Descriptive Writing Skills : Similes & Meaning in English for Class 3

Similes in English help students to be more expressive while writing or describing something. Students of class 3 will learn the definition of simile with examples and its usage. They would also be acquainted with the exceptions of this literary term

In this learning concept, the students will learn the following:

Common similes using ‘as’.
Simile examples using like in a sentence.
How to write a simile?
Simile examples with pictures.

Every grammar concept has illustrations, examples and mindmaps. Students can also access the two free printable simile worksheets given at the end of the page. This will help them to understand and learn the topic in depth. These worksheets are available with their solutions in PDF format.

What is the Meaning of Simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that is used to compare two things or feelings or actions.
A comparison is used to describe two different things. Similes use the word ‘as’ or ‘like’.
Its aim is to describe one thing by comparing it to another thing that is apparently unrelated.

Examples:

She is as busy as a bee.

In the above example, one is a human and the other is an insect.
He runs like a cheetah.

In the above example, one is a human, and the other is a feline animal.

Common Similes using ‘as’

Let us have a look at a list of common similes ‘ as something as something else’ to show a comparison.

List of Similes in English

as black as coal	as blind as a bat
as brave as a lion	as clear as mud
as clear as crystal	as cunning as a fox
as cool as a cucumber	as cold as ice
as deaf as a post	as easy as ABC
as flat as a pancake	as fresh as a daisy
as gentle as a lamb	as helpless as a baby
as hungry as a bear	as light as a feather
as proud as a peacock	as playful as a kitten
as quick as lightning	as silent as the grave

Common Similes Using ‘Like’

Let us have a look at similes that make comparisons using ‘something like something else’.

sing like an angel	eat like a bird
fight like cats and dogs	soar like an eagle
swim like a fish	sleep like a log
smell like a rose	eat like a pig
shine like the stars	explode like a volcano
shine like diamonds	slept like a baby
sweet like sugar	strong like a raging bull
soft like a lamb	have eyes like a hawk
race like a scared bunny	work like a dream

How to Write a Simile?

Think of an object or a person and what you want to say about it. Do you want to say that something is huge, beautiful, or some quality for which you don’t have a describing word?
Think of the things that display similar or the same characteristics. Combine it by saying that the first thing is “like” the second thing.
If you want to emphasize a certain aspect, then you say the first thing is ‘as’ the second thing. For example, as beautiful, as smart, as ugly, etc.
A simile is used to give a picture in the reader’s mind about a situation or a character. Ensure that it is a rich image.

Examples:

They fight like cats and dogs.
The dress looks as bright as the sun.

Exceptions

Similes are not always formed by ‘like’ or ‘as’. There are some similes with adverbs like ‘than’ and ‘as if’. For instance:
Examples:
1. She was crying as if she was mad.
b. His grandfather is older than the hills.
In case of the ‘as’ pattern, the first as can be skipped.
Examples:

Her hair is smooth as silk.