Which figure of speech involves a direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'?

Which figure of speech involves a direct comparison without using 'like' or 'as'?

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

Answer: (A)

When a comparison is made directly, claiming that one thing is another, the figure of speech is a metaphor. Similes make comparisons using like or as, such as saying something is as bright as the sun, which is not a direct equivalence. The prompt asks for a direct comparison without using like or as, so metaphor is the right fit. For example, “Time is a thief” directly equates time with a thief, highlighting the idea of time taking moments away. In contrast, alliteration is about repeating initial consonant sounds for rhythm, not comparing things, and personification gives human qualities to a nonhuman thing, which also isn’t about a direct comparison.

When a comparison is made directly, claiming that one thing is another, the figure of speech is a metaphor. Similes make comparisons using like or as, such as saying something is as bright as the sun, which is not a direct equivalence. The prompt asks for a direct comparison without using like or as, so metaphor is the right fit. For example, “Time is a thief” directly equates time with a thief, highlighting the idea of time taking moments away. In contrast, alliteration is about repeating initial consonant sounds for rhythm, not comparing things, and personification gives human qualities to a nonhuman thing, which also isn’t about a direct comparison.