Which statement correctly differentiates a simile from a metaphor?

• A. A simile uses direct equivalence; a metaphor uses like or as.
• B. A simile uses imagery exclusively; a metaphor uses symbolism.
• C. A simile uses capitalization; a metaphor uses punctuation.
• D. A simile uses like or as to compare; a metaphor asserts a direct equivalence.

Answer: (D)

The idea being tested is how similes and metaphors signal comparison. A simile explicitly signals a comparison by using like or as, as in “bright as the sun” or “as brave as a lion.” A metaphor makes a direct claim that something is another thing, lacking like or as, such as “time is a thief” or “the night was a velvet cloak.” So the statement that distinguishes them—simile uses like or as to compare, while a metaphor asserts direct equivalence—best captures their difference. The other options misstate how these devices work or rely on features (imagery, symbolism, capitalization, punctuation) that aren’t defining. Remember: like or as = explicit comparison; is/are = direct identification.