What is the difference between assonance sibilance and alliteration?

All three are types of aural imagery which is probably the most prominent type of imagery as it is easily identified by reading out the text. It is spread into many sections. 

1) Alliteration: the repetition of the same consonant sound either at the beginning or into he middle of words. eg. perfect pike in all parts/ fragments of regret. 

2) Assonance: the repetition of a vowel sound either at the beginning or in the middle of words. eg. mighty cries in the night.

3)Sibilance: repetition of the 's' sound throughout a phrase or a sentence. eg. she slowly staggered across the street. 

 All three types of aural imagery may help to create a slower or faster rhythm or may aid to convey a certain feeling such as excitement (usually done with letters such as 'r') or sadness (usually done with 's' sounds). 
Remember: ALL ALLITERATION IS THERE FOR A REASON! 

KT
Answered by Katerina T. English Literature tutor

52161 Views

See similar English Literature A Level tutors

Related English Literature A Level answers

All answers ▸

How might I go about structuring a paragraph in a language analysis essay?


What do you think the green light in the Great Gatsby symbolises?


What are some of the key motifs explored in Shakespeare's Macbeth?


What is the importance of setting in Kazuo Ishiguro's Never Let Me Go?


We're here to help

contact us iconContact ustelephone icon+44 (0) 203 773 6020
Facebook logoInstagram logoLinkedIn logo

MyTutor is part of the IXL family of brands:

© 2026 by IXL Learning