What is the main difference between a simile and a metaphor?

Similes use 'like' or 'as' to make a comparison, while metaphors do not.

Explain how the metaphor 'Time is a thief' enhances the meaning compared to saying 'Time passes quickly'.

The metaphor 'Time is a thief' suggests that time steals away precious moments, adding a sense of loss that 'Time passes quickly' does not convey.

The rain sounded like a thousand tiny drums beating on the roof.

Grade 5th Grade · ELA · 60 min· R.l. 5.4

I can explain how figurative language like similes and metaphors give meaning to a story.

GrammarSongs by Melissa · 6:53

Similes and Metaphors | Award Winning Similes and Metaphors Teaching Video | New!

3 key concepts

1
Both similes and metaphors are types of figurative language that compare two subjects by highlighting shared qualities.
2
Similes use the words like or as to compare two subjects, while metaphors simply state that one thing is another thing.
3
Authors use similes and metaphors to encourage the reader to use their imagination and paint a more vivid picture.

12 questions · Multiple choice & Short answer

Quick comprehension check

“What does the metaphor 'My brother is a bear in the morning' mean? Explain what two things are being compared and what qualities they share.”

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