A simile is a figure of speech that is used to compare two things that are alike in some way. It is a type of metaphor and can easily be distinguished by being used in conjunction with the words “like” or “as”.
When do you use a simile?
Using a simile can be helpful for making language more descriptive. Use of a simile adds depth to the sentence.
A simile can be used if you want to create a vivid image in the mind of your reader of what you, the writer, are describing. It can be used to create different effects by directly appealing to the senses and encouraging active use of the imagination.
Using similes sparingly in business writing, for example, can be memorable. You can use it for emphasis or to make you look more confident on the subject. It can also be a great way of clarifying or promoting a concept in business correspondence. An important thing to note here, however, is that when using similes, make sure it’s appropriate. Try by all means to avoid using over-used similes, as you don’t want to come across as flippant.
Remember the using a simile gives a life-like quality to the words you are using and it’s a good way to mirror the way people speak.
Here are two simple examples of similes:
“Life is like a box of chocolates, you never know what you’re going to get.”
“The acrobat was as agile as a monkey.”
What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?
A metaphor associates two concepts by stating that one of them is the other.
A simile, on the other hand, is a type of metaphor in which the comparison is made with the use of the word “like” or its equivalent “as”.