Verbal Irony

  • 7th Grade,
  • 8th Grade,
  • 9th Grade
Reviewed by Editorial Team
The ProProfs editorial team is comprised of experienced subject matter experts. They've collectively created over 10,000 quizzes and lessons, serving over 100 million users. Our team includes in-house content moderators and subject matter experts, as well as a global network of rigorously trained contributors. All adhere to our comprehensive editorial guidelines, ensuring the delivery of high-quality content.
Learn about Our Editorial Process
| By Thames
T
Thames
Community Contributor
Quizzes Created: 8157 | Total Attempts: 9,567,281
| Attempts: 11 | Questions: 15 | Updated: Jan 5, 2026
Please wait...
Question 1 / 15
🏆 Rank #-- ▾
Score 0/100
1. What is verbal irony?

Explanation

Verbal irony happens when a speaker says one thing but actually means the opposite.

Submit
Please wait...
About This Quiz
Verbal Irony - Quiz

Meaning often changes when speakers say one thing but intend another. In this verbal irony quiz, you’ll focus on how tone, context, and intention shape ironic statements. You’ll practice distinguishing verbal irony from sarcasm and literal speech, analyze speaker intent, and interpret hidden meaning accurately. Each question helps you become... see moremore attentive to language cues and strengthens your ability to understand implied meaning in conversation and writing.
see less

2. Which is verbal irony?

Explanation

The student is not actually happy about more homework, so the statement means the opposite of what it says.

Submit
3. Verbal irony often depends on a speaker’s ________.

Explanation

Tone helps listeners understand that the speaker means the opposite of the literal words.

Submit
4. Which example shows verbal irony?

Explanation

Calling a failed test “a breeze” means the opposite of the truth, which is verbal irony.

Submit
5. Verbal irony can make a statement funny or dramatic.

Explanation

By saying the opposite of what is meant, verbal irony can add humor or strong emotion.

Submit
6. Verbal irony happens when words mean the ________ of their literal meaning.

Explanation

The key feature of verbal irony is that the intended meaning is the opposite of the spoken words.

Submit
7. Verbal irony can reveal a character’s attitude.

Explanation

Verbal irony often shows how a character feels, such as frustration, humor, or sarcasm.

Submit
8. Which phrase shows verbal irony?

Explanation

Calling a very long movie “short” means the opposite of the truth.

Submit
9. Authors use verbal irony to do which of the following:

Explanation

Verbal irony helps authors show feelings, attitudes, and humor in a clear and engaging way.

Submit
10. Verbal irony is always sarcastic.

Explanation

Sarcasm is one type of verbal irony, but verbal irony can also be playful or humorous, not just mean.

Submit
11. “What a pleasant day,” said the man as it poured rain. This is—

Explanation

The speaker says the opposite of what the weather is really like, which makes this verbal irony.

Submit
12. Match the tone to the irony:

Explanation

Each sentence uses verbal irony, but the tone changes how it feels—frustrated, sarcastic, or humorous.

Submit
13. “Oh, I just love getting stuck in traffic” shows—

Explanation

The speaker clearly does not enjoy traffic, so the statement is verbal irony.

Submit
14. Which line is NOT verbal irony?

Explanation

Saying “I love pizza” while eating pizza is literal and honest, not ironic.

Submit
15. “I’m thrilled to clean the garage,” said Dad with a sigh. What kind of irony is this?

Explanation

Dad clearly does not want to clean the garage, so the statement is verbal irony.

Submit
×
Saved
Thank you for your feedback!
View My Results
Cancel
  • All
    All (15)
  • Unanswered
    Unanswered ()
  • Answered
    Answered ()
What is verbal irony?
Which is verbal irony?
Verbal irony often depends on a speaker’s ________.
Which example shows verbal irony?
Verbal irony can make a statement funny or dramatic.
Verbal irony happens when words mean the ________ of their literal...
Verbal irony can reveal a character’s attitude.
Which phrase shows verbal irony?
Authors use verbal irony to do which of the following:
Verbal irony is always sarcastic.
“What a pleasant day,” said the man as it poured rain. This is—
Match the tone to the irony:
“Oh, I just love getting stuck in traffic” shows—
Which line is NOT verbal irony?
“I’m thrilled to clean the garage,” said Dad with a sigh. What...
Alert!