Writing Tip #43: Use Metaphors

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Brian's Writing Tip #43: Use Figures of Speech -- Metaphor

The old joke goes: A simile is like a metaphor. (I didn’t say it was a good joke.) The most obvious difference between a simile and a metaphor is simply that metaphors leave out the comparison words “like” or “as.” In that sense, a metaphor is an indirect comparison. It compares two things by saying one thing IS another: laughter is the best medicine, love is a warm puppy, children are the future. And clearly, a metaphor can become cliché as easily as a simile. Keep them fresh and stimulating:

“All the world’s a stage, and all the men and women merely players.”—As You Like It  by William Shakespeare

“I am the good shepherd, … and I lay down my life for the sheep.” – The Bible, John 10:14-15

“Let us be grateful to people who make us happy, they are the charming gardeners who make our souls blossom.” – Marcel Proust

 

About the Author

Brian WaskoBrian is the founder and president of WriteAtHome.com. One of his passions is to teach young people how to write better.View all posts by Brian Wasko

  1. R G
    R G09-03-2014

    Thank you for the clarification. I am learning so much from this blog.

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