Examples of Similes are provided here for you to view. Proper use of similes can make you writing and songs very powerful and full of images. Included is an exercise for you to try some on your own.
A similes makes a comparison to show just how two ideas, although not the same in most ways, are in fact very similar in another significant way. They are a technique to describe an idea or thing.
Songwriters and authors make use of similes in their writing to make what they have to say much more descriptive and entertaining. It also makes your images clearer so your writing will stand out.
A simile also doesn't commit or force the things you are comparing to actually become the other thing. This leaves it one step removed so any negative aspects that you don't want from the original thing aren't forced onto the the second thing.
The most common examples of simile use "as" or "like" to link the two things or ideas in a comparison.
Examples:
1. Playing cards with Sam is like trying to outsmart a Vegas slot machine."Playing cards with Sam" is compared with "trying to outplay a Vagas slot machine." What this comparison does is show that Sam can play and think in a effective and automatic way similar to how a slot machine works.
It doesn't say Sam is a slot machine. It also implies Sam is as hard to win against as a slot machine.
2. Jean's words were as dull as a dirt.
Jean's words are compared to dirt showing that they have no shine or sparkle.
Here is an exercise for you. Find the words that are the object of the simile in each sentence. I've done the first three for you and put brackets around what has been compared.
Pick out the Similes
1. Jill choked and said, "These donuts are like (Texas dust)."
2. Bill ran along the street and listened to the traffic. His skin was as hot as the (concrete).
3. Why tell George his pancakes look like (bran muffins)?
4. Jen hurried her words and asked her Dad to think again. "Dad, I know you're crying like a fool".
5. Jared was upset when he mentioned she was as cold as a hailstone.
6. Watch your step when you come in. The doorway is as black as the north pole in winter.
7. I don't like what's going on. I feel like a noodle in boiling water.
8. I wanted our songs to fly out to the audience. but, somehow they dropped like a lead beach ball.
9. She didn't like Martha. Her smile was as slick as an door to door salesman.
10. Harvey's grin was as coiled as a rattler.
Try writing your own interesting examples of simile. Practice using these in your writing to bring your readers and listeners into your story.
Try to find comparisons that are unique and not overused by other writers. Make the extra effort to find new interesting comparisons. Great examples of simile will help lift your writing over others.
