2.1.9
Alliteration
Alliteration
Alliteration
Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words near to each other. These are the same sounds, not necessarily the same letters (e.g. 'ph' and 'f' may sound the same in some words).
Alliteration of plosive sounds
Alliteration of plosive sounds
- The dawn drank the darkness as the sun escaped her dungeon.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘d’ is repeated four times.
- Plosive sounds (such as d/b/t/p) are quite abrupt and strong. They grab the reader’s attention, especially when repeated.
- In this phrase, we want to emphasise the darkness and negativity so we can highlight the change the sun brings.
Alliteration of fricative sounds
Alliteration of fricative sounds
- He fumbled with the photo and froze.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘f’ is repeated.
- In addition, the ‘f’ sound is also created with the ‘ph’ in ‘photo’.
- Fricative sounds (such as f/v/th) can either be quite soft and airy, or they can be aggressive (especially f/v, which you can only produce if you bare your teeth – an aggressive action).
Alliteration of affricative sounds
Alliteration of affricative sounds
- He juggled gently with gigantic jellyfish.
- In this phrase, the sound ‘j’ is repeated. In addition, the ‘j’ sound is also created with the soft letter ‘g’ (in ‘gigantic’, the first ‘g’ works because it is soft, but the second ‘g’ is not alliterative because it is a harder sound).
- Affricative sounds (such as j) can be quite strange and jarring – they interrupt the softer flow of text and grab the reader’s attention, especially when repeated.
Tips for Using Alliteration
Tips for Using Alliteration
Alliteration is the occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning of words next to each other. These are the same sounds, not necessarily the same letters (e.g. 'ph' and 'f' may sound the same in some words).
Plan where alliteration should go
Plan where alliteration should go
- Use alliteration carefully – before you put it into your writing, think about where it should go. What do you want to draw attention to?
Focus on the sound
Focus on the sound
- Focus on the sound you are trying to create. Is your alliteration going to be smooth, airy, aggressive, or jarring? The type of sounds you choose to repeat will affect the mood of your writing.
Choose vocabulary wisely
Choose vocabulary wisely
- Your choice of vocabulary is vital in creating your language devices effectively.
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
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