Figurative Language Similes & Metaphors Developed by Amy Thornton 4 th Grade Dyer Elementary School

Similes n A simile is a comparison made between two things that are not alike in most ways, but are alike in one important way.

Similes n In a simile, the words “like” or “as” are used to signal that a comparison is being made between the two things.

Similes n Speakers and writers use similes to emphasize a certain characteristic of a thing.

Similes n The comparison made in a simile is often unusual. n The listener or reader can form a mental image of the comparison. n This increases understanding of what the speaker or writer is trying to communicate.

Similes n Last night Bob slept like a log.

Similes n Working on her project, Mary was as busy as a beaver.

Commonly used Similes with like fits like a glove runs like a deer chatters like a monkey moves like a snail sits there like a bump on a log eats like a pig swims like a fish stood out like a sore thumb fought like cats and dogs eyes like a hawk takes it like a man sings like a bird

Commonly used Similes with as as clear as mud as strong as an ox as nutty as a fruitcake as pretty as a picture as good as gold as quiet as a mouse as clear as a bell as bright as day as light as a feather as dry as a bone as slow as molasses as deep as the ocean

Similes n You will often encounter similes when listening to a speaker or reading something.

Similes n Follow the steps listed below to build your understanding of similes. –Listen or look for the words “like” or "as" as clues to a possible simile. –Identify the two things being compared. –Think about the two things being compared. –Form a mental image of the comparison. –Identify what the speaker or writer is trying to communicate.

Similes n Recognizing similes will help you better understand what you hear or read. n Using similes when you speak or write will improve your communication.

Metaphors n A metaphor is a figure of speech in which a word or phrase that denotes a certain object or idea is applied to another word or phrase to imply some similarity between them.

Metaphors n The inside of the car was a refrigerator.  A refrigerator is very cold. In this example, “refrigerator” is a metaphor because it is being applied to “the inside of the car” to imply that the inside of the car was very cold.

Metaphors n The teenage boy’s stomach was a bottomless pit.  A bottomless pit can never be filled. In this example, “bottomless pit” is a metaphor because it is being applied to “the teenage boy’s stomach” to imply that his appetite could never be satisfied (that is, his stomach could never be filled).

Metaphors n Speakers and writers use metaphors for several reasons:  Metaphors can help readers or listeners to better understand something about the object or idea to which the metaphor is being applied.  Metaphors can make speaking and writing more lively and interesting.  Metaphors can communicate a great deal of meaning with just a word or a phrase.  Metaphors, because they imply rather than directly state relationships, can get listeners and readers to think about what they are hearing or reading.

Metaphors n The teacher got to the bottom of the problem. (This implies that the teacher got to the source of the problem.)

Metaphors n My dad was boiling mad. (This implies that my dad was very, very angry.)

Metaphors n The homework was a breeze. (This implies that the homework was very easy to do.)

Metaphors n They showered the birthday girl with gifts. (This implies that they gave the girl many gifts.)

Metaphors n Her dog, Jake, was the sunshine of her life. (This implies that Jake was the brightest or best part of her life.)

A Strategy for using Metaphors n Identify the object or idea that is the subject of what you are writing or saying. For example, suppose you are trying to describe a sunset. n Identify what it is you want to communicate about that object or idea. You want to bring out how beautiful the sunset is. n Identify another object or idea that strongly implies what you want to communicate. You decide that the idea of “painted” would be a good way to communicate the beauty of the sunset. n Construct a sentence in which you link the idea of painted with sunset. For example, you could write or say, “The sunset painted the sky with vibrant colors.”

Metaphors n Using metaphors when you write and speak will allow you to communicate more effectively and in a more interesting way.

Similes & Metaphors n Let’s watch a BrainPop about these kinds of figurative language!BrainPop Log in and search for Similes.