Alliteration repeats consonant sounds
Alliteration repeats or emphasizes initial consonant sounds in nearby words. The phrase “silver streams softly” repeats the s sound.
Assonance repeats vowel sounds
Assonance uses similar vowel sounds in nearby words. It can create internal rhythm even when the spelling differs.
Sound is more important than spelling
These devices concern pronunciation. Two words can share a sound without sharing the same letters.
Use sound patterns sparingly
A deliberate pattern can add rhythm or emphasis. Too many repeated sounds can make a sentence feel forced.
Frequently asked questions
Is alliteration based on the first letter?
It is based on repeated initial consonant sounds, not simply matching first letters.
Can assonance happen inside a word?
Assonance is usually discussed as a pattern across nearby words, where vowel sounds echo one another.