Alliteration

The repetition of consonants, particularly when they are the first letter of the words.  For example: the rifles’ rapid rattle.  Alliteration can be used to stress and emphasise certain words or phrases – think about what sound is being created – does it support the tone of the piece? They can also make the text more eye-catching and memorable.

Assonance

A poetic device when the vowel is repeated in the middle of a word: ‘I lie down by the side of my bride’. It can be used to slow the reader down and to emphasise certain words. This device can also make words sound sonorous and musical, and is often used to create a grave or pensive tone.

Consonance

Is the repetition of a consonant in the middle or final position: Beanz Meanz Heinz. This device can draw attention to a product name in advertising or enhance the meaning of literary language by creating a hard sound.

Elision

Running a word into others, e.g. ‘fish ‘n’ chips’. Used to suggest spontaneous speech and informal language.

Onomatopoeia

Where words imitate actual sounds.  For example, twang, crack, hiss, splash, plop, rustle.  Used to appeal to the senses of the reader, in this case their hearing (auditory) – the aural aspects of the discourse, thereby creating another dimension to the meaning.

Sibilance

Alliteration using ‘s’ or ‘z’ sound, e.g. ‘the silent stranger slipped away’. A phonological device used to create a specific tone, i.e. sinister or soothing tone.