Here are few exercises to test your understanding of similes. Give it a try, and then look at the answers.
To understand similes and how they’re used, refer to these resources:
- What are similes? How to write them?
- 120+ examples of 5 types of similes
- Simile examples for children, with increasing difficulty level
Exercise 1
Match the options with the sentences to complete the simile.
a fox/ a pig/ an owl/ a beaver/ a kitten
1. The kids were as playful as _____.
2. He is as wise as _____.
3. He is as crafty as _____.
4. After playing, you look as dirty as _____.
5. He is working like _____ for his upcoming test.
1. a kitten 2. an owl 3. a fox 4. a pig 5. a beaver
Exercise 2
Match the options with the sentences to complete the simile.
a faucet/ a guitar string/ an alarm clock/ an empty sac/ a robot
1. Dead tired, I fell on the couch like _____.
2. Our PE instructor meant business; he was as friendless as _____.
3. He spoke like _____.
4. I can turn on and off sales from my online shop like _____.
5. With not an inch of flab, your stomach is as taut as _____.
1. an empty sac 2. an alarm clock 3. a robot 4. a faucet 5. a guitar string
Exercise 3
Some of the sentences below have similes and some don’t. Identify the ones that have.
1. The magician was a mirage in the desert.
2. The magician was like his mentor in his deceptive tricks.
3. The magician was deceptive as he had prepared well.
4. The magician was as deceptive as a mirage in the desert.
5. The project was as adventurous as bungee jumping.
6. The project was as adventurous as the last project.
7. The project was adventurous like bungee jumping.
8. The project was like awesome.
9. He talks like a bullet train.
10. He talks like a robot.
11. He talks like his sister.
12. He talks like his friend.
4, 5, 7, 9, and 10 are similes.
Write Sentences Like in Newspapers and Books
Step-by-step process. Little grammar. Real-world examples.
Exercise 4
What similes would you use to describe the hummingbird in the picture? Write as many as you can.
1. The hummingbird’s beak is as pointed as an arrow.
2. The hummingbird’s beak is as pointed as the questions put to tech executives during the anti-trust congressional hearing.
3. Its gaze is like that of a hawk: penetrating and intimidating.
4. It is hovering like my teacher during the exam.
Which of the first two comparisons catches your attention more?
Exercise 5
What similes would you use to describe the man with the fish in the picture? Write as many as you can.
1. The man is showing his catch as proudly as an athlete showing her Olympic medal.
2. With two ear-like protrusions, the fish is like a little sea monster.
