Which of the following is an example of a simile?

• A. "Her smile was as bright as the sun."
• B. "Time is a thief."
• C. "He ran fast as lightning."
• D. "The clouds were heavy with sorrow."

Answer: (A)

The statement "Her smile was as bright as the sun" is a clear example of a simile because it explicitly compares two different things—her smile and the brightness of the sun—using the word "as." This comparison highlights the intensity and warmth of her smile, allowing the reader to visualize it in a vivid way. Similes are characterized by this use of "like" or "as" to draw connections between disparate elements, enhancing the descriptive quality of the language.

Other choices do not fit the criteria for similes: the second option uses metaphorical language when suggesting time is a thief, indicating that time can steal moments from our lives without using "like" or "as." The third option employs an incorrect structure, as "fast as lightning" should include "as" in front of fast to make it correct. The last statement presents a personification, attributing human emotions to inanimate objects—clouds—not using any comparative language typical of similes.