What is Alliteration?

Alliteration is the repetition of the same sound or letter at the beginning of each or most of the words in a sentence. The easiest way to use alliteration would be to repeat the starting letter of the words.

Examples – Using alliteration with a letter

For a more complex form of alliteration you can use the the first syllable of the words, using the same sound to make the alliteration effect.

Example – Using alliteration with the first syllable

Alliteration is used in poetry to create different effects, either for a reflective description or to create more drama or danger.

Why don't you try writing a poem using alliteration and enter it into one of our poetry competitions.

For information on poetry terms other than an alliteration visit our poetry glossary – poetry terms.