Similes are classified from several perspectives: their terms may be sensory or intellectual, singular or multiple, simple or composite; the common ground may be explicit or implicit; and the comparison marker may be present or omitted. The same expression can therefore fall within several categories simultaneously.
QuestionWhat it identifies
What is compared with what?Two terms
What shared quality is intended?Ground of likeness
Which form indicates comparison?Comparative marker
A whole scene or one quality?Representative or simple likeness
Always support the classification with the actual expression or contextual indicator, not merely a category label.