Using Alliteration In Your Writing
One of the best instruments you can use to add color to your writing is alliteration. If you’re not familiar with the concept, an alliteration is a front rhyme, where two adjacent words use the same-sounding starting letter to create a musical effect. Employed heavily in creative writing, alliterations can also be used in regular text to help turn drab pieces into ones that are, at least, a little bit more fun.
Not sure what they are yet? Perhaps an example will clear it up. See which one of the following terms jumps out at you more: “time travel” or “time journey”. The linking of words that is created by alliterations (as with “time travel”) help create extra meaning too, apart from being more vibrant and alive.
Consonant sounds can only alliterate with themselves, as in a “barking berzerker” or “Pnumatic knees”. Notice that the “n” sound is the source of the front rhyme in the second example. Vowel sounds, on the other hand, can alliterate with each other, as in “incredibly awesome” or “unbelievable indignation.”
Using alliteration works marvelously. In fact, if you found a particular piece entertaining, despite tackling a rather serious topic, check it for instances of alliteration. Chances are, it uses enough of it at just the right instances.
As you can probably tell, too much alliteration can be irritating. Just like decorative touches, they should be used sparingly, lest risk bordering on tacky.
Try it the next time you’re composing a serious email or authoring a report (apart from running a good English grammar checker, of course). You might be surprised with the reactions you’ll get.