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Similes and Metaphors Worksheets

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A similes and metaphors chart plus identifying, sorting, explaining meanings, literal and nonliteral phrases, and writing, with answer keys.

Download the similes and metaphors worksheets

Similes and metaphors chart

What similes and metaphors are, with examples and what each one really means.

  • Preview of the printable “Similes and metaphors” worksheet: knowing that similes and metaphors compare two different things and are nonliteralView larger

    Similes and metaphors

    Knowing that similes and metaphors compare two different things and are nonliteral

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Find similes and metaphors

Simile or metaphor, is it really a simile, a sort, and an original poem full of comparisons.

Literal and nonliteral meanings

Choose what a comparison really means, tell literal from nonliteral uses of the same phrase, and match everyday sayings to their meanings.

Write similes and metaphors

Finish similes with fresh comparisons, turn similes into metaphors, and write your own.

Print at 100% (actual size) for the cleanest tracing lines.

About these similes and metaphors worksheets

Similes and metaphors compare two different things to help the reader picture something. A simile uses like or as: "The snow was like a soft white blanket." A metaphor says one thing is another: "The classroom was a beehive." Both are nonliteral language: the words do not mean exactly what they say. The classroom is not really a beehive; it is busy and buzzing with noise.

These similes and metaphors worksheets start with a chart of examples and what they really mean. Practice pages ask children to decide simile or metaphor, spot sentences where like or as is not a simile ("Ava likes to read"), sort comparisons (cut and paste or write), find similes and metaphors in an original poem, choose what a comparison really means, tell literal from nonliteral uses of phrases like break the ice, and match everyday sayings to their meanings. Writing pages ask children to finish similes, turn similes into metaphors, and write their own. Every page with right answers has an answer key.

Standards

  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.RL.3.4Determine the meaning of words and phrases as they are used in a text, distinguishing literal from nonliteral language.
  • CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.L.3.5.ADistinguish the literal and nonliteral meanings of words and phrases in context (e.g., take steps).

How to use them

  1. Start with the chart and make up a simile about something in the room.
  2. Do simile or metaphor and is it a simile next.
  3. Use the what does it mean and literal or nonliteral pages to talk about real meanings.
  4. Finish with the writing pages.

Teaching tips

  • A simile needs like or as AND a comparison of two different things. "I like soup" is not a simile.
  • Ask: how are the two things alike? That is the meaning of the comparison.
  • Fresh comparisons are better than old ones. "As quiet as a snowy field" paints a new picture.
  • Look for similes and metaphors in poems and picture books you read together.

Questions teachers and parents ask

What is the difference between a simile and a metaphor?

A simile compares with like or as (fast like a rocket). A metaphor says one thing is another (he was a rocket).

What does nonliteral mean?

Words that do not mean exactly what they say. "Break the ice" means help people feel comfortable, not break real ice.

What grade learns similes and metaphors?

Third graders learn to tell literal from nonliteral language. Similes and metaphors are taught in grades 3 to 5.

Do the worksheets have answer keys?

Yes. Every page with right answers has an answer key on page 2. Written answers show an example.