Here's a breakdown:
* Sound, not letter: "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers" is alliteration even though "picked" and "peck" start with different letters ("p" and "k").
* Consonant or vowel: Examples include "Peter Piper" (consonant) and "Oh, awesome apples!" (vowel).
Why use alliteration?
Alliteration can:
* Make writing more memorable: The repetition of sounds creates a catchy effect.
* Add emphasis: It draws attention to certain words or phrases.
* Create a sense of rhythm and flow: This adds to the beauty and musicality of language.
* Enhance imagery and evoke emotions: Certain sounds can trigger specific feelings.
Common Examples:
* "Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers"
* "She sells seashells by the seashore"
* "Busy as a bee"
* "Big, beautiful, blue butterflies"
* "A lovely lady lounging languidly"
Remember, alliteration is a stylistic choice, and not every phrase that starts with the same sound is automatically alliteration. The repetition should be intentional and contribute to the overall effect of the writing.