Distinguishing Between Similes and Metaphors

Both similes and metaphors use comparisons between ideas to deepen meaning. Almost any expression that can be worded as a simile could also be worded as a metaphor. Remember that the main difference between a simile and a metaphor is the use of the words as and like. Similes use these words; metaphors do not.Authors must carefully choose whether the indirect comparison of the simile or the direct comparison of a metaphor is better suited for their purpose. Therefore, effective readers pay close attention to the author’s careful application of these two figures of speech.