Comparing Similes and Metaphors

A simile and a metaphor both compare two things, but they do it in different ways. In this lesson, you will learn how to tell a simile from a metaphor, and you will see how each one changes the feel of a sentence.

A simile compares two things by using the word "like" or the word "as." A simile tells you that one thing is similar to another thing, not that it actually is that thing.

Look at this sentence: "The kitten was as soft as a cloud." The kitten is not really a cloud. The word "as" shows you this is a comparison.

Here are more similes:

• "Her smile was like sunshine."
• "He ran as fast as a cheetah."
• "The classroom was as quiet as a library."

A metaphor also compares two things, but it does not use the word "like" or the word "as." A metaphor says that one thing IS another thing, even though that is not really true.

Look at this sentence: "The classroom was a zoo." The classroom is not really a zoo, but this metaphor tells you it was loud and busy, just like a zoo.

Here are more metaphors:

• "Her smile is sunshine."
• "He is a cheetah on the track."
• "The library is a quiet garden."

The fastest way to tell a simile from a metaphor is to look for the words "like" or "as." If you find one of these words in the comparison, you have a simile. If the sentence just says one thing IS another thing, you have a metaphor.

Try this trick with two sentences that describe the very same idea. Simile: "The waves crashed like thunder." Metaphor: "The waves were thunder." Both sentences tell you the waves were loud, but the simile uses "like" to compare, while the metaphor states the comparison directly.

Similes and metaphors can describe the exact same idea, but they sound a little different. A simile feels softer because it says two things are similar. A metaphor feels stronger because it says one thing IS the other thing.

Simile: A comparison between two things that uses the word "like" or the word "as." Example: "brave as a lion."

Metaphor: A comparison that says one thing IS another thing, without using "like" or "as." Example: "he is a lion."

Figurative Language: Words used in a creative way that do not mean exactly what they say.

When you practice, first hunt for the words "like" or "as." If you find one, circle it and label the sentence a simile. If a sentence just says one thing is another thing, label it a metaphor. Then try rewriting a simile as a metaphor, or a metaphor as a simile, and notice how the sentence changes.

As you get stronger at this skill, you can try harder sentences in Analyzing Figurative Language and practice Interpreting Figurative Language in longer passages.

Related lessons

• Comparing Figurative Expressions