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What is a Simile?�

Examples

Similes:

Keira was as shy as a kitten, peeking out from behind the door.

Cole dove through the air like an eagle spotting its prey.

Metaphor: Chloe is a tiger on the soccer field, knocking everyone out of her way.

A simile uses like or as when it makes a comparison
A simile is a form of figurative language. It compares items that are not alike. This is to help a description seem more interesting or vivid.
It’s similar to a metaphor, but the main difference is using like or as while a metaphor states something is something else.�

Thumb Check: Use your thumb to show how well you understand the meaning of a simile.

Got it! Partially Not Yet

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed under CC BY-SA

Examine each picture. What is literally and what is figuratively happening? Discuss with a partner.

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Simile Vs Metaphor

Sometimes people mix up similes and metaphors, because they are similar!

Similarities

They are both figurative language, so what they say isn’t actually happening.
They are both making comparisons to show how something could be similar
They both should help create a picture for readers in their mind.

Differences

Similes always use the words like or as within the comparison.
Metaphors don’t use like or as, they state something IS something.

Simile: The raindrops are like daggers stabbing my umbrella repeatedly.

Metaphor: The raindrops are daggers stabbing my umbrella repeatedly.

Check-In: What is actually happening? Are there really daggers? If not, what is the writing trying to say about the raindrops?

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STOP IT’S A TRAP!

Well, not really! But sometimes people see the words like or as in a sentence and think, “Oooh, it’s a simile!” But…
In order for something to be a simile, the like or as has to be part of a comparison!
So if you see the word like or as in sentence it MIGHT be a simile, but it might not be! You must check for a comparison. ☺

For Example

The mouse liked its new little home, because it was so cozy.

This is not a simile. Yes, it uses the word like, but it isn’t comparing anything.

The radio sounded as though the volume was turned up all the way.

This is not a simile. The volume truly was turned up all the way, and it isn’t comparing anything.

The best way to check is to ask yourself what is being compared!

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You Decide: Simile or Not?

The smell of the baking cookies was so delicious, my tummy rumbled as loud as an earthquake.

The mountain air was like sweet perfume to my nose.

We had an early flight, so Yesenia set an alarm from the morning.

We’d like to go on a road trip to Michigan this summer.

The drive was so long it felt like an eternity.

Kash couldn’t believe his ears, the sound was deafening.

Esme’s singing was like a beautiful lark, and she received thunderous applause.

Mr. Parsons is as wise as an owl, he knows so much about the world.

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Answer Slide

1. Yes, Simile! The tummy rumbling and earthquake are the comparisons, and uses as. We sincerely hope that no one ACTUALLY has a tummy earthquake.

2. Yes, Simile! The mountain air is being compared to sweet perfume, and uses the word like.

3. No! Nothing is being compared here, it is simply a statement.

4. No! You might like going on a road trip, but nothing is being compared.

5. Yes, Simile! The comparison uses like, and is comparing a long drive and an eternity.

6. No! There is no comparison.

7. Yes, Simile! Esme’s voice is being compared to a lark to show she sings beautifully, so well that there’s thunderous applause.

8. Yes, Simile! Mr. Parson’s is being compared to an owl, which is thought to be wise-show that he is also wise, and it uses as.

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Front Desk Simile Example Practice

You will need some paper and pencil for a quick sketch! Below are different similes from Front Desk. Your job is to write the comparison the simile is making, and sketch a quick drawing that comes to mind.

Our chopsticks collided like swords.

Sweat beads were falling like raindrops from her forehead.

The murky water spilled onto the floor like a tidal wave.

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Written Work

Today you have some simile practice in written work. You'll look for similes, see what's being compared, figure out what they mean, and even write some similes of your own!

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Check Out Key

What is the definition of a simile?

How is a simile alike and different from a metaphor?

Is the following sentence a simile? How do you know?

The cookie was as hard as a rock and broke my tooth!

Do you think it’s easier to spot a metaphor or a simile in in writing? Why?

CHALLENGE: Can you write your own simile?

Thumb Check! How well could you explain the definition of a simile to someone?

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