How Do Similes Work?
Similes are fantastic linguistic devices writers can use to amplify specific themes in their texts. One thing about similes is that they are inherently emphatic or exaggerated for dramatic effect. For instance, the simile ‘Michael and Joanna fought like cats and dogs’ does not mean that Michael and Joanna were fighting like these animals. Instead, the simile draws on the famous and natural animosity between cats and dogs and applies it to Michael and Joanna. This comparison helps the reader understand the dynamic between Michael and Joanna.
When using a simile in your writing, there are several common ones that you can use. Some of the most famous similes that you are bound to have heard before are:
- (he was) as white as snow.
- (they) fought like cats and dogs.
- (the car was) as clean as a whistle.
- (the instructions were) as clear as mud.
- (the book was) as interesting as watching paint dry.
- (she was) as strong as an ox.
In addition to using the ones above, you can get creative and come up with your own!
How Do You Write a Good Simile?
The formula for creating a simile is straightforward:
‘X is like Y’ or ‘X is as ___ as Y.’
Here are a few critical components to making an effective simile:
Keep it simple
Often, the best similes are the most simple ones. However, while it can be tempting to get carried away using beautiful, complex, poetic language, it is important to never do so at the expense of clarity. After all, there is no point in writing a beautiful story if no one knows what it means. So, if you’re trying to come up with your simple simile, there are just a few things to think about:
- What is it that you are comparing?
- What is the general mood or emotion of your writing?
- Is it something that your character would say?
- Does it fit the style of the rest of your writing?
Create a mental image
The purpose of a simile is to create an image in the reader’s mind. Therefore an effective simile tends to be easy to picture. Keeping your simile simple will help with this, and you can also try using super graphic language to create strong imagery.
Be unique
While there are lots of good standard similes that you can use in your writing, it is perhaps more effective to use one of your creations. Try to be as original as possible when making your simile and lean into your writing style. This means avoiding overly clichéd language and settling for the first comparison that pops into your mind.
Top Tips for Writing a Good Simile
Here are some more top tips for creating an engaging, thought-provoking, and original simile:
Be intentional with your use
While a simile is a powerful poetic device, its placement within your writing has much to say about its effectiveness. To successfully communicate whichever idea or theme you try to convey, your simile must be carefully positioned within your essay.
Use them sparingly
Following on from the point above, similes are a great way to amplify your writing, but it is essential not to get carried away. The whole purpose of a simile is to emphasize a particular thought or idea, but if you use too many of them, they begin to lose all meaning. Littering your writing with tons of similes makes it hard to understand, and your readers will soon lose interest.
Opt for a contrasting comparison
The most effective similes tend to compare two wildly different things. Taking two seemingly opposing ideas or objects and comparing them makes for a super original simile and makes the reader think. It also helps to create a solid mental image in the reader’s mind. The more authentic the comparison, the longer it will stick in the reader’s mind. Of course, staying within the realm of reason and making sure your simile still makes sense is essential.
Is a Simile a Metaphor?
Similes and metaphors are both linguistic devices that use comparison to emphasize an idea or thought within the text. However, while their core use is the same, there are critical differences between the two devices.
The term ‘metaphor’ is a general one that is used to describe any comparison, usually a poetic one. This means that similes are classed as metaphors.
What does a good simile look like?
A good simile plants an image in the reader’s mind. As you can see, they can be great fun to use and are fantastic for encouraging your child to use an adventurous and creative vocabulary!
- The sun was as hot as fire.
- Her face was as smooth as porcelain.
- The old man had a voice like gravel.
Why is it essential to use similes?
In a nutshell, similes help make your child’s written work more interesting. Now that your child can use adjectives (describing words), they can move on to using similes. Similes are particularly effective in poetry and stories, as they can help your child to create that all-important picture in the reader’s mind.
