2.1.10
Sibilance
Sibilance
Sibilance
Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on 's' sounds.
![Illustrative background for Strange sizzling sky](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/4.2.1- Respiration/sky-1441936_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Strange sizzling sky ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/courseImages/biology/4.2.1- Respiration/sky-1441936_640-min,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Strange sizzling sky
Strange sizzling sky
- A strange sizzle softly filled the silent sky.
- In this phrase, the repeated ‘s’ sounds combine with the words chosen to create a sense of calm, but also the feeling that something more sinister is about to happen.
- The adjectives ‘strange’ and ‘silent’ give us the feeling that we are waiting for something to happen, but the adverb ‘softly’ also creates a sense of calm.
![Illustrative background for Sad, uncertain circumstances](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/5285205c-0c0d-4b3a-8e65-a04f55e88f27/girl-sad-hurt,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Sad, uncertain circumstances ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/5285205c-0c0d-4b3a-8e65-a04f55e88f27/girl-sad-hurt,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Sad, uncertain circumstances
Sad, uncertain circumstances
- The uncertain circumstances were sad.
- In this phrase, the ‘s’ sound comes from the letter ‘s’ and also the soft letter ‘c’ (in ‘circumstances’, the second ‘c’ makes a harder sound and so is not part of the sibilance here).
- In this phrase, the repeated ‘s’ sounds combine with the words chosen to create a sense of uncertainty and secrecy.
- The adjective ‘uncertain’ immediately sets an unsure, negative tone, which is reinforced by the sibilance in the sentence.
![Illustrative background for Cheeky child chattered](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/acb5fba1-f80d-4951-aea7-5b119fe334dd/boy-286797_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Cheeky child chattered ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/acb5fba1-f80d-4951-aea7-5b119fe334dd/boy-286797_1920,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Cheeky child chattered
Cheeky child chattered
- A cheeky child chattered.
- In this phrase, the repeated ‘ch’ sounds are soft and create a light-hearted, positive feeling. It sets a lighter tone for the writing.
- The adjective ‘cheeky’ with the verb ‘chattered’ builds up a softer image of a child enjoying themselves.
Tips for Using Sibilance
Tips for Using Sibilance
Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on 's' sounds.
![Illustrative background for Wooshing or hissing sound](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/c01fb4b5-fb60-480d-9c8e-ff4f35c5fee6/shutterstock_547176661,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Wooshing or hissing sound ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-03/c01fb4b5-fb60-480d-9c8e-ff4f35c5fee6/shutterstock_547176661,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Wooshing or hissing sound
Wooshing or hissing sound
- Sibilance relies on the repetition of soft consonant sounds in words to create a wooshing or hissing sound in the writing.
- The sounds used include 's', 'sh', 'c' and 'ch'. The sounds can happen anywhere in the words.
![Illustrative background for Plan where sibilance should go](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/b8a50c91-d3b6-4b50-a1d3-590674dae798/thought-light-bulb-bubble-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Plan where sibilance should go ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/b8a50c91-d3b6-4b50-a1d3-590674dae798/thought-light-bulb-bubble-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Plan where sibilance should go
Plan where sibilance should go
- Use sibilance carefully – before you put it into your writing, think about where it should go. What do you want to draw attention to?
![Illustrative background for Choose vocabulary carefully](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/459a2801-295b-41b3-991f-dbe870731ba3/information-words-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Choose vocabulary carefully ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-08/459a2801-295b-41b3-991f-dbe870731ba3/information-words-,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Choose vocabulary carefully
Choose vocabulary carefully
- Remember that sibilance is only effective when used with the correct choice of words – your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating effective sibilance.
- Sibilance will reinforce the words you have chosen – it will combine with your words to emphasise the tone of your writing, so be aware of the tone you want to create before you start.
![Illustrative background for Focus on the sound](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/1b8ba991-4cf4-4345-97c2-aa53fc2c840a/secret-shh,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
![Illustrative background for Focus on the sound ?? "content](https://image-v2.cdn.app.senecalearning.com/2018-09/1b8ba991-4cf4-4345-97c2-aa53fc2c840a/secret-shh,h_400,q_80,w_640.jpg)
Focus on the sound
Focus on the sound
- Focus on the sound you are trying to create. Is your sibilance going to emphasise a sinister, secret, calm or still feeling? The type of sounds you choose to repeat will affect the mood of your writing.
1Key Terms
2Language Techniques
2.1Language Devices
3Paper 1: Reading
4Paper 1: Writing
5Paper 2: Reading
5.1DAFORESTER
6Paper 2: Writing
6.1Structuring Your Answer
6.2Types of Writing
6.3Writing to...
6.3.1Writing to Inform
6.3.2Writing to Inform - Example
6.3.3Writing to Explain
6.3.4Writing to Explain - Example
6.3.5Writing to Persuade
6.3.6Writing to Persuade - Example
6.3.7Writing to Argue
6.3.8Writing to Argue - Example
6.3.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue
6.3.10Writing to Advise
6.3.11Writing to Advise - Example
6.3.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
6.3.13Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing
Jump to other topics
1Key Terms
2Language Techniques
2.1Language Devices
3Paper 1: Reading
4Paper 1: Writing
5Paper 2: Reading
5.1DAFORESTER
6Paper 2: Writing
6.1Structuring Your Answer
6.2Types of Writing
6.3Writing to...
6.3.1Writing to Inform
6.3.2Writing to Inform - Example
6.3.3Writing to Explain
6.3.4Writing to Explain - Example
6.3.5Writing to Persuade
6.3.6Writing to Persuade - Example
6.3.7Writing to Argue
6.3.8Writing to Argue - Example
6.3.9Writing to Persuade vs Writing to Argue
6.3.10Writing to Advise
6.3.11Writing to Advise - Example
6.3.12End of Topic Test - Writing to...
6.3.13Exam-Style Questions - Paper 2: Writing
![Go student ad image](/en-GB/revision-notes/_next/image?url=%2Fen-GB%2Frevision-notes%2Fimages%2Fgo-student-uk-ad.jpg&w=640&q=100)
Unlock your full potential with GoStudent tutoring
Affordable 1:1 tutoring from the comfort of your home
Tutors are matched to your specific learning needs
30+ school subjects covered