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

8137 Views

See similar English Literature GCSE tutors

Related English Literature GCSE answers

All answers ▸

How does Shakespeare make use of metre in 'Romeo and Juliet'?


How do I ensure that I have completed a GCSE English Literature essay to a high standard?


Understanding Poetic Metre - What, Why, and How?


When is it appropriate to use a semi-colon?


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