Figurative Language
Identifying Similes, Metaphors, & Hyperbole
A metaphor states that one thing is something else. It is a comparison, but it does NOT use like or as to make the comparison.
Metaphor example: Her hair is silk. The sentence is comparing her hair to the fine, smooth texture of silk. The comparison is more direct than the example just below.
A simile compares one thing to another using the words like or as to connect the things being compared.
Simile example: Her hair is like silk. The sentence makes the same comparison, but uses the words like or as to make the connection.
A hyperbole is a super exaggerated metaphor or simile.
Hyperbole example: The dog was as big as a house. The sentence compares the size of a dog to a house, using a simile, but it is definitely a super exaggerated comparison.
Decide whether each sentence contains a simile, metaphor, or hyperbole. In the space provided, write the word SIMILE if the sentence contains a simile, METAPHOR if the sentence contains a metaphor, or HYPERBOLE if it contains a hyperbole.
1. The baby was like an octopus, grabbing at all the cans on the grocery store shelves. _________________
2. As the teacher entered the room she muttered under her breath, "This class is like a three-ring circus!" _________________
3. The teacher told his students, “I’ve explained this a million times if I’ve explained it once.” _________________
4. The pillow was a cloud when I put my head upon it after a long day. ______________
5. During Michael Jordan’s lay-ups, he would fly to the basket. _________________
6. Those girls are like two peas in a pod. _________________
7. The fluorescent light was the sun during our test. _________________
8. No one invites Harold to parties because he’s a wet blanket. _________________
9. The bar of soap was a slippery eel during the dog’s bath. _________________
10. Ted was nervous as a cat with a long tail in a room full of rocking chairs. _________________