Day 250: Use similes to explain complex concepts.

A simile expresses the idea that one thing is similar to a different type of thing. Similes may use the words like or as, but these words are not required to make a simile. Other words, such as similar to, suggests, and resembles can be used. In addition, a simile may be implied if you are clearly making this comparison. Consider this example:

“The mental process of a psychopath resembles two interlocked springs.”

In business use, I don’t recommend using like or as because 1) these words will clearly indicate that you are using a simile, which may distract your reader, and 2) making similes with these words can create an artistic tone, which may not be appropriate in business writing.

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Why use a simile? When you have a complex concept that you want the reader to understand, you can use a simile to show how the unfamiliar concept is like something the reader can visualize or something with which the reader is already familiar. This helps the reader create a mental framework for understanding the concept. You show how the familiar thing resembles the unfamiliar thing, and the reader can then apply his or her understanding to your concept. The reader will be more able to understand your concept. Here’s another example:

“The electron beam emits a unidirectional flow of electrons similar to a hose shooting water.”