Metaphor and parts-of-speech

Metaphor is part and parcel of everyday language use and can be found across all major parts-of-speech (word classes). For example, shares can rise; one can feel down or find a way to make things possible. Even prepositions can be metaphorical, though they are unlikely to be recognised as such (e.g. to be on time). Goatly (1997) was one of the first scholars to devote attention to the relationship between metaphor and parts-of-speech. He suggests that part-of-speech has an influence on the interpretation of metaphor, claiming that metaphorical nouns are particularly noticeable. Whether this is indeed the case, however, can only be verified by experimental research on metaphor and parts-of-speech, which is scarce. What research does exist (e.g. Steen, 2004), points to word class as an influencing parameter on metaphor recognition. Yet part-of-speech is a variable seldom considered in experimental studies on metaphor recognition, comprehension and interpretation, and is often neglected in the design of stimulus texts.