Assonance vs Consonance: Meaning And Differences

Assonance vs consonance – two terms that are often confused with each other. But what do they really mean? Let’s find out.

Assonance and consonance are both terms used in literature, particularly in poetry. While they may sound similar, they have distinct meanings. Assonance refers to the repetition of vowel sounds in words that are close to each other. Consonance, on the other hand, refers to the repetition of consonant sounds in words that are close to each other.

So which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both. They are both valid literary devices that can be used to enhance the sound and musicality of language. Assonance can create a sense of harmony and unity in a piece of writing, while consonance can create a sense of tension and dissonance.

Throughout this article, we will explore the differences between assonance and consonance, how they are used in literature, and some examples of each. By the end, you will have a better understanding of these two terms and how they can be used to create beautiful and impactful writing.

Define Assonance

Assonance is a literary device used in poetry and prose where the repetition of vowel sounds occurs within words or phrases. This repetition can occur in stressed or unstressed syllables. The purpose of assonance is to create a musical or rhythmic effect in the writing, as well as to draw attention to certain words or ideas.

For example, consider the line from Edgar Allan Poe’s “The Raven”: “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain.” The repetition of the “ur” sound in “uncertain” and “curtain” creates an assonant effect that adds to the musicality of the line.

Define Consonance

Consonance is a literary device used in poetry and prose where the repetition of consonant sounds occurs within words or phrases. Unlike alliteration, which only repeats initial consonant sounds, consonance can repeat consonant sounds in any part of the word, including the beginning, middle, or end.

For example, consider the line from William Shakespeare’s “Sonnet 18”: “Rough winds do shake the darling buds of May.” The repetition of the “sh” sound in “shake” and “buds” creates a consonant effect that adds to the musicality of the line.

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

Assonance and consonance are two literary devices that are commonly used in poetry and prose to create a musical effect. Proper usage of these devices can add depth and meaning to your writing. In this section, we will explore how to use assonance and consonance in a sentence.

How To Use Assonance In A Sentence

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words. This technique is often used to create a musical effect in poetry and prose. Here are some tips on how to use assonance in a sentence:

• Choose words that have the same vowel sound but different consonants. For example, “fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese” uses the long “e” sound in the words “fleet,” “feet,” and “sweep.”
• Use assonance to create a mood or tone in your writing. For example, the repetition of the long “o” sound in “slow and low” creates a sense of calm and relaxation.
• Don’t overuse assonance. Too much repetition can make your writing sound forced and unnatural.

How To Use Consonance In A Sentence

Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words. This technique is often used to create a rhythmic effect in poetry and prose. Here are some tips on how to use consonance in a sentence:

• Choose words that have the same consonant sound but different vowels. For example, “pitter-patter” and “splish-splash” use the repetition of the “t” and “s” sounds, respectively.
• Use consonance to create a sense of harmony or dissonance in your writing. For example, the repetition of the “s” sound in “sweet smell of success” creates a sense of satisfaction and contentment.
• Don’t overuse consonance. Too much repetition can make your writing sound monotonous and boring.

More Examples Of Assonance & Consonance Used In Sentences

In addition to the examples provided earlier, here are some more examples of assonance and consonance used in sentences:

Examples Of Using Assonance In A Sentence

• “A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew 5:14
• “I must confess that in my quest I felt depressed and restless.” – Eminem
• “I do not like green eggs and ham.” – Dr. Seuss
• “Men sell the wedding bells.” – Edgar Allan Poe
• “The engineer held the steering to steer the vehicle.” – Anonymous
• “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain.” – My Fair Lady
• “The light of the fire is a sight.” – Anonymous
• “The cat sat on the mat.” – Anonymous
• “The time is right to fight with all your might.” – Anonymous
• “The early bird catches the worm.” – Anonymous

Examples Of Using Consonance In A Sentence

• “The lumpy, bumpy road wound around the mountain.” – Anonymous
• “Mike likes his new bike.” – Anonymous
• “She sells seashells by the seashore.” – Anonymous
• “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.” – Anonymous
• “The ship has sailed to the farthest shores.” – Anonymous
• “Sally sells sea shells.” – Anonymous
• “The fair breeze blew, the white foam flew, the furrow followed free.” – Samuel Taylor Coleridge
• “I will crawl away the ball.” – Anonymous
• “The squeaky wheel gets the grease.” – Anonymous
• “The drummer drummed a drum solo.” – Anonymous

Common Mistakes To Avoid

When it comes to using literary devices such as assonance and consonance, there are some common mistakes that people tend to make. These mistakes can lead to confusion and can even change the meaning of the text. Here are some of the most common mistakes to avoid:

Using Assonance And Consonance Interchangeably

One of the most common mistakes people make is using assonance and consonance interchangeably. While both devices involve the repetition of sounds, they are not the same thing. Assonance refers specifically to the repetition of vowel sounds, while consonance refers to the repetition of consonant sounds.

For example, consider the following two phrases:

• “The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain” (assonance)
• “Mike likes his bike” (consonance)

In the first phrase, the repetition of the “ai” sound is an example of assonance. In the second phrase, the repetition of the “k” sound is an example of consonance. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and can change the meaning of the text.

Ignoring The Context

Another common mistake is ignoring the context in which the literary device is being used. While assonance and consonance can add depth and meaning to a text, they should not be used at the expense of clarity and coherence.

For example, consider the following sentence:

“The cat sat on the mat.”

While it is possible to add assonance or consonance to this sentence, doing so might not make sense in the context of the overall text. Adding unnecessary literary devices can make the text feel forced and contrived.

Overusing Assonance And Consonance

Finally, another common mistake is overusing assonance and consonance. While these devices can be effective in adding depth and meaning to a text, using them too frequently can be distracting and can take away from the overall impact of the writing.

When using assonance and consonance, it is important to strike a balance between using them effectively and using them too much. One way to do this is to read the text aloud and listen for how the sounds are working together. If the repetition of sounds feels forced or unnatural, it might be time to scale back.

Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes

Here are some tips for avoiding these common mistakes when using assonance and consonance:

• Make sure you understand the difference between assonance and consonance, and use the terms appropriately
• Consider the context in which you are using the literary devices, and make sure they make sense within that context
• Be mindful of how frequently you are using assonance and consonance, and make sure you are not overusing them
• Read your writing aloud and listen for how the sounds are working together

By following these tips, you can use assonance and consonance effectively to add depth and meaning to your writing.

Context Matters

Assonance and consonance are two literary devices that are often used in poetry and prose to create a specific effect. While they may seem similar, they have distinct differences that make them appropriate for different contexts.

Assonance

Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, such as “fleet feet sweep by sleeping geese.” This creates a musical quality to the writing, drawing attention to the sound of the words rather than their meaning. Assonance is often used in poetry to create a specific mood or tone, such as a sense of calm or melancholy.

Consonance

Consonance, on the other hand, is the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words, such as “pitter-patter” or “all’s well that ends well.” This creates a sense of harmony and rhythm in the writing, drawing attention to the sound of the words rather than their meaning. Consonance is often used in poetry to create a sense of tension or excitement.

However, the choice between assonance and consonance can depend on the context in which they are used. For example:

Context 1: Children’s Literature

In children’s literature, assonance is often used to create a sense of playfulness and whimsy. For example, Dr. Seuss uses assonance extensively in his books, such as “Hop on Pop” and “Green Eggs and Ham,” to create a sense of fun and silliness.

Context 2: Horror Fiction

In horror fiction, consonance is often used to create a sense of unease and tension. For example, Edgar Allan Poe uses consonance extensively in his poem “The Raven,” such as “And the silken sad uncertain rustling of each purple curtain,” to create a sense of foreboding and dread.

Context 3: Advertising

In advertising, both assonance and consonance can be used to create a memorable slogan or jingle. For example, the slogan for Kit Kat candy bars, “Have a break, have a Kit Kat,” uses both assonance and consonance to create a catchy and memorable phrase.

In conclusion, the choice between assonance and consonance depends on the context in which they are used. Both devices can be used to create a specific effect in writing, whether it be a sense of playfulness or tension. By understanding the differences between assonance and consonance, writers can choose the appropriate device to enhance their writing and create a specific mood or tone.

Exceptions To The Rules

While assonance and consonance are useful tools in writing, there are some exceptions to the rules that should be noted. Here are some cases where the rules for using assonance and consonance might not apply:

1. Emphasis On Meaning

Sometimes, the emphasis on the meaning of the words can be more important than the sound. In such cases, writers may choose to use words that do not follow the rules of assonance or consonance. For example, in a serious piece on a sensitive topic, the writer may choose to use words that convey the gravity of the situation, rather than focus on the sound of the words.

2. Poetic License

In poetry, writers often take poetic license and deviate from the rules of assonance and consonance to create unique and interesting effects. Poets may use words that do not follow the rules of assonance or consonance to create a specific mood or feeling. For example, in T.S. Eliot’s poem “The Love Song of J. Alfred Prufrock,” the poet uses a variety of sounds, including assonance and consonance, to create a sense of fragmentation and disconnection.

3. Regional Dialects And Accents

In some cases, the use of assonance and consonance may be less important when writing in a regional dialect or accent. For example, a writer may choose to use words that reflect the sounds of a particular dialect or accent, rather than focus on the rules of assonance or consonance. This can help to create a sense of authenticity and realism in the writing.

4. Intentional Disruption

Sometimes, writers may intentionally disrupt the rules of assonance and consonance to create a jarring effect. For example, a writer may use a word with a jarring sound in the middle of a sentence to draw attention to a particular point. This can be an effective way to create emphasis and make a point.

5. Personal Style

Ultimately, the use of assonance and consonance is a matter of personal style. Some writers may choose to use these tools extensively, while others may use them sparingly or not at all. The important thing is to use them in a way that enhances the writing and helps to convey the intended message.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of assonance and consonance, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help improve your understanding and use of these literary devices:

Exercise 1: Identifying Assonance And Consonance

Read the following sentences and identify whether they contain assonance or consonance:

1. The rain in Spain stays mainly on the plain.
2. Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.
3. She sells seashells by the seashore.
4. How much wood would a woodchuck chuck, if a woodchuck could chuck wood?

Answers:

1. Assonance (the repetition of the long “a” sound in “rain,” “Spain,” and “mainly”)
2. Consonance (the repetition of the “p” sound in “Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers”)
3. Assonance (the repetition of the “s” sound in “She sells seashells by the seashore”)
4. Consonance (the repetition of the “w” sound in “wood,” “would,” and “woodchuck”)

Exercise 2: Writing With Assonance And Consonance

Now it’s time to practice using assonance and consonance in your own writing. Choose one of the following prompts and write a sentence that uses either assonance or consonance:

• Prompt 1: Write a sentence about a cat.
• Prompt 2: Write a sentence about a stormy night.
• Prompt 3: Write a sentence about a happy memory.

Answers:

• Prompt 1: The cat sat on the mat, batting at a ball of yarn.
• Prompt 2: The stormy night was filled with lightning strikes and thunder claps.
• Prompt 3: I remember the happy days of summer, when the sun shone bright and the birds sang sweetly.

By practicing with these exercises, you’ll be able to better understand and use assonance and consonance in your own writing. Keep practicing and experimenting with these literary devices to create more interesting and engaging writing.

Conclusion

Assonance and consonance are two powerful literary devices that can be used to enhance the beauty and meaning of any written work. While they may sound similar, they have distinct differences that make them unique in their own way.

Key Takeaways

• Assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds in nearby words, while consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds in nearby words.
• Assonance and consonance can be used to create musicality, rhythm, and emphasis in writing.
• Assonance is often used in poetry and song lyrics, while consonance is more commonly found in prose.
• Both assonance and consonance can be used to create memorable and impactful phrases that stick with readers.

Overall, it is important for writers to have a strong understanding of grammar and language use in order to effectively utilize literary devices such as assonance and consonance. By continuing to learn and practice these techniques, writers can elevate their writing and create works that are both beautiful and meaningful.