Metaphor, Simile and Analogy – Definitions Every Writer Needs to Know

If you want to have a successful blog, you need to understand the different types of writing styles and proper grammar use in all of your articles. This includes the use of metaphors, smilies and analogies. Each are different in their own way, along with how they should be addressed to your audience. This something we will be covering in detail today to help your blog reader better, while also making you a better writer in the process.

Do you remember from your high school English class when your teacher asked you to give examples of figures of speech? Perhaps you recall learning about metaphors and similes by comparisons like “he was as hungry as a bear,” “as tall as a corn stalk,” and “she was a melody in the wind.”

Of course, if you were listening, you also remember that your English teacher went on to say that the boy was neither as hungry as a bear or as tall as a corn stalk, at least not literally. But stating these words in this way brings an immediate image of a boy eating voraciously like a bear in the wild would do. The man who was as tall as a corn stalk may or may not have been as tall as a corn stalk. But when we say it that way, we immediately see a visual image in our minds that help us understand the concept.

Explanations of Comparisons

The girl who was a melody in the wind isn’t saying that the girl was a song. Instead, it means that she had some of the same qualities of a song or a musical score, such as gracefulness, beauty, or the tendency to be remembered.

Universal meanings are attached to the idea of metaphors and similes, as is the case with most figures of speech in the English language. These are symbols and comparisons that most people recognize and understand.

Traditionally, these figures of speech are seen mostly in creative prose such as poetry, essays about nature, or similar pieces. One example is Wordsworth’s poem, “The Daffodils,” in which he stated that he “wandered lonely as a cloud…” But bloggers and writers of casual content should also study these creative types of words, as well. People read content because it evokes an emotive response. Whether it is because they like the way you present positive ideas for their business, save them time, or offer a new way to organize digital family pictures, one of the reasons your readers come back for your content is the way it makes them feel.

A metaphor is a comparison that does not use “like” or “as.” Similes use “like” or “as.” Metaphors and similes can easily be worked into blog content much in the same way they can be used in poetry and short stories. You just have to use them a bit more sparingly so that when you do use them, they are a delightful surprise.

Analogies are comparisons that do not necessarily use metaphors or similes but they may if appropriate. They are general comparisons usually in the form of a story.

Notice the following example and see if you can detect where and how they have used metaphors and similes to gain interest.

Sample Blog Post Introduction

Do you find yourself running around in circles all day in your business? Do you find it hard to get everything done? Sometimes life makes you feel like a dog that is chasing his tail or a wheel that never stops! If you are a bundle of nerves from trying to catch up with yourself, here are some tips that might help!

See how we used a metaphor, simile, and an analogy to connect with the reader in a personal way? We addressed his problem of not having the time to get everything done and compared it to a dog that is chasing his tail or a wheel that keeps going around in circles.

These types of comparisons, when used sparingly and in the right place, can help you connect with your audience in a personal way and get their attention in a way that normal words just don’t do.

Oh, and by the way, misusing the word “like” at the beginning of sentences that some younger people are prone to do these days is not a comparison. Even worse, it’s grammatically incorrect. And that’s like having a bouquet of flowers with no vase to put them in!

Using Power Words and Call to Actions within Your Blog Writing

Now that you know the differences between metaphors, smilies and analogies, it’s time to make sure you are using them all correctly within your content writing and marketing. One of the best ways to create valuable content for your audience and customers, is through the use of a blog. If you don’t currently have one set up for your personal brand or business, be sure to follow the quick startup guide here.