Similes

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Simile

A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using ‘like’ or ‘as’.

Peas in a pod

The boys were like two peas in a pod.
- In this phrase, you are suggesting the boys are like these peas because they are very similar. They might spend a lot of their time together, enjoy doing the same things, behave in the same way, etc.

Tough as nails

He was as tough as nails.
- In this phrase, you are comparing the boy’s toughness with the toughness of nails.

Black as coal

The midnight sky was as black as coal.
- In this phrase, you are comparing the darkness of the sky to the darkness of black coal.

Fierce as a lion

He was as fierce as a lion.
- In this phrase, you are comparing the anger and aggression of the lion with the anger and aggression of the man you are describing.

A simile is a figure of speech involving the comparison of one thing with another thing of a different kind, using ‘like’ or ‘as’. You are comparing the qualities of the two things you are comparing.

Think about the qualities

Focus on the qualities of the things you are comparing – what kind of picture are you trying to paint? Are you trying to say that something/someone is strong, weak, happy, sad, etc.?

Think of something to compare

Once you have figured out what kind of comparison you want to make, then think of something you can compare it to – something which clearly has that quality.
For example, if I want to describe something as being ‘smooth’, I might think about the smooth surface of a calm sea. Then my simile might be: ‘It was as smooth as the silky sea on a calm day’.

Avoid unclear references

Remember that your comparisons must be clear to anyone who reads them – there’s no point telling us: ‘The siren was as loud as Tom’ because most people won’t know who you’re talking about. Make your references well-known.
For example, ‘the siren was as loud as an excited football fan watching the final match’.
In the example, most people will understand what we mean because they will have seen an excited football fan (if only on the television).

Avoid clichés

Finally, avoid clichés.
Yes, you could describe something as being ‘as fast as a cheetah’, but that’s been used so many times and just isn’t interesting anymore.
Instead, avoid the easy option and try to think outside the box. For example, ‘as fast as a boulder rolling down a mountain’.

Key Terms

1.1

Key Terms

1.1.1Key Terms - Nouns, Verbs & Sentences 1.1.2Key Terms - Sentence and Clause Types 1.1.3Key Terms - Words, Sounds & Language 1.1.4Key Terms - Types of Language 1.1.5Key Terms - Images, Symbols & Mood 1.1.6Key Terms - Mood & Feelings 1.1.7Key Terms - Other Techniques 1.1.8End of Topic Test - Key Terms

Language Devices

2.1

Language Devices

2.1.1Metaphors 2.1.2Similes 2.1.3Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning 2.1.4Personification 2.1.5Pathetic Fallacy 2.1.6Puns & Oxymorons 2.1.7Hyperbole & Emotive Language 2.1.8Alliteration 2.1.9Sibilance 2.1.10Onomatopoeia 2.1.11Recap: Language Devices 2.1.12End of Topic Test - Language Devices

Writing Structure

3.1

Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators 3.1.2Paragraphs 3.1.3Tense 3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense 3.1.5Foreshadowing 3.1.6Structure 3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

Section B: Reading & Writing

Section C: Writing

5.1

Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing 5.1.2Narrative Writing 5.1.3Descriptive Writing 5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

Jump to other topics

Key Terms

1.1

Key Terms

Language Devices

2.1

Language Devices

Writing Structure

3.1

Writing Structure

3.1.1Narrators 3.1.2Paragraphs 3.1.3Tense 3.1.4Present vs Past vs Future Tense 3.1.5Foreshadowing 3.1.6Structure 3.1.7End of Topic Test - Writing Structure

Section B: Reading & Writing

Section C: Writing

5.1

Writing Task

5.1.1Discursive Writing 5.1.2Narrative Writing 5.1.3Descriptive Writing 5.1.4End of Topic Test - Writing Task

Practice questions on Similes

Can you answer these? Test yourself with free interactive practice on Seneca — used by over 10 million students.

1
What is a simile?Multiple choice
2
Which of these are similes?True / false
3
Which of these is a simile?Multiple choice
4
What should you avoid when you are using similes?Fill in the list
5
Which of these similes use clear references?True / false

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Metaphors

Metaphors & Similes HyperLearning

Similes

Simile

Peas in a pod

Tough as nails

Black as coal

Fierce as a lion

Tips for Using Similes

Think about the qualities

Think of something to compare

Avoid unclear references

Avoid clichés

Key Terms

Key Terms

Language Devices

Language Devices

Writing Structure

Writing Structure

Section B: Reading & Writing

Writing Formats

Writing to...

Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR

Section C: Writing

Writing Task

Key Terms

Key Terms

Language Devices

Language Devices

Writing Structure

Writing Structure

Section B: Reading & Writing

Writing Formats

Writing to...

Acronym of Techniques - DAFORESTAR

Section C: Writing

Writing Task

Practice questions on Similes

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