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What is alliteration?

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Quick answer

Alliteration is the repetition of the same starting sound in a series of nearby words, like 'Peter Piper picked a peck'. It creates rhythm and musicality, making phrases catchy and memorable. It repeats the same initial consonant sound across close-together words.

Key things to understand

  1. It repeats the same initial consonant sound across close-together words.
  2. Examples: 'wild and windy', 'the sweet smell of success', 'big brown bear'.
  3. It's based on sound, not spelling — 'kind cat' alliterates; 'city sun' doesn't.
  4. It makes phrases catchy, so it's common in poetry, tongue-twisters, and brand names.
  5. Related devices include assonance (repeated vowel sounds) and consonance.

People also ask

What's an example of alliteration?
'She sells seashells by the seashore', 'busy as a bee', and 'Coca-Cola' each repeat a starting sound for rhythm and memorability.
Does alliteration have to be the same letter?
It's about the same SOUND, not letter. 'Kind cat' alliterates (both 'k' sound), and 'phone fan' alliterates ('f' sound) even though the letters differ.
Why is alliteration used in brand names?
The repeated sound makes names catchy and easy to remember — think Coca-Cola, PayPal, or Dunkin' Donuts.