Sibilance

English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 2.1.9

Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on 's' sounds.

A __s__trange __s__izzle __s__oftly filled the __s__ilent __s__ky.
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.

The uncertain __c__ircumstances were __s__ad.
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.

A __ch__eeky __ch__ild __ch__attered.
In this phrase, the repeated ‘ch’ sounds are soft and combine with the words used to create a light-hearted, positive feeling. It sets a lighter tone for the writing.
The adjective ‘cheeky’ with the verb ‘chattered’ build up a softer image of a child enjoying themselves.

Tips for Using Sibilance

Sibilance is a more specific form of alliteration, which focuses on 's' sounds.

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.

Use sibilance carefully – before you put it into your writing, think about where it should go. What do you want to draw attention to?

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.

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.