Identify similes and metaphors
Key Notes :
Similes and metaphors are figures of speech that compare two things that are not actually alike.
A simile compares two things by saying that one is like the other. Similes often use the words like and as.
My sister runs like a cheetah. The sister’s running and a cheetah’s running are compared using the word like. A cheetah is known for running fast, so the simile means that the sister also runs fast.
The cat’s fur was as dark as the night. The cat’s fur and the night are compared using the word as. The night is dark, so the simile means that the cat’s fur is also dark.
A metaphor compares two things by saying that one of them is the other. Unlike similes, metaphors don’t use the word like or as.
The snow formed a blanket over the town. The snow and a blanket are compared without the word like or as. A blanket is a large piece of cloth that completely covers a bed. The metaphor makes the reader imagine that the snow becomes a blanket, covering the town completely.
Using similes and metaphors in your writing can help you create an interesting picture for the reader.
Learn with an example
🔔 Which sentence uses a metaphor?
- The baby fish in the aquarium are tiny specks.
- The baby fish in the aquarium are as tiny as specks.
This sentence uses a metaphor:
The baby fish in the aquarium are tiny specks.
The words baby fish and specks are compared without the word like or as.
This sentence uses a simile:
The baby fish in the aquarium are as tiny as specks.
The words baby fish and specks are compared using the word as.
🔔 Which sentence uses a simile?
- The tired boy was a slow turtle.
- The tired boy was as slow as a turtle.
This sentence uses a simile:
The tired boy was as slow as a turtle.
The words boy and turtle are compared using the word as.
This sentence uses a metaphor:
The tired boy was a slow turtle.
The words boy and turtle are compared without the word like or as.
🔔 Which sentence uses a metaphor?
- His deep voice is a foghorn.
- His voice is as deep as a foghorn.
This sentence uses a metaphor:
His deep voice is a foghorn.
The words voice and foghorn are compared without the word like or as.
This sentence uses a simile:
His voice is as deep as a foghorn.
The words voice and foghorn are compared using the word as.
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