How to Understand Similes and Metaphors

Figurative language is a literary term that includes many different ways of comparing and contrasting things. Simile and metaphor are 2 of the most common ones people learn about in their English class, but often confuse. If you’re struggling with remembering which one is which, here is a way to remember.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Paper
• Pen or pencil

1. Write at the top of a piece of paper, “Simile = like/as.” Similes are direct comparisons between 2 unlike things: X is like Y.

2. Spend 5 minutes creating as many similes as possible (such as, my bathrobe is like a warm blanket) and write them on the paper.

3. Write at the top of another piece of paper, “Metaphor = to be.” Metaphors are implied comparisons between 2 unlike things, where one stands in for the other: X is Y.

4. Spend 5 minutes creating as many metaphors as possible (such as, the shoes are feather-light) and write them on the paper.

5. Read each page aloud at least 10 times. Repetition is the key to learning, and speaking information helps it to sink in faster.

Tips & Warnings

• Read your metaphors and similes out loud every day for a week to help the patterns stick.
• Practice writing different metaphors and similes each day to increase learning.