Consonance

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Created by: Team English - Examples.com, Last Updated: June 4, 2024

Consonance

Consonance is a literary device frequently used in poetry and prose to create harmony and rhythm through the repetition of consonant sounds, particularly at the end of words. This technique enhances the musical quality of language, drawing readers’ attention and evoking specific emotions. By strategically placing similar sounds, writers can emphasize key themes and ideas, making their work more engaging and memorable.

In any literary device, we encounter day to day examples of consonance. This type of figurative analogy is common in tongue twisters, poems, and in day to day conversations but we rarely notice them happening. They are called consonances because of the repetition of the consonant letters.

What is Consonance?

Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated in close proximity, often within or at the end of words, to enhance the musicality and rhythm of the text. Unlike alliteration, which repeats initial consonant sounds, consonance focuses on consonant sounds throughout the words. This technique enriches the language by adding depth and texture.

Types of Consonances

Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated in close proximity. Here are the different types of consonance:

1. Internal Consonance

Internal consonance occurs when consonant sounds are repeated within the middle of words.

  • Example: “The lumpy, bumpy road.”
    • The ‘mp’ sound is repeated within “lumpy” and “bumpy.”

2. Initial Consonance

Initial consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words.

  • Example: “She sells seashells by the seashore.”
    • The ‘s’ sound is repeated at the beginning of several words.

3. Terminal Consonance

Terminal consonance features repeated consonant sounds at the end of words.

  • Example: “The thick black book.”
    • The ‘k’ sound is repeated at the end of “thick,” “black,” and “book.”

4. Compound Consonance

Compound consonance combines consonant repetition at different positions within words.

  • Example: “He struck a streak of luck.”
    • The ‘k’ sound is repeated at the end of “struck” and “luck,” and within “streak.”

5. Multi-Syllabic Consonance

Multi-syllabic consonance involves the repetition of consonant sounds across multiple syllables within words.

  • Example: “The happy puppy lapped at the pool.”
    • The ‘p’ sound is repeated across the syllables in “happy,” “puppy,” and “lapped.”

Functions of Consonance

Consonance is a powerful literary device that serves several important functions in writing. Here are the main functions of consonance:

1. Enhances Musicality and Rhythm

Consonance adds a rhythmic and melodic quality to the text, making it more pleasant to read and listen to. By repeating consonant sounds, writers create a musical flow that can enhance the overall reading experience.

  • Example: “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free.”
    • The repeated ‘f’ sound creates a flowing rhythm.

2. Emphasizes Words and Themes

By repeating specific consonant sounds, consonance draws attention to particular words or themes. This emphasis can help highlight important ideas and make them more memorable to the reader.

  • Example: “The black sack is in the back.”
    • The repetition of the ‘ck’ sound emphasizes the location of the sack.

3. Creates Mood and Atmosphere

Consonance can contribute to the tone and atmosphere of the writing. Depending on the sounds used, it can evoke various emotions and moods, such as calmness, tension, or excitement.

  • Example: “The hissing snakes slithered silently.”
    • The repeated ‘s’ sound creates a hissing effect, adding to the eerie atmosphere.

4. Improves Memorability

Passages that use consonance are often more memorable and engaging. The repetition of sounds makes the text more catchy and easier to recall.

  • Example: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.”
    • The repeated ‘p’ sound makes the tongue-twister fun and memorable.

5. Enhances Imagery and Descriptive Power

Consonance can enhance the imagery and descriptive power of a text. The repeated sounds can create vivid images in the reader’s mind, making the description more powerful and effective.

  • Example: “The rustling leaves whispered secrets.”
    • The repeated ‘s’ sound mimics the sound of rustling leaves, enhancing the imagery.

6. Creates a Unifying Effect

Consonance can create a unifying effect by linking words and phrases together through repeated sounds. This can make the text feel more cohesive and connected.

  • Example: “The lumpy, bumpy road wound around the hill.”
    • The repeated ‘mp’ sound connects the descriptions of the road.

Examples of Consonance:

Examples of Consonance

Consonance Examples in Poetry

Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated in close proximity. Here are ten notable examples of consonance in poetry:

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

“And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘s’ sound creates a whispering effect, enhancing the eerie and melancholic mood of the poem.

2. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

“Whose woods these are I think I know.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound adds a soothing, sibilant quality that mirrors the quiet, reflective atmosphere of the scene.

3. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘g’ sound emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the speaker’s plea, reinforcing the poem’s passionate tone.

4. “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.”

  • Explanation: The ‘d’ sound creates a rhythmic beat that enhances the grandeur and majesty of the description.

5. “The Tyger” by William Blake

“Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound creates a rolling, rhythmic quality that adds to the mystical and powerful imagery of the tiger.

6. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

“But we loved with a love that was more than loveā€””

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘l’ sound creates a lilting, musical quality that underscores the deep, emotional connection between the speaker and Annabel Lee.

7. “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman

“The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘r’ sound adds a rhythmic, workmanlike quality that reflects the poem’s celebration of everyday labor.

8. “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost

“And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘p’ sound adds a sharp, percussive effect that mirrors the physical labor of mending the wall.

9. “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being.”

  • Explanation: The ‘w’ sound repeated in “wild,” “West Wind,” and “thou” creates a whispering, wind-like effect that enhances the poem’s atmosphere.

10. “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe

“How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, in the icy air of night!”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘k’ sound in “tinkle” and “icy” creates a tinkling, musical quality that mirrors the sound of bells.

Consonance Examples in Literature

Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated in close proximity. It is widely used in literature to enhance rhythm, mood, and emphasis. Here are ten notable examples of consonance in literature:

1. “The Raven” by Edgar Allan Poe

“And the silken, sad, uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘s’ sound creates a whispering effect, enhancing the eerie and melancholic mood of the poem.

2. “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

“Whose woods these are I think I know.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound adds a soothing, sibilant quality that mirrors the quiet, reflective atmosphere of the scene.

3. “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night” by Dylan Thomas

“Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘g’ sound emphasizes the intensity and urgency of the speaker’s plea, reinforcing the poem’s passionate tone.

4. “Kubla Khan” by Samuel Taylor Coleridge

“In Xanadu did Kubla Khan a stately pleasure-dome decree.”

  • Explanation: The ‘d’ sound creates a rhythmic beat that enhances the grandeur and majesty of the description.

5. “The Tyger” by William Blake

“Tyger Tyger, burning bright, In the forests of the night.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound creates a rolling, rhythmic quality that adds to the mystical and powerful imagery of the tiger.

6. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

“But we loved with a love that was more than loveā€””

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘l’ sound creates a lilting, musical quality that underscores the deep, emotional connection between the speaker and Annabel Lee.

7. “I Hear America Singing” by Walt Whitman

“The carpenter singing his as he measures his plank or beam.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘r’ sound adds a rhythmic, workmanlike quality that reflects the poem’s celebration of everyday labor.

8. “Mending Wall” by Robert Frost

“And makes gaps even two can pass abreast.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘p’ sound adds a sharp, percussive effect that mirrors the physical labor of mending the wall.

9. “Ode to the West Wind” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“O wild West Wind, thou breath of Autumn’s being.”

  • Explanation: The ‘w’ sound repeated in “wild,” “West Wind,” and “thou” creates a whispering, wind-like effect that enhances the poem’s atmosphere.

10. “The Bells” by Edgar Allan Poe

“How they tinkle, tinkle, tinkle, in the icy air of night!”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘k’ sound in “tinkle” and “icy” creates a tinkling, musical quality that mirrors the sound of bells.

Consonance Examples about Love

Consonance is a literary device that enhances the musicality and rhythm of phrases through the repetition of consonant sounds. Here are examples of consonance focusing on the theme of love:

1. “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe

“But we loved with a love that was more than loveā€””

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘l’ sound in “loved,” “love,” and “more than love” creates a lilting, musical quality that underscores the deep, emotional connection between the speaker and Annabel Lee.

2. “Sonnet 43” by Elizabeth Barrett Browning

“I love thee to the depth and breadth and height.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘th’ sound in “thee,” “depth,” “breadth,” and “height” emphasizes the vastness and intensity of the speaker’s love.

3. “To My Dear and Loving Husband” by Anne Bradstreet

“If ever two were one, then surely we.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “were,” “one,” and “we” creates a harmonious effect, highlighting the unity and togetherness of the couple.

4. “Sonnet 18” by William Shakespeare

“So long as men can breathe or eyes can see.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “so,” “as,” “men,” “can,” and “see” adds a sibilant, flowing quality, enhancing the enduring nature of the love described.

5. “Bright Star” by John Keats

“Bright star, would I were steadfast as thou art.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘t’ sound in “bright,” “star,” “steadfast,” and “art” emphasizes the speaker’s desire for constancy and unwavering love.

6. “The Good-Morrow” by John Donne

“For love, all love of other sights controls.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘l’ sound in “love,” “all,” and “controls” underscores the dominance and all-encompassing nature of true love.

7. “Loveā€™s Philosophy” by Percy Bysshe Shelley

“The fountains mingle with the river.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘n’ sound in “fountains” and “mingle” creates a smooth, harmonious effect, mirroring the natural flow and blending of love.

8. “A Red, Red Rose” by Robert Burns

“O my Luve’s like a red, red rose.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound in “red,” “rose,” and “Luve’s” creates a rhythmic, rolling quality, enhancing the passionate and romantic tone of the poem.

9. “She Walks in Beauty” by Lord Byron

“And all thatā€™s best of dark and bright.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘t’ sound in “thatā€™s,” “best,” “dark,” and “bright” adds a rhythmic quality, highlighting the contrasting yet harmonious aspects of the woman’s beauty and the speaker’s love.

10. “Sonnet 29” by William Shakespeare

“For thy sweet love remembered such wealth brings.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound in “thy,” “sweet,” “remembered,” and “brings” creates a resonant, harmonious effect, emphasizing the richness and joy brought by the memory of love.

Consonance Examples in Songs

Consonance is a literary device where consonant sounds are repeated in close proximity, often used in song lyrics to enhance rhythm, melody, and emotional impact. Here are ten examples of consonance in songs:

1. “Hey Jude” by The Beatles

“Remember to let her into your heart.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘r’ sound in “Remember,” “her,” and “heart” creates a resonant, soothing effect that complements the song’s comforting message.

2. “Blowin’ in the Wind” by Bob Dylan

“The answer, my friend, is blowin’ in the wind.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘n’ sound in “answer,” “friend,” “blowin’,” and “wind” creates a gentle, flowing rhythm that mirrors the natural imagery of the wind.

3. “Let It Be” by The Beatles

“Whisper words of wisdom, let it be.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “Whisper,” “words,” and “wisdom” creates a soft, lyrical quality that enhances the song’s reflective and serene tone.

4. “Imagine” by John Lennon

“Imagine there’s no heaven, it’s easy if you try.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘n’ sound in “Imagine,” “heaven,” and “no” adds a gentle, dreamy quality that fits the song’s visionary and hopeful message.

5. “Thriller” by Michael Jackson

“There’s a killer on the screen, so don’t you dare scream.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘r’ sound in “Thriller,” “killer,” and “dare” adds a sharp, rhythmic tension that enhances the song’s suspenseful and spooky atmosphere.

6. “Sweet Child O’ Mine” by Guns N’ Roses

“Where do we go, where do we go now?”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘w’ sound in “Where,” “we,” and “go” creates a rhythmic, repetitive structure that adds to the song’s emotional intensity and sense of longing.

7. “Hotel California” by Eagles

“On a dark desert highway, cool wind in my hair.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘d’ sound in “dark,” “desert,” and “wind” adds a rhythmic, melodic quality that enhances the song’s eerie and atmospheric storytelling.

8. “Firework” by Katy Perry

“Cause baby, you’re a firework, come on, show ’em what you’re worth.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘r’ sound in “firework,” “show,” “em,” and “worth” creates a powerful, resonant effect that underscores the song’s empowering and uplifting message.

9. “Rolling in the Deep” by Adele

“There’s a fire starting in my heart.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘r’ sound in “fire,” “starting,” and “heart” adds a strong, emphatic rhythm that enhances the song’s passionate and intense emotion.

10. “Man in the Mirror” by Michael Jackson

“If you wanna make the world a better place.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘t’ sound in “better” and “place” creates a sharp, rhythmic effect that underscores the song’s motivational and inspirational message.

Consonance Examples for Students

Consonance is a literary device that involves the repetition of consonant sounds in close proximity. It adds musicality and rhythm to writing and speech. Here are some simple and relatable examples of consonance for students:

1. Classroom Example

“The blackboard is back in the back of the class.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘b’ and ‘ck’ sounds in “blackboard,” “back,” and “class” creates a rhythmic effect.

2. Nature Example

“The lumpy, bumpy road leads to the forest.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘mp’ sound in “lumpy” and “bumpy” emphasizes the unevenness of the road.

3. Sports Example

“He hit the hat trick with a flick of his stick.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘t’ and ‘ck’ sounds in “hit,” “hat trick,” “flick,” and “stick” adds a rhythmic quality to the sentence.

4. Food Example

“Crunchy carrots and crispy crackers.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘cr’ sound in “crunchy,” “carrots,” and “crispy crackers” enhances the description of the food.

5. Daily Life Example

“Sara’s socks slipped off her silky slippers.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘s’ sound in “Sara’s,” “socks,” “slipped,” and “slippers” creates a soft, sibilant effect.

6. Animal Example

“The cat sat on the mat.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘t’ sound in “cat,” “sat,” and “mat” creates a simple, rhythmic sentence.

7. Weather Example

“The wind whispered through the willows.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘w’ sound in “wind,” “whispered,” and “willows” creates a whispering effect that mirrors the sound of the wind.

8. Travel Example

“We wandered and wondered in the wide, wild world.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘w’ sound in “wandered,” “wondered,” “wide,” and “wild” adds a rhythmic and adventurous feel to the sentence.

9. Holiday Example

“The jingle bells jingled joyfully.”

  • Explanation: The repeated ‘j’ sound in “jingle,” “jingled,” and “joyfully” adds a festive and musical quality.

10. Friendship Example

“Friends forever, through thick and thin.”

  • Explanation: The repetition of the ‘f’ and ‘th’ sounds in “friends,” “forever,” “thick,” and “thin” creates a harmonious and cohesive sentence.

Consonance Examples in Movies

Consonance, the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in a sentence or phrase, adds rhythm, cohesion, and emphasis to dialogue and monologues in movies. Below are some notable examples of consonance in films:

The Lion King (1994)

Scene: Mufasa’s Speech

  • Quote: “Everything the light touches is our kingdom.”
  • Consonance: The repetition of the “t” sound in “light,” “touches,” and “kingdom” emphasizes the vastness and the majestic nature of the kingdom Mufasa is referring to.

The Dark Knight (2008)

Scene: Joker’s Monologue

  • Quote: “Why so serious?”
  • Consonance: The “s” sound is repeated in “Why,” “so,” and “serious,” giving the phrase a sinister, hissing quality that matches the Joker’s menacing character.

Forrest Gump (1994)

Scene: Forrest’s Reflection

  • Quote: “Stupid is as stupid does.”
  • Consonance: The repetition of the “s” sound in “stupid” and “is” creates a rhythmic quality that emphasizes Forrest’s simple but profound observation about people’s actions defining them.

The Godfather (1972)

Scene: Don Vito Corleone’s Advice

  • Quote: “I’m gonna make him an offer he can’t refuse.”
  • Consonance: The “f” sound in “offer” and “refuse” provides a sense of finality and determination in Don Vito’s voice, underscoring the seriousness of his offer.

Finding Nemo (2003)

Scene: Doryā€™s Advice

  • Quote: “Just keep swimming.”
  • Consonance: The “s” sound in “just,” “keep,” and “swimming” creates a soothing, repetitive rhythm that mirrors the act of continuous swimming and Dory’s optimistic attitude.

Inception (2010)

Scene: Cobb’s Explanation

  • Quote: “Dreams feel real while we’re in them.”
  • Consonance: The repetition of the “r” sound in “dreams,” “real,” and “we’re” enhances the dreamlike, flowing quality of the statement, reflecting the surreal nature of the movie’s subject.

Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone (2001)

Scene: Ollivander’s Wand Shop

  • Quote: “The wand chooses the wizard, Mr. Potter.”
  • Consonance: The “w” sound in “wand,” “chooses,” “wizard,” and “Potter” creates a whimsical and mystical tone, fitting the magical context of the scene.

Jaws (1975)

Scene: Quint’s Monologue

  • Quote: “Hereā€™s to swimmin’ with bow-legged women.”
  • Consonance: The repetition of the “m” sound in “swimmin'” and “women” contributes to the rugged, sailor-like cadence of Quint’s speech, enhancing his character’s authenticity.

Star Wars: Episode IV ā€“ A New Hope (1977)

Scene: Obi-Wan Kenobi’s Wisdom

  • Quote: “The Force will be with you. Always.”
  • Consonance: The “w” sound in “Force,” “will,” and “with” gives the phrase a steady, reassuring rhythm, emphasizing the enduring support of the Force.

Toy Story (1995)

Scene: Buzz Lightyear’s Catchphrase

  • Quote: “To infinity and beyond!”
  • Consonance: The “n” sound in “infinity” and “beyond” creates a sense of boundless adventure and excitement, perfectly capturing Buzz’s character.

Consonance Examples for Kids

Consonance is when the same consonant sound is repeated in a sentence or phrase. It’s often used in poetry, songs, and stories to make the words sound musical and fun. Here are some simple examples of consonance for kids:

Nursery Rhymes

Twinkle, Twinkle, Little Star

  • Line: “Twinkle, twinkle, little star”
  • Consonance: The “t” sound in “twinkle” and “little” makes the line sound rhythmic and catchy.

Baa Baa Black Sheep

  • Line: “Have you any wool?”
  • Consonance: The “y” sound in “you” and “any” gives the line a smooth and flowing sound.

Children’s Songs

Old MacDonald Had a Farm

  • Line: “With a moo moo here and a moo moo there”
  • Consonance: The “m” sound in “moo” and “moo” adds a fun, repetitive rhythm to the song.

Row, Row, Row Your Boat

  • Line: “Row, row, row your boat”
  • Consonance: The “r” sound in “row” and “row” creates a rolling, rhythmic feel like the motion of rowing a boat.

Dr. Seuss Books

Green Eggs and Ham

  • Line: “I do not like green eggs and ham”
  • Consonance: The “g” sound in “green” and “eggs” and the “h” sound in “ham” make the sentence more enjoyable to read and listen to.

One Fish, Two Fish, Red Fish, Blue Fish

  • Line: “From there to here, from here to there”
  • Consonance: The “r” sound in “there” and “here” ties the line together, making it sound smooth and connected.

Popular Children’s Books

The Cat in the Hat

  • Line: “We sat and we sat and we sat”
  • Consonance: The “s” sound in “sat” and “sat” creates a rhythmic pattern that makes the line fun to read.

Goodnight Moon

  • Line: “In the great green room”
  • Consonance: The “r” sound in “great,” “green,” and “room” gives the line a calming and rhythmic quality, perfect for a bedtime story.

Everyday Phrases

  • Phrase: “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”
  • Consonance: The “p” sound in “Peter,” “Piper,” “picked,” “peck,” “pickled,” and “peppers” makes the phrase fun and challenging to say.
  • Phrase: “She sells seashells by the seashore”
  • Consonance: The “s” sound in “she,” “sells,” “seashells,” and “seashore” creates a tongue-twister effect, making it enjoyable for kids to practice.

Children’s Poems

Mary Had a Little Lamb

  • Line: “Its fleece was white as snow”
  • Consonance: The “s” sound in “fleece,” “was,” and “snow” adds a soft, soothing quality to the line.

Jack and Jill

  • Line: “Jack fell down and broke his crown”
  • Consonance: The “k” sound in “Jack,” “broke,” and “crown” gives the line a crisp and rhythmic feel.

Short Sentences

  • Sentence: “The big bug begged for a hug.”
  • Consonance: The “b” sound in “big,” “bug,” “begged,” and “hug” makes the sentence fun and bouncy.
  • Sentence: “Fuzzy wuzzy was a bear.”
  • Consonance: The “z” sound in “fuzzy” and “wuzzy” and the “w” sound in “wuzzy” and “was” create a playful and memorable phrase.

How to Use Consonance in a Sentence?

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in a sentence or phrase. It can make your writing more rhythmic, memorable, and engaging. Here are some tips on how to use consonance effectively, along with examples:

  1. Choose a Consonant Sound: Select a consonant sound you want to repeat. Common choices include “s,” “m,” “l,” and “t.”
  2. Placement of Consonance: Place the repeated consonant sound within or at the end of words. This can be in the middle or at the end of words, not necessarily at the beginning.
  3. Use in Poetry and Prose: Incorporate consonance in poetry to create rhythm and musicality. In prose, use it to emphasize important points or to add a lyrical quality to your writing.
  4. Balance and Subtlety: Use consonance subtly to avoid overloading the sentence. Balance it with other literary devices like alliteration and assonance for a harmonious effect.

Consonance vs. Assonance

AspectConsonanceAssonance
DefinitionRepetition of consonant soundsRepetition of vowel sounds
Sound FocusConsonant sounds (e.g., “t,” “k,” “s”)Vowel sounds (e.g., “a,” “e,” “i”)
PlacementWithin or at the end of wordsTypically within words
EffectAdds rhythm, emphasis, and musicalityAdds harmony, mood, and flow
Examples in Poetry“The lumpy, bumpy road”“The rain in Spain stays mainly in the plain”
Examples in Prose“Mike likes his new bike”“Hear the mellow wedding bells”
Common UsesEnhancing descriptive writing, poetryCreating internal rhymes, enhancing mood
Sound TypesHard or soft consonant soundsLong or short vowel sounds
PurposeEmphasize particular words or themesCreate a specific mood or tone
FrequencyUsed less frequently than alliterationOften used to create euphony in poetry

Consonance vs. Alliteration

AspectConsonanceAlliteration
DefinitionRepetition of consonant soundsRepetition of initial consonant sounds
Sound FocusConsonant sounds within or at the end of wordsConsonant sounds at the beginning of words
PlacementAnywhere in the word (middle, end)Beginning of adjacent or closely connected words
EffectAdds rhythm, emphasis, and musicalityCreates a strong, catchy, and rhythmic effect
Examples in Poetry“The lumpy, bumpy road”“She sells seashells by the seashore”
Examples in Prose“Mike likes his new bike”“Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”
Common UsesEnhancing descriptive writing, poetryMaking phrases memorable and engaging
Sound TypesAny consonant soundAny initial consonant sound
PurposeEmphasize particular words or themesDraw attention and create a rhythmic flow
FrequencyUsed less frequently than alliterationCommonly used in tongue twisters, brand names, and poetry

How to Use Consonance

Did you know you can use consonance in just about anywhere? From literary pieces, poetry, tongue twisters, and even short sentences. How and when you can use consonance can be a bit tricky, but with practice and following the guidelines below, you will surely be able to do it.

Step 1:Ā Consonance Can Be Found in Tongue Twisters

It is common knowledge that you will see a variety of consonance in tongue twisters. Tongue twisters are a good set of examples. The most common tongue twister Peter Piper uses mostly P’s. In She sells, is also another example as the sounds of the consonant letters are present.

Step 2:Ā Consonance in Poetry

Apart from tongue twisters, you can also see and use consonance in poetry. Poetry is rich with consonance, alliteration, assonance, and any other form of figurative language. Consonance in poetry helps make poems look better. Consonance also helps poems follow the format of rhyming words.

Step 3:Ā Consonance in Sentences

Using consonance in sentences can be easy. As the only thing you are going to do is to follow the format of how consonances are made. It is usually in the beginning of the word or phrase that the consonance is present. They can also be found at the end.

Step 4:Ā Consonance in Music

Consonance in music. The lyrics to some songs also show consonance. Of course it will depend on how the lyrics are going to be composed but overall even music can be a clear example for consonance. Famous songs like Bob Marley’s Misty Morning’s lyrics contain consonances.

Step 5:Ā Consonance in Essays and Speeches

Using consonance in speeches and essays is common when you want your speech or your essay to stand out. It also helps in a way that it can make your essays look good or better. This may depend if you have a topic that would need the use of consonance.


What is consonance?

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words in a sentence or phrase, adding rhythm and musicality to writing.

How does consonance differ from alliteration?

Consonance involves repetition of consonant sounds within or at the end of words, while alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds at the beginning of closely connected words.

Why is consonance used in literature?

Consonance is used to create rhythm, enhance mood, and make phrases more memorable and engaging, adding a musical quality to the text.

Can consonance occur in prose as well as poetry?

Yes, consonance can occur in both prose and poetry. It adds a lyrical quality and emphasis to key words or phrases in any type of writing.

How can I identify consonance in a sentence?

Identify consonance by looking for repeated consonant sounds within or at the end of words in a sentence, such as the “t” sound in “cat,” “hat,” and “bat.”

What are some examples of consonance in literature?

Examples include “The lumpy, bumpy road” and “Mike likes his new bike,” where repeated consonant sounds create a rhythmic effect.

Is consonance similar to assonance?

Consonance involves repetition of consonant sounds, while assonance involves repetition of vowel sounds. Both add rhythm and musicality to writing.

Can consonance be overused?

Yes, overusing consonance can make writing sound forced or unnatural. It should be used sparingly to maintain balance and subtlety.

How does consonance affect the mood of a text?

Consonance can enhance the mood by creating a harmonious or rhythmic effect, contributing to the overall tone and feel of the text.

What are some tips for using consonance effectively?

Use consonance to emphasize important words, create rhythm, and enhance musicality. Balance it with other literary devices for a natural flow.

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