##  [metaphor](/writing-tips-plus/metaphor)

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A metaphor is a figure of speech in which two persons or things are compared, but without the use of *like* or *as*.

## Metaphors with the verb *be*

Metaphors often use the verb *be* to make a comparison. In a metaphor of this kind, one thing is said to be another:

- The sound of my husband cleaning the shower is music to my ears.
- The sun was a ball of fire.

In the first example, the sound of someone cleaning the shower is compared to the pleasant sound of music. In the second example, the writer compares the sun to a ball of fire. In both examples, the two things being compared are connected by a form of the verb be (*is*, *was*).

## Metaphors without the verb *be*

Metaphors do not always take the form of nouns joined by the verb *be*. Sometimes they are disguised as verbs, adjectives or adverbs. In the following examples, notice how the verb *be* is absent:

- The sun **fired up** the sky with dazzling colours. \[verb\]
- After a **heated** argument with his roommates, he **stormed** out of the house. \[adjective and verb\]
- The Red River **loops snakily** through the valley. \[verb and adverb\]

## Metaphor vs. simile

A simile is a figure of speech that uses *like* or *as* to create a comparison. A metaphor, on the other hand, creates an implied comparison without using *like* or *as*.

- Simile: The Red River loops through the valley **like a snake.**
Metaphor: The Red River loops **snakily** through the valley.
- Simile: The sun was **like a ball of fire**.
Metaphor: The sun **was a ball of fire**.
- Simile: After the audition, Alina felt **as light as a feather**.
Metaphor: After the audition, Alina **floated** home, her feet barely touching the ground.

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## Liens connexes

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