Metaphors v Similes

Overview and examples

 Introduction
Both metaphors and similes are what we call figurative
language. This means that they are a creative use of the
language to express something in a unique way. They
are not literal.

Make sure you understand what literal means.

Metaphors and similes are both used for direct

comparison to create imagery (an image in your mind).
 Metaphors
Metaphors are not literal, but the meaning is clearly
understood:

Love is a rose

This is a metaphor because it directly compares

“love” to “a rose” creating an image in the user’s
mind. What does this metaphor mean? There is a
double meaning that makes this a great metaphor.
 Similes
The big difference between similes and metaphors is
that similes use like or as whereas metaphors do not:

Metaphor- Love is a rose

Simile- Love is like a rose or Love is as a rose
 How many are there?
It is natural to wonder how many similes and metaphors are
there in English? Can you have a guess?

The correct answer is that there is an infinite amount of

metaphors and similes in English. Most of them haven’t even
been invented yet!

You may borrow famous metaphors in everyday life, but you are
free to create as many new ones as you wish.
 Try to be original
Anyone can borrow a famous metaphor or simile. But why not
create your own? It will be more powerful and original.

As George Orwell once said about writing, using meaningless or

common metaphors or language was like,

“a packet of aspirins always at one's elbow”

What do you think this means? It is a great example of an

original simile.