid of back pain for good?
• Do you want glowing, youthful skin?
• Do you miss your mom’s home-cooked meals?
• Are you looking for affordable skincare?
• Are you sick of cleaning bathrooms?
• Are you tired of being tired?

Illustrative

Writers use this technique as a stylistic choice to pique the reader’s interest or spur critical thinking. In the following passage from Shakespeare’s “The Merchant of Venice,” rhetorical questions illustrate that all people, even those not part of a majority group, are human:

“If you prick us, do we not bleed? If you tickle us, do we not laugh? If you poison us, do we not die? And if you wrong us, shall we not revenge?”

In the poem “Harlem” by Langston Hughes, the questions posed are not intended to gain knowledge but rather to convey imagery with inventive language:

What happens to a dream deferred?
Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun?
Or fester like a sore-
And then run?
Does it stink like rotten meat?
Or crust and sugar over-
like a syrupy sweet?

Contemplative

Public speakers use rhetorical questions to create an audience reaction. These proposals engage listeners more emotionally by invoking curiosity and reflective thinking. Rhetorical questions like the examples below introduce an unexpected break from a speech’s flow, sparking interest and spurring contemplation or conversation:

• What are some ways you sabotage yourself?
• Don’t you deserve a day to relax?
• How many times must you suffer the same consequence before you act?
• What is your inaction costing you?
• If the entire world were blind, how many people would you impress?
• Can you imagine a life without any fear?

Rhetorical Question Problems

Why do we love asking a rhetorical question? Because using it makes us feel quick-witted, clever and confident. However, you must carefully implement these audacious questions as they can have potentially adverse consequences.

Too many pointed inquiries like this can stifle discussions and engagement in a work setting. They can seem rude or dismissive in conversation. If advertisers do not carefully craft their words, they can turn off their audience. For example, questions like, “Do you want to lose 20 pounds today?” or “Do you want to make fast cash and quit your job tomorrow?” may make a company seem untrustworthy.

Are you entirely over being asked questions that do not merit a response? You don’t have to reply. I am assuming the answer is yes. Hopefully, these rhetorical question examples make sense, and you now have new ways to show your sass, make a point, enhance your writing style and inspire deep thoughts. When masterfully crafted, rhetorical questions strengthen your writing and speech in various ways. Would you have it any other way?

Do you now understand what a rhetorical question is? Do you like using them, or do you find them uninviting? I’m not asking rhetorical questions this time. Leave your answers below!

So, you’ve landed here in your quest for answers to that perplexing question, what is a verbal paradox? I will tell you, but before we begin, you must understand the rules. The first rule of paradox is: You do not talk about paradox. The second rule is: Forget the rules.

Let me try this another way: A paradox is a declaration that appears to be conflicting, but upon further investigation, it makes sense. However, you should know I always lie. Or do I? If my sentence is correct, then yes, I do. However, if I always lie, my statement is inherently false, meaning I don’t. My proclamation is contrary to itself, but in some way, accurate. Or is it false?

Let’s move on, shall we? My brain hurts.

What Is a Verbal Paradox?

A “verbal paradox,” such as “less is more,” refers to a literary device used to engage readers and explain concepts in a nontraditional manner.

This figure of speech originated via mid-16th century Latin from the Greek “para” (contrary to) and “doxa” (opinion). These seemingly self-contradictory phrases reveal an underlying logic. They may be difficult to believe, yet readers can typically reconcile the statements if they think about them more deeply. The remarks are somehow so wrong that they are right.

To simplify, we can break this down into two questions: 1) Is the sentence or phrase contradicting itself? and 2) Is there truth to the statement?

Paradox Definition

What is the definition of a paradox? A “paradox” (noun) is an ostensibly contradictory remark that exposes a hidden truth.

Why Do Writers Use Paradox?

Rather than repeat weak phrases, writers may include verbal paradoxes in their work for various reasons. They can capture the bewildering quality of an event or slow the reader down to make a point by encompassing fallacy and truth simultaneously. Some verbal paradox uses include:

• Adding humor with witty, paradoxical observations
• Challenging contradictions in our society
• Grabbing the attention of the reader
• Provoking thought on the complexity of a situation
• Pointing out the error of widely held beliefs
• Suggesting a greater truth

What Are Some Verbal Paradox Examples?

I’ll bet you use paradox in your writing and speech much more than you realize. Below we’ll list verbal paradoxes, some you may already know, in a series of examples to better highlight this figure of speech. 

Commonly Used Verbal Paradoxes

Some commonly used examples of verbal paradox include:

• Less is more.
• The best way out is through.
• It’s the beginning of the end.
• The word impossible is not in my vocabulary.
• Change is the only constant.
• The more you give, the more you get.
• You must spend your money to save it.
• The more you fail, the more likely you are to succeed.
• If you do not risk anything, you risk everything.
• If this page didn’t load, click here.

Are you beginning to understand now? Or does it feel like the more you learn, the less you know? I’m starting to feel that paradoxical way, for sure.

Examples of Verbal Paradox in Literature

Communicating an idea as a contradictory concept compels readers to think profoundly about your theory, making it more memorable and meaningful in the process. Some instances of paradox in well-known works include the following:

• In his anti-utopian satire, “Animal Farm,” George Orwell stated, “All animals are equal, but some animals are more equal than others.” This makes a point about how equal treatment promised by the government was far from equal in reality.
• In “Hamlet,” William Shakespeare’s title character says, “I must be cruel only to be kind.” He sees his decision to kill Claudius as a kindness to his mother, who, as Claudius’s wife, is unknowingly married to her first husband’s murderer.
• Oscar Wilde used examples of paradox often in his works. In “The Importance of Being Earnest,” the character Cecily says, “To be natural is such a very difficult pose to keep up.” Posing is the opposite of being natural. However, there is an underlying truth to her statement as naturalness does not always come easily.
• In “Walden,” Henry David Thoreau states, “We are determined to be starved before we are hungry,” making the case that we often rush through life preparing without being present in the moment.

Verbal Paradox Examples in Popular Culture

There are many instances of this literary device throughout modern music and movies. A few examples include the following:

• The song “My Back Pages” by Bob Dylan states, “I was so much older then / I’m younger than that now.”
• The Eagles conjured up the disconcerting paradox, “You can check out any time you like / But you can never leave.” in the song “Hotel California.
• In the movie “The Incredibles,” Helen says, “Everyone is special, Dash.” Dash responds with the observation, “Which is another way of saying that no one is.”
• Tony Montana from “Scarface” says, “I always tell the truth, even when I lie.”

Humorous List of Verbal Paradoxes

What’s better than a paradox? A pair of nurses. All this talk about paradoxes is making my head a little swirly. After all, deep down, I’m shallow. Let’s lighten it up with some examples of funny verbal paradoxes:

• I am in complete control. Just don’t tell my wife.
• I’ve decided to think more positively, even though I know it won’t work.
• “I can resist everything except temptation.” (Oscar Wilde)
• No one goes to that restaurant. It’s always too crowded.
• If you’re not here, raise your hand.
• Do not go near the water until you have learned how to swim.
• If you don’t get this text, call me.
• “If you try to fail and succeed, which have you done?” (George Carlin)

Wrapping Up Verbal Paradox

If I know anything, it’s that I know nothing. However, I now understand a paradox is a statement that is at odds with itself or runs contrary to expectation. It conveys a truth or message in a conflicting way, making readers ponder the significance and emphasizing the meaning.

Now that you understand how verbal paradox works, you can confidently solve the mysteries of the universe. Just don’t brag. You should be proud of your humility. If you have questions about or examples of this figure of speech, leave them in the comments below!