Triple (Rule of 3)
English Language: Edexcel IGCSE - Specification B, topic 4.3.8
Triples (Rule of 3)
A triple is a list of three things in a sentence. This is often a list of three adjectives but can be a variety of words and techniques. Triples are also good tools for making information stick in the reader’s head.
Dangers of smoking
- Smoking damages your lungs, makes your hair and skin smell, and impairs your taste buds.
- Like repetition, the triple repeats the negative effect of smoking. It gives slightly different, but related, effects.
- The triple leaves no room for doubt that smoking has some severely negative consequences – by repeating the negative tone, and giving three negative examples in a row, we reinforce that the effects are bad.
Calm, quiet and peaceful
- She glanced across the lake and studied the water. Calm. Quiet. Peaceful.
- Like repetition, the triple repeats the positive, calming atmosphere. It gives slightly different, but related, ideas about how the character feels.
- The triple leaves no room for doubt that the character feels soothed and that the mood is peaceful – by repeating the positive tone, and giving three positive examples in a row, we reinforce that the character is having a nice experience.
Benefits of exercise
- Exercise will make you stronger, healthier and happier than ever before.
- Like repetition, the triple repeats the positive effect of exercise. It gives slightly different, but related, effects.
- The triple leaves no room for doubt that exercise has some really positive consequences – by repeating the positive tone, and giving three positive examples in a row, we reinforce that the effects are great.
Test yourself on Triple (Rule of 3)
Which phrases use triples?
Which phrase uses a triple?
Which triple best describes the picture?