All you ought to know about alliteration

What is alliteration?

Alliteration is a literary device. It occurs when the first sound of a word is repeated in all or most of a group of words in succession. Listen for the repeated sounds in these examples:

• Wendy walked wistfully westward.
• Going, going, gone.
• Lucy’s love of the lake lasted a lifetime.

The idea behind alliteration is simple enough—repetition of the starting sound of words—but the impact can be profound.

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What’s the benefit of alliteration?

For starters, alliteration can be pleasing to the ear, delightful even. Beyond the possible joy of simple repetition, alliteration can also enhance your writing by making it one or more of the following:

• Catchy. A great benefit of alliteration is that it can help us create phrases or names that are easy to remember. Many brands, for example, use alliteration in their names and marketing campaigns because it’s catchy. Alliteration is one reason many brand names, slogans, etc., stick so well in our minds.
• Persuasive. As with many literary devices, alliteration can make a reader’s ears perk up. When you are trying to persuade, unexpected alliteration can make readers take notice and serve to send your strongest points home. You can use this technique to give your most compelling points that extra punch.
• Lyrical. Alliteration can render your writing more lyrical, tapping into the music of language. With thoughtful first-sound repetition, a dry moment can turn fanciful, and an emotive line can reach the expressive heights of poetry.

The power of word choice

One of the great benefits of writing is the ability to try out different wordings until we land on just the right fit. It you want to add lyricism, catchiness, punch, or power to a particular line, you might take the time to reach for that alliterative option. You might use it as a way to emphasize, add humor, or create resonance.

Whether you’re writing the speech to end all speeches or a standout business letter, well-timed alliteration can make a meaningful, memorable impact on your reader—and even provide a little fun!