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Consonance Definition & Examples

What is consonance? Consonance is the repetition of consonant sounds anywhere in nearby words. Writers use consonance to make language sound musical and interesting.

Consonance is often found in poems, songs, and tongue twisters!

Consonance Examples

1.Pitter patter, pitter patter.
Consonant Sound: t/r
Meaning: The 't' and 'r' sounds are repeated.
Example: Pitter patter, pitter patter, the rain fell on the roof.
2.The lumpy, bumpy road.
Consonant Sound: mp
Meaning: The 'mp' sound is repeated.
Example: We drove down the lumpy, bumpy road.
3.All mammals named Sam are clammy.
Consonant Sound: m
Meaning: The 'm' sound is repeated.
Example: All mammals named Sam are clammy in the morning.
4.The string was strong.
Consonant Sound: ng
Meaning: The 'ng' sound is repeated.
Example: The string was strong enough to hold the kite.
5.Mike likes his new bike.
Consonant Sound: k
Meaning: The 'k' sound is repeated.
Example: Mike likes his new bike a lot.
6.I dropped the locket in the thick mud.
Consonant Sound: k/t
Meaning: The 'k' and 't' sounds are repeated.
Example: I dropped the locket in the thick mud yesterday.
7.He stood on the road and cried.
Consonant Sound: d
Meaning: The 'd' sound is repeated.
Example: He stood on the road and cried for help.
8.The black sack is in the back.
Consonant Sound: ck
Meaning: The 'ck' sound is repeated.
Example: The black sack is in the back of the truck.
9.I wish you would mash potatoes in this dish.
Consonant Sound: sh
Meaning: The 'sh' sound is repeated.
Example: I wish you would mash potatoes in this dish.
10.It will creep and beep while you sleep.
Consonant Sound: p
Meaning: The 'p' sound is repeated.
Example: It will creep and beep while you sleep at night.
11.The early bird gets the worm.
Consonant Sound: r
Meaning: The 'r' sound is repeated.
Example: The early bird gets the worm every morning.
12.She ate seven sandwiches on a sunny Sunday last year.
Consonant Sound: s/n
Meaning: The 's' and 'n' sounds are repeated.
Example: She ate seven sandwiches on a sunny Sunday last year.
13.He struck a streak of bad luck.
Consonant Sound: k
Meaning: The 'k' sound is repeated.
Example: He struck a streak of bad luck at the game.
14.Blank and think.
Consonant Sound: nk
Meaning: The 'nk' sound is repeated.
Example: Blank and think rhyme and have consonance.
15.Odds and ends.
Consonant Sound: d/s
Meaning: The 'd' and 's' sounds are repeated.
Example: We sorted the odds and ends in the drawer.

Tips for Spotting Consonance

  • Listen for the same consonant sound anywhere in nearby words (not just at the start).
  • Consonance is about sound, not just spelling.
  • Alliteration is the repetition of initial consonant sounds; assonance is the repetition of vowel sounds.
  • Consonance is common in poetry, songs, and tongue twisters.

Quiz: What Consonant Sound is Repeated?

Can you spot the repeated consonant sound in these phrases?

  1. Mike likes his new bike.
  2. The string was strong.
  3. The black sack is in the back.
  4. Blank and think.
Show Answers
  • Q1: k
  • Q2: ng
  • Q3: ck
  • Q4: nk

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