Which figure of speech is used in this text?
Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life.
—Herbert Asquith
oxymoron paradox
Figures of speech are words or phrases that use language in a nonliteral or unusual way. They can make writing more expressive.
A euphemism is a polite or indirect expression that is used to de-emphasize an unpleasant topic.
The head of Human Resources would never refer to firing people, only to laying them off.
Hyperbole is an obvious exaggeration that is not meant to be taken literally.
I ate so much that I think I might explode!
An oxymoron is a joining of two seemingly contradictory terms.
Some reviewers are calling this book a new classic.
A paradox is a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.
Always expect the unexpected.
The text uses a paradox, a statement that might at first appear to be contradictory, but that may in fact contain some truth.
Youth would be an ideal state if it came a little later in life at first appears to be contradictory, as it is impossible to be young late in life. However, it contains some truth: it is easier to appreciate the pleasant qualities of youth, such as liveliness and curiosity, when one has the life experience that comes with age.