English 9 (B)

Hyperbole is exaggeration. You can spot hyperbole easily when you see statements that aren't meant to be taken literally. Hyperbole is often used to convey emotion, and can be used for humor. Examples:

• That test took 40 years to complete!
• I must have walked a 100 miles.
• That man was as tall as a skyscraper.
• The hole was so deep I could see China.
• These groceries weigh a ton.

When a statement is true, but may be mistaken for a hyperbole, the words "literally" or "actually" may be used. When these words are used, the speaker or writer is saying that the statement is not an exaggeration, but is actually a fact. For example:

• We literally bought one ton of wheat.
• He actually spoke for 6 hours straight.