Which literary device uses 'like' or 'as' in a comparison?

Which literary device uses 'like' or 'as' in a comparison?

• A. Metaphor
• B. Hyperbole
• C. Simile
• D. Personification

Answer: (C)

Using like or as to compare two things is called a simile. This device signals a comparison by linking one thing to another with the words like or as, helping you see a clear resemblance and paint a vivid image. For example, saying someone moves “like a dancer” uses a simile to compare movement to dancing, emphasizing grace. The other devices don’t use that explicit like/as comparison: a metaphor makes a direct claim that one thing is another, hyperbole exaggerates for effect, and personification gives human traits to nonhuman things. Since the sentence relies on like or as to show the connection, the simile is the right choice.

Using like or as to compare two things is called a simile. This device signals a comparison by linking one thing to another with the words like or as, helping you see a clear resemblance and paint a vivid image. For example, saying someone moves “like a dancer” uses a simile to compare movement to dancing, emphasizing grace. The other devices don’t use that explicit like/as comparison: a metaphor makes a direct claim that one thing is another, hyperbole exaggerates for effect, and personification gives human traits to nonhuman things. Since the sentence relies on like or as to show the connection, the simile is the right choice.