Simile is when you compare one thing to another.

Simile is pronounced [si-mi-lee].

Examples:

She’s as busy as a bee.

He’s as noisy as a chainsaw.

That room is as small as a matchbox.

She’s as pretty as a picture of the Mona Lisa.

You get the idea.

As … as

When you’re using an adjective to describe the two things, the rule for making a simile is: “as (adjective) as.”

So you’re using “as” twice! That is two times.

Have a look for yourself: I’m using as twice:

She is as busy as a bee

Ironic Similes

Similes can also be ironic. This is when the thing you compare it to is not like the original thing at all, or just the opposite.

Examples:

My teacher looks as young and fit as a spring chicken. (She looks and behaves like an old lady.)

You’re going to be as tall as your mother. (To a girl who is dwarfishly short).

His violin playing is like a cat trying to sound like Paganini. (His playing is awful.)

The movie is as exciting as a commercial for washing powder.

Quiz 

Here’s a quiz where you can test your knowledge about similes. Click here to go to the online test where you can check your answers immediately.

Other similes quizzes and articles are here:

Similes and Metaphors with two online quizzes at intermediate level.

Easy quiz about similes.

Learn the Ins and Outs of Using As… As