Metaphors and similes are used to compare two unlike things.
- She runs like the wind.
- She is like the wind.
- She is the wind.
In these examples, a person (she) is compared to the wind. Any property or quality you think of when you think of “wind” also applies to the person in the comparison. Each of these sentences have a little difference in meaning. Can you guess what these sentences are trying to say?
Similes
Similes are easier to identify because they use words or phrases to help make the comparison between two unlike things.
Here are examples of six common words or phrases that are used in simile:
| Word used in simile | Example |
|---|---|
| Like (She is like the wind.) | He eats his food like a vacuum cleaner. |
| As (She is as fast as the wind. She is fast as the wind.) | You are smart as a computer. -or- You are as smart as a computer. |
| Than (She is faster than the wind.) | My car is quicker than lightening. |
| Similar to (She is similar to the wind.) | Drinking coffee is similar to recharging batteries. |
| Resembles (She resembles the wind.) | My family reunion resembled Easter Island. |
| Seems like (She seems like the wind.) | That dog seems more like an army general than an animal. |
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