English Grammar

Alliteration |Types of Alliteration, Alliteration definition and Examples

Alliteration
Written by grammrary.com

Alliteration:

Have you ever heard about lyrical and musical effects in the language? It’s Alliteration! Let’s explore What is Alliteration and What are types of Alliteration; Alliteration definition and Examples It is the use of continuous same phonetic sounds that create a lyrical as well as a musical effect. It involves the repetition of words having the same sounds. These sounds may be consonants or vowels. Here, sounds occur at the beginnings of words.

  • According to the Alliteration Definition in Oxford Learner’s Dictionary,  it is the use of the same sounds or words repeatedly at the beginning of relatively closer words.
  • According to Alliteration meaning in Cambridge Dictionary it as the use of the same consonant sounds at the start of several words that come closely in poetry particularly.
  • In Collins Dictionary Alliteration Definition is the use of repeating consonant sounds at the start of two or more words or syllables.
  • According to the Merriam-Webster dictionary it is the use of the same sound at the beginning of a repeatedly with the purpose to create an audible pulse that creates a lulling, lyrical, and emotive effect.

The characteristic that differ it from other alike figures of speech is use of same consonant or vowel sounds in the “beginning” of the words. Remember in consonance, the alike sounds may be at start, middle or even at the end of the words.

Examples of Different Types of Alliteration

There are a lot of examples of Alliteration and it’s Types, you can find in English Literature, tongue twisters and rhymes.

  • Saria speaks softly and smoothly.
  • She is driving to destiny.
  • Haris held her hands.
  • Haris hates Hasel.
  • Pass this pen to Peter.
  • Disc is on the desk.

Using Types of Alliteration in Sentence:

It’s use is an interesting method to bring a cool and creative touch in language. Use of repeating sounds creates a soothing touch in writing as well as speaking. It is an effective strategy to grab the attention of the audience. Tongue twisters always play a vital role in engaging the audience. Alteration creates tongue twisters perfectly.  You may have seen effect in poems and poetry.

Things to consider while Using Types of Alliteration:

  • Use the same consonant or vowel sounds at beginning of repeating words.
  • Use the words in consecutive manner, one after the other.
  • Use syllables having the alike sounds to create alliterated sentences.
  • It is independent of how many times the words with same sounds are repeating. It can only be two words having alike sounds at beginning, that comes side by side in a sentence.
  • Be careful to stay meaningful while using in sentence. Do not add words randomly that disrupts the sense and meanings of the sentence.

Types of alliteration:

Plosive Alliteration:

It involves the repeating consonant sounds which are created by terminating the airflow by use of tongue, lips, or palate. These sounds brings a  dramatic effect and pop, burst in writing.

Example: Peter Peter placed a pack of pencils and pen in pencil holder .

Guttural Alliteration:

It involves the Redundancy of consonant sounds, that are harsh or throaty. These sounds are produced by back of throat, adding roughness and intensity to language.

Example: Gravelly grunts garnered the gatherers at the gateway.

Sibilance: It is the repeating hissing or hushing sounds, usually from the sh, s, or z consonants, resulting in smooth, flowing effect. It Prompt sensations like rustling or whispering.

Example: She Subdued softly in the secretive space.

Fricative Alliteration:

It results by repeating consonant sounds created by friction, when air force through a thin pathway.  These sounds can be harsh or soft and bring texture to grammar.

Example: Ferocious flames flared forcefully.

Dental Alliteration:

It results by reoccurrence of consonant sounds created with tongue against alveolar ridge or teeth. This can result in delicate or crisp sounds, depending on context.

Example: Delicate Diana dive in the dusky dawn

Assonance:

It results by repetition of vowel sounds in nearby stressed syllables or words. These sounds results in a musical touch in writing, enhancing flow and  rhythm.

Example:Sam wears a black hat.

Tabular Representation:

The tables below will help you understand Alliteration Definition and Examples

Sr. No. Type of alliterationDescription
1Plosive AlliterationRepeating consonant sounds which are formed by terminating the airflow by use of tongue, lips, or palate.
2Guttural AlliterationIt involves the Redundancy of consonant sounds, that are harsh or throaty. These sounds are produced by back of throat, adding roughness and intensity to language.
3SibilanceIt is the repeating hissing or hushing sounds, usually from the sh, s, or z consonants, resulting in smooth, flowing effect.
4Fricative AlliterationIt results by repeating consonant sounds created by friction, when air force through a thin pathway.
5Dental AlliterationIt results by repeating consonant sounds created with tongue against alveolar ridge or teeth.
6AssonanceIt results by repetition of vowel sounds in nearby stressed syllables or words. (not considered alliteration technically)

Which of Sounds are most commonly involved in producing these Types of Alliteration?

Alliteration TypeSounds Involved
Plosive AlliterationP, B, T, D, K, G
Guttural AlliterationG, K, H, R
SibilanceS, Z, SH
Fricative AlliterationF, V, TH, S, Z, SH
Dental AlliterationD, T, TH
AssonanceVowel sounds

Uses:

After understanding Alliteration Definition and Examples, Here are uses to help understand its importance.

The Magic of Memory

It is the remarkable charm in language is it’s capability to stay put the memory even when words have gone so far. A perfect catchy tune it really is! It know it’s way to attract listeners and readers, to grab their attention and to persist in their minds.

The Art of Advertising

The art of alliteration plays an important role in the world of branding and advertising. Companies and Brands use this touch to make their slogans and titles, catchy, memorable and attractive. This makes a long-lasting attraction on customers. You must have gone through a lot of Brand Names and you have their names in your minds till now for always, just because of the alliteration. Right? Just like PayPal, Coca-Cola, and Dunkin’ Donuts. They know the art to roll off our tongues and to stay in our minds for long and for always. These brands be making sure to never get off from minds of their customers. So you may realize now how important it really is. Perfect!

The Joy of Juxtaposition

You know how it brings a soothing effect? By juxtaposing concepts that are seems desperate. Just like in “Butterflies in my belly” or in “sweet surrender” it finds beauty in most unlikely places.

Alliteration, Types of Alliteration with Definition and Examples

> Alliteration, Types with Definition and Examples

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grammrary.com

The author of Grammrary.com is a Certified TEFL Trainer from Arizona State University with over 7 years of experience teaching English to students from different cultures around the world. Teaching English is both his profession and passion, and he is dedicated to helping learners improve their language skills.

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