Similes
English Language: AQA GCSE, topic 2.1.2
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.
Tips for Using Similes
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’.
Test yourself on Similes
What is a simile?
Which of these are similes?
Which of these is a simile?
What should you avoid when you are using similes?
Which of these similes use clear references?