Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

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What distinguishes similes from metaphors?

  1. Similes use abstract ideas, whereas metaphors do not

  2. Similes do not compare two things at all

  3. Similes use "like" or "as" for comparison

  4. Similes are less complex than metaphors

The correct answer is: Similes use "like" or "as" for comparison

Similes are a figure of speech that make comparisons between two different things with the explicit use of the words "like" or "as." This clarity in the language of similes allows readers to immediately understand the comparison being made. For instance, saying “as brave as a lion” or “she swims like a fish” provides a direct and vivid image by linking qualities of one subject to another in a straightforward manner. In contrast, metaphors imply a comparison without using "like" or "as," suggesting that one thing is another, which can sometimes create a more complex or nuanced understanding. Understanding this distinction helps in recognizing how similes can offer a clear and immediate perspective while metaphors can invoke deeper meanings.

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