Practice Literal and Nonliteral Meanings
Boost reading comprehension by exploring the difference between what words say and what they actually mean. Kids can practice identifying literal and nonliteral expressions through fun, interactive quizzes with instant feedback.
Practice quizzes
Practice at the expected level for this grade.
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
10 questions · Multiple choice
What to know
Sometimes, words mean exactly what they say. That is their literal meaning. Other times, we use figures of speech where the words mean something totally different, which is a nonliteral meaning. For example, if someone says "I'm all ears," they do not actually turn into giant ears! They just mean they are listening very carefully.
Practice this skill at another grade level
The same skill with easier or harder sentences.
Frequently asked questions
Why is literal and nonliteral meaning introduced in Grade 3?
What is a common mistake third graders make with nonliteral language?
How can teachers use these activities in the classroom?
What other skills build upon literal and nonliteral meanings?
Why Figurative Language Matters in Grade 3
In third grade, reading shifts from basic decoding to deeper comprehension. This is the year kids are first introduced to figurative language, specifically distinguishing between literal and nonliteral meanings. Recognizing idioms, metaphors, and simple exaggerations helps young readers understand character motivations, follow humorous stories, and grasp the author's true intent. Without this skill, kids might take phrases like "it's raining cats and dogs" literally, leading to confusion.
Tips for Supporting Learners at Home and in Class
You can reinforce this core vocabulary skill through quick, daily conversations:
- Point out common idioms: When you use phrases like "bite your tongue" or "break a leg," stop and ask what those words actually mean.
- Draw the difference: Have children draw the literal meaning of a phrase (a literal bucket of kicked water) versus its nonliteral meaning.
- Read aloud together: Point out nonliteral phrases in storybooks and discuss why the author chose to use them.
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