Name__________________________________________Date______________________
English Basics
Volume 3, Number 25, March 22, 1999
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Similes
Similes are comparisons that show how two things that are not alike in most ways are similar in one important way. Similes are a way to describe something. Authors use them to make their writing more interesting or entertaining.
Similes use the words “as” or “like” to make the connection between the two things that are being compared.
Examples:
1. Playing chess with Ashley is like
trying to outsmart a computer.
The activity “playing chess with Ashley” is being compared to “trying to outsmart a computer.” The point is that Ashley can think in a powerful manner that resembles the way a computer operates, not that she is like a computer in any other way.
2. His temper was as explosive as a volcano.
His temper is being compared to a volcano in that it can be sudden and violent.
Underline the word or phrase that is being described by each simile. Put parentheses around the word or phrase it is being compared to. The first three have been done for you.
1.
Mary frowned and said, “I believe that taking
drugs is like (playing with fire).”
2. I
walked along the beach and listened to the ocean. My sadness
was as unending as the (waves).
3.
Don’t tell Mother that her cookies taste
like (lumps of sand).
4.
Sam waited impatiently for his older brother to calm down.
“Bill, I think you are acting like a baby,” he said.
5.
Karen was offended when I said that she was as flaky as a snowstorm.
6. Be
careful when you go out. The sidewalk is as slippery as greased glass.
7.
I’m not comfortable about this situation. I feel like a bug
sitting under a magnifying glass.
8. I
hoped our play would be a success and last for many performances.
However, I guess it will last as long as a balloon in a roomful of
kittens.
9. I
really like Patty. Her heart is as soft as a feather pillow.
10. Cheryl’s smile is as sweet as
a lullaby.
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