SIMILES
What is a Simile?
A simile is a figure of speech that compares two different things using the words "like" or "as".
Similes help readers create clear pictures in their minds and make writing more interesting.
Formula
Something + is + like/as + something else
Examples of Similes
Simile Meaning
As busy as a bee Very busy
As brave as a lion Very brave
As light as a feather Very light
As cold as ice Very cold
As quiet as a mouse Very quiet
As fast as lightning Very fast
As sweet as honey Very sweet
As strong as an ox Very strong
As white as snow Very white
Sleeps like a log Sleeps very deeply
How to Identify a Simile
Look for the words "like" or "as" that compare two things.
Example 1
The baby was as quiet as a mouse.
The baby is being compared to a mouse to show how quiet the baby is.
Example 2
The runner was as fast as lightning.
The runner is being compared to lightning to show great speed.
Similes in Sentences
1. The little girl was as happy as a lark.
2. The old blanket felt as soft as silk.
3. My brother eats like a horse.
4. The lake was as smooth as glass.
5. The frightened child shook like a leaf.
Exercise 1: Complete the Simile
Choose the correct word from the box to complete each simile.
Word Bank: lion, feather, honey, mouse, glass, bee, ice, lightning, ox, leaf
1. As brave as a _____________________. 6. As busy as a ______________________.
2. As light as a ______________________. 7. As cold as ________________________.
3. As sweet as _______________________. 8. As fast as _________________________.
4. As quiet as a ______________________. 9. As strong as an _____________________.
5. As smooth as _____________________. 10. Shakes like a _______________________.
Exercise 2: Match the Simile to Its Meaning
Write the correct letter next to each simile.
Similes Meanings
1. As busy as a bee ______ A. Very smooth
2. As cold as ice ______ B. Very brave
3. As strong as an ox ______ C. Very sweet
4. As quiet as a mouse ______ D. Very quiet
E. Very strong
5. As fast as lightning ______
F. Very cold
6. As sweet as honey ______
G. Very fast
7. Sleeps like a log ______
H. Very busy
8. As light as a feather ______ I. Very light
9. As brave as a lion ______ J. Sleeps very deeply
10. As smooth as glass ______
Challenge Activity
Rewrite the following sentences using a suitable simile.
1. The boy was very brave.
__________________________________________________
2. The water was very cold.
__________________________________________________
3. The baby was very quiet.
__________________________________________________
4. The athlete ran very fast.
__________________________________________________
5. The kitten was very soft.
__________________________________________________
Remember
A simile compares two things using like or as.
Examples
• As brave as a lion
• As quiet as a mouse
• As sweet as honey
• As fast as lightning
• Sleeps like a log
Tip: If you see the words like or as comparing two things, it is often a simile!