Examples of Rhyme
Rhyme is the repetition of similar sounds at the end of words. It's a fundamental element of poetry and songwriting that creates rhythm and musicality.
Key Takeaway: Rhyme adds musical quality and helps with memorization in poetry and songs.
What is Rhyme?
Rhyme occurs when words have similar ending sounds. It's a literary device that creates a pleasing musical effect and helps establish rhythm in poetry and songs. Rhyme can make text more memorable and enjoyable to read or hear.
Types of Rhyme:
- Perfect Rhyme (exact sound match)
- Slant Rhyme (similar but not exact sounds)
- Internal Rhyme (rhyme within a line)
- End Rhyme (rhyme at line endings)
- Eye Rhyme (looks the same but sounds different)
Perfect Rhyme Examples
Characteristics:
- Words have identical ending sounds
- Most common type of rhyme
- Creates strong musical effect
- Easy to identify and remember
Examples:
Cat and hat
Light and bright
Moon and spoon
Star and far
Tree and free
Slant Rhyme Examples
Characteristics:
- Words have similar but not identical sounds
- More subtle than perfect rhyme
- Creates interesting sound patterns
- Common in modern poetry
Examples:
Love and move
Heart and part
Eyes and lies
Home and come
Wind and mind
Internal Rhyme Examples
Characteristics:
- Rhyme occurs within a single line
- Creates internal rhythm
- Adds musical quality to poetry
- Can be combined with end rhyme
Examples:
"Once upon a midnight dreary"
"The rain in Spain falls mainly on the plain"
"I hear the clear call of the wild"
"The light of the night was bright"
"In the deep of sleep, I dream"
Common Rhyme Patterns
AABB Pattern:
Lines 1 and 2 rhyme, lines 3 and 4 rhyme:
Roses are red, (A)
Violets are blue, (A)
Sugar is sweet, (B)
And so are you. (B)
ABAB Pattern:
Alternating rhyme pattern:
The sun is bright, (A)
The day is long, (B)
Birds take their flight, (A)
Singing their song. (B)
ABC Pattern:
No rhyme pattern (free verse):
The wind blows through the trees, (A)
Whispering secrets to the leaves, (B)
While children play in the breeze. (C)
Worksheet: Identify the Rhyme
Read each pair of words and identify if they rhyme:
1. Cat and hat
Show Answer
Perfect Rhyme - identical ending sounds
2. Love and move
Show Answer
Slant Rhyme - similar but not identical sounds
3. Book and look
Show Answer
Perfect Rhyme - identical ending sounds
4. Home and come
Show Answer
Slant Rhyme - similar but not identical sounds
5. Tree and free
Show Answer
Perfect Rhyme - identical ending sounds
Tips for Using Rhyme
Don't force it
Rhyme should enhance your message, not distract from it. Don't sacrifice meaning for rhyme.
Vary your patterns
Mix perfect and slant rhymes to create more interesting and natural-sounding poetry.
Read aloud
Always read your rhyming poetry aloud to hear how it sounds and flows.
Consider your audience
Simple rhymes work well for children, while more complex patterns appeal to older readers.