What is the difference between a metaphor and a simile?

A simile is a figure of speech that refers to comparable phrases that are alike in some way (e.g. 'as black as coal'). Contrastingly, a metaphor is a figure of speech that is applied without being the literal truth (e.g. 'he had a heart of gold').  

DO
Answered by Danny O. English Literature tutor

8150 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How can I effectively analyse an unseen poem in exam conditions?


How is comedy used in Sherrif's 'Journey's End'?


"My teachers keep saying that my writing needs more structure. What do they mean by this and how can I structure my essays?"


What do the eyes of Doctor T. J. Eckleburg symbolise in The Great Gatsby?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning