Similes: Comparing with Like and As

What is a simile?

A simile is a clever way to compare two things. It uses the words like or as to show how one thing is similar to another. Similes make your writing come alive.

For example:

• The snow was as white as a cloud. ☁️
• He ran like the wind. 💨

Spotting the clue words

The secret to a simile is two little words: like and as. When you see these words comparing two things, you have found a simile!

The baby's cheeks were as soft as a rose petal. 🌹

Can you spot the word "as"? That is your clue.

Why use similes?

Similes paint a picture in the reader's mind. Instead of saying "the lake was calm," a writer might say:

The lake was as smooth as glass.

Now you can really see the still water! Similes turn plain sentences into colourful ones.

Famous similes

You probably already know some similes:

• as busy as a bee 🐝
• as brave as a lion 🦁
• as light as a feather 🪶
• as quiet as a mouse 🐭

Say them out loud. Each one helps you imagine the idea.

Make your own

Fill in the blank to build a simile:

• The pizza was as hot as ______ (a volcano! 🌋)
• My socks are as smelly as ______ (old cheese! 🧀)

The funnier the comparison, the more fun the simile. Try making one about your pet or your favourite food.

Watch out!

Not every sentence with "like" is a simile. "I like ice cream" just means you enjoy it. A simile compares two different things: "It melted like ice cream in the sun." ☀️

Brilliant!

Now you can spot and write similes. Look in a story book tonight and see how many you can find using "like" or "as".

Next, try Understanding Metaphors and Descriptive Writing and the Senses.