Metaphors and similes GRAMMAR
Content Similes and metaphors are ways of describing something by referring to other things with similar qualities. By learning how to use them, you can spice up your writing style! Learning Outcomes Learn about metaphors, similes and how to use them. Discuss examples of metaphors and similes. Create your own examples! www.english-maestro.mn 1
Metaphors and similes are figures of speech that can be used to compare things in speech or writing. Rather than explicitly describing something, you can use metaphors and similes to create more colorful and dynamic descriptions! www.english-maestro.mn 2
Speaking Similes are comparisons that highlight similarities between two things using words such as like or as. For example, rather than simply stating that an object is extremely hot, you can say that an object is hot as the sun or hot like fire. www.english-maestro.mn 3
It took all long time to figure out which computer cord was which. They were as tangled as a ball of yarn! This simile implies that the cords were very tangled. www.english-maestro.mn 4
The train was faster than a bullet! This simile implies that the train was very fast. www.english-maestro.mn 5
The shiny, new sports car was red like a bottle of ketchup! This simile implies that the car was a very certain shade of red. www.english-maestro.mn 6
Writing Create similes by finishing the sentences! The shiny, new bicycle was blue like... The basketball player was as tall as... The weightlifter was stronger than... www.english-maestro.mn 7
Writing Create some similes of your own! What are some ways you describe the following things with similes? a fluffy rug an airplane flight www.english-maestro.mn 8
Speaking Metaphors make comparisons by equating two things to one another, despite the fact that the two things might be very different. They often use words like is or was. www.english-maestro.mn 9
For example, a man might say that his car is a dinosaur. Of course, he wouldn't mean that he drives a dinosaur to work. Rather, he would be using a metaphor to convey that his car is similar to a dinosaur, in that it might be very old or very large. While he could simply state that his car is very old and large, using metaphors helps to create more vivid imagery for the listener or reader. www.english-maestro.mn 10
I was a mummy when I woke up this morning. This metaphor implies that I was very tired when I woke up, like a mummy rising from the dead. www.english-maestro.mn 11
Her house is a castle! OR She lives in a castle! Used as metaphors, these statements imply that a person lives in a very large house. Note that it is not always necessary to use words like is or was. www.english-maestro.mn 12
Please note In most cases it is possible to make similar constructions with similes and metaphors. Similes: The windy road was like a roller coaster! OR Driving down the windy road was like riding a roller coaster! www.english-maestro.mn 13
Please note In most cases it is possible to make similar constructions with similes and metaphors. Metaphors: The windy road was a roller coaster! OR The drive down the windy road was a roller coaster ride! www.english-maestro.mn 14
Writing Create metaphors by finishing the sentences! The very large automobile... The very quiet girl... The very energetic man... www.english-maestro.mn 15
Writing Create some similes of your own! What are some ways you describe the following things with similes? a very studious student a very tall building www.english-maestro.mn 16
1. simile comparison using words such as like or as 2. metaphor comparison equating one thing to another Similes and metaphors are figures of speech used to compare things in speech and writing. They can add imagery to your descriptions! www.english-maestro.mn 17
Writing Create similes of your own using the following ideas. a very tall building a very fast runner a very small baby www.english-maestro.mn 18
Writing Create metaphors of your own using the same ideas. a very tall building a very fast runner a very small baby www.english-maestro.mn 19
Writing Simile or metaphor? The meat locker was colder than the Arctic Circle. a) simile b) metaphor The bodybuilder lifted the weights with no sweat. He was a machine! a) simile b) metaphor His child was a chameleon he blended right into his surroundings! a) simile b) metaphor www.english-maestro.mn 20