Says vs. Means Chart
Some phrases mean exactly what they say. Others mean something different. Read each phrase and what it really means.
Need more than one? Tap + for extra copies (up to 10).
How to do it
- Read the literal and nonliteral examples at the top.
- Read each phrase and the silly picture it makes.
- Read what the phrase really means.
Teaching tip
Ask, "Could this really happen?" If not, the phrase means something else. This sheet is aligned with Common Core L.3.5a.
About this chart
Literal and nonliteral explained with one example of each, plus eight everyday phrases with the silly picture and the real meaning side by side.
What kids practice
Some phrases mean exactly what the words say. That's literal language. "We broke the ice on the pond" is literal. Other phrases mean something different from the words. That's nonliteral, or figurative, language. "A joke helped break the ice" means it helped people start talking. In 3rd grade, kids learn to tell the two apart and figure out what common phrases really mean. Kids who take language very literally, or who are learning English, may find these phrases confusing at first.
Watch for
- Reading the phrase word by word. Raining cats and dogs is not about pets. Look at the whole sentence.
- Thinking every phrase is nonliteral. Sometimes the words mean exactly what they say, so check the sentence.
- Guessing from one word. In hot water could be a bath or being in trouble. The rest of the sentence decides.
- Using a phrase in the wrong place when writing. Read the sentence out loud to check that it makes sense.
It's free to print, as many copies as you need. See the full figurative language basics guide for 3rd grade.
More sheets in this set
2. Real or Not Real?Ten sentences. Each phrase shows up twice, once literal and once nonliteral, so kids see that the sentence decides. Includes an answer key.
3. What Does It Really Mean?Six sentences with everyday phrases and three meanings to choose from. One choice is the silly literal meaning. Includes an answer key.
4. Match ItEight phrases to match with their real meanings, a different mix each time you print. Includes an answer key.
5. Silly Picture, Real MeaningThree phrases, each with a drawing box, an example sentence and handwriting lines for the real meaning. The answer key has example answers.
6. Use It in a SentenceFour phrases with their meanings and handwriting lines to write a sentence for each.