Question

Identify the figure of speech in the following sentence:
He set sail on a sea of possibilities.
A. Personification
B. Simile
C. Metaphor
D. Apostrophe

Answer 1

Hint: In order to answer this question one must understand the meaning of the figure of speech. A figure of speech is a phrase or a word having different meanings than its literal meaning.

Complete answer:
A figure of speech is a word or phrase using figurative language – language that has other meaning than its normal definition. It conveys meaning by identifying or comparing one thing to another.
Let us discuss the given options one by one to get the correct answer:
Option A) personification
Personification is a figure of speech in which an idea or thing is given human attributes or feelings. So, this option is incorrect. Example- the lonely lighthouse
Option B) simile
Simile is a figure of speech in which there is comparison between things or objects using as or like. So, this option is incorrect. Example-he was angry as a bear.
Option C) metaphor
Metaphor is a figure of speech in which comparison is drawn between two completely unrelated things. In the given sentence the amount of options and opportunities the speaker sets out to get are compared to the vastness of sea, which cannot be true. So, this option is correct. Example- john has a heart of gold.
Option D) apostrophe
Apostrophe is a figure of speech represented by an exclamation. So, this option is incorrect. Example - Example- I'll be there.

So, the correct answer is “Option C”.

Note:
It is important to know the different figures of speech. They are an important part of the English language. Both metaphors and similes express comparisons between two things that aren't alike. In a simile, the comparison is stated explicitly with the help of a word such as like or as: "My love is like a red rose. In a metaphor, the two things are linked or equated without using like or as: "Love is a rose, but you better not pick it."