Similes

What is a Simile?

A simile is a comparison made between two things that are not alike in most
ways, but are alike in one important way. In a simile, the words “like” or
“as” are used to signal that a comparison is being made between the two
things.

Why Use a Simile?

Speakers and writers use similes to emphasize a certain characteristic of a

thing. The comparison made in a simile is often unusual. The listener or
reader can form a mental image of the comparison. This increases
understanding of what the speaker or writer is trying to communicate.

Examples of Similes Using Like and As

1. Last night Bob slept like a log.

In this example, slept like a log is the simile, and like is the word
used to signal that a comparison is being made. The two things being
compared are “slept” and “log.” A log just lies in one place and does
not move. A mental image of Bob sleeping like a log would show him
lying in one place without moving. This would bring out that the
speaker or writer is saying that Bob had a long, deep, and
undisturbed sleep and not just a nap.

2. Working on her project, Mary was as busy as a beaver.

In this example, as busy as a beaver is the simile, and as is the word

used to signal that a comparison is being made. The two things
being compared are “busy” and “beaver.” When building a dam a
beaver keeps busily working until the dam is completed. A mental
image of Mary being as busy as a beaver while working on her project
would show her working very hard. This would bring out that the
speaker or writer is saying that Mary was putting a lot of effort into
her project and would keep working until it was completed.

Commonly Used Similes

Here are some commonly used similes in which like is used to signal the
comparison:

fits like a glove

runs like a deer
chatters like a monkey
moves like a snail
sits there like a bump on a log
eats like a pig
swims like a fish
stood out like a sore thumb
fought like cats and dogs
eyes like a hawk
takes it like a man
sings like a bird

Here are some commonly used similes in which as is used to signal the
comparison:

as clear as mud
as strong as an ox
as nutty as a fruitcake
as pretty as a picture
as good as gold
as quiet as a mouse
as clear as a bell
as bright as day
as light as a feather
as dry as a bone
as slow as molasses
as deep as the ocean

A Strategy for Using Similes

You will often encounter similes when listening to a speaker or reading

something. Follow the steps listed below to build your understanding of
similes.

1. Listen or look for the words “like” or "as" as clues to a possible

simile.

2. Identify the two things being compared.

3. Think about the two things being compared.

4. Form a mental image of the comparison.

5. Identify what the speaker or writer is trying to communicate.

Recognizing similes will help you better understand what you hear or
read. Using similes when you speak or write will improve your
communication.