Comparisons

Literal comparison -- compares something or someone with a factual object.

a. Bob looks like (Henry).
b. Bob looks like (his father looked at the same age).
c. Toshi looks a little like (the Prime Minister).

Figurative comparison -- compares one part of your friend with something imaginary.

a. Bob looks like (a young prince).
b. Bob looks like (a Greek god).
c. Bob looks like (death warmed over).

Practice Exercise -- Making Figurative Comparisons:

Work with a partner and complete these comparisons figuratively.

• Getting married is like...
• Going to sleep is like...
• Going to school is like...
• Falling in love is like...
• Driving a car is like...
• Playing (some sport) is like...
• Watching TV is like...
• Going on a date is like...
• Getting up in the morning is like..

There are different types of figurative comparisons. Three common ones are: simile, metaphor, and personification.

a. A simile is a figurative comparison that uses like or as.

Example: Before I got married, my apartment often looked like an explosion at a flea market.

b. A metaphor is a figurative comparison that states or implies one thing is something else.

Example: I've felt the lash of her sharp tongue more than once.

c. Personification gives life to inanimate objects.

Example: The morning was so cold that even the sun seemed hesitant about coming up.