grouped by parts of speech ( L=literal , NL=nonliteral , N=noun , V=verb , P=preposition ) Figure 3 : Plots of imageability scores for literal vs. nonliteral/metaphorical words in the VUAMC , grouped by parts of speech ( L=literal , NL=nonliteral , N=noun , V=verb , P=preposition ) clearest distinction between literal vs. nonliteral items .