Alliteration is the repetition of the same beginning consonant sound in nearby words. It is based on sound, not just spelling. For example, silver sea is alliteration because both words begin with the same consonant sound. But city cat is not a strong example, because the c in city sounds different from the c in cat.
Writers use alliteration for several reasons:
- Rhythm: It gives a line a musical flow, as in wild winds whistle.
- Emphasis: Repeated sounds can make an idea stand out, as in busy buzzing bees.
- Memorability: It helps phrases stick in the reader’s mind, which is why it often appears in titles, speeches, and brand names.
Alliteration is common in poetry, but it also appears in everyday language. You can hear it in slogans, character names, and headlines. Used well, it adds style without changing the meaning. Used too often, it can sound forced, so the best examples feel natural and easy to hear.