Identify Similes and Metaphors

How could you describe the peacock in the picture below?

 

 

You may have come up with some adjectives to describe the peacock like colourful and strong.

 

We can also use similes to describe the peacock.

 

A simile compares two things using the words like or as.

 

We could say:

The peacock’s feathers are like colourful paintbrushes.

Or

The peacock was as majestic as a king.

 

Here, we’ve used the words like or as to compare the peacock (or parts of the peacock) to something else.

These similes help the reader to picture exactly what the bird looks like.

 

We can also use metaphors to describe the bird.

 

Metaphors compare one thing to another but don’t use the words like or as.

Metaphors compare by saying one thing is actually something else.

 

We could say:

The peacock’s feathers are colourful paintbrushes.

Or

The peacock was a majestic king.

 

Can you see how we’ve changed the similes into metaphors by removing the words like and as?

 

In this activity, you’ll be on the hunt for similes and metaphors. Remember, similes use the words 'like or as' and metaphors don’t.

 

If you are ready, let's get started!