GlossariesGCSE GlossariesGCSE English Language GlossaryInternal Rhyme

Internal Rhyme - GCSE English Language Definition

Reviewed by: Deb Orrock

Last updated

8 October 2025

Definition

Internal rhyme is a poetic device where rhyming words appear within the same line of verse, rather than only at the ends of lines.

Instead of depending on line endings to create a rhyme pattern, internal rhyme introduces sound echoes inside a single line.

Explanation

Internal rhyme happens when a poet places rhyming words inside a single line of verse. This is different from end rhyme, where the rhyming words appear at the end of separate lines.

You can spot internal rhyme when words in the middle of a line sound similar to other words in that same line. In some cases, both rhyming words appear in the middle; in other cases, one will be in the middle and the other at the end. The key feature is that the rhyme is contained within the line itself.

Internal rhyme can help to give poems a smooth, musical quality. It can make a poem more rhythmic, creating patterns that catch attention and are more pleasing to the ear. Strong internal rhyme often flows more naturally, and the musical nature make it more memorable, especially when read aloud. This is why you might remember poems or song lyrics that rely on repeated sounds long after you first hear them.

It can also be used for emphasis. Internal rhyme stands out, and by being something a bit different, it can catch attention. The reader will pay attention to the sound, the rhyme, which then makes them pay more attention to the words used and what those words mean. If an idea is important to the writer, they may use internal rhyme to catch the eye and bring focus to this point.

There are different types of internal rhyme. They can be paired together, which creates a tight and immediate rhyme, similar to an echo. But they can be separated by several words for a more subtle effect, but one that is still clear and noticeable.

Internal rhyme can work with any type of rhyme scheme. A poem might have end rhymes between lines and internal rhymes within lines at the same time.

It has been used in classical verse, in modern free verse, in nursery rhymes, and in music like rap and hip-hop. Because it is so flexible, poets and lyricists often use it to experiment with rhythm, pacing, and sound.

Example

One of the most famous poems to include internal rhyme is Edgar Allen Poe’s “The Raven.” The poem is rhythmic, and the rhyming bounces across the lines as it's read, quickening the pace of the reader.

"Once upon a midnight dreary, while I pondered, weak and weary"

In this line, "dreary" and "weary" create internal rhyme. Both words end with the same "-eary" sound, and they appear within the same line of verse.

While I nodded, nearly napping, suddenly there came a tapping,
As of some one gently rapping, rapping at my chamber door.
“’Tis some visitor,” I muttered, “tapping at my chamber door—
Only this and nothing more.”

In this section, you can see many words ending with the “-ing” sound, jumping from the middle and end of sentences across each of the four lines. This again quickens the tempo of reading the poem, which in turn adds to the tension and the foreboding nature of whatever it is that is tapping at the chamber door. By rhyming this way, it makes the poem breathless, to reflect the fear of the narrator.

Double, double toil and trouble;
Fire burn, and caldron bubble.
Scale of dragon; tooth of wolf;
Witches' mummy; maw and gulf…

In Macbeth, the Weird Sisters’ song uses internal rhyme, and it makes the lines memorable. The first line is one of the most recognisable in English literature, and that is mostly due to that internal rhyme.

Contemporary poets, songwriters, and rappers also make heavy use of internal rhyme. In rap especially, dense internal rhymes can appear multiple times within a single line, creating rapid, intricate patterns that showcase verbal skill while keeping the rhythm lively.

Why do writers use internal rhyme?

There are many reasons a writer may use internal rhyme in their work. Of course, it can just be for the rhythm that it can add to a line, verse or poem, for the sing-song nature that it can add to the reading. Writers use internal rhyme to create rhythm and musicality in their work. Poetry becomes more enjoyable to read aloud when it contains these pleasing sound patterns.

Another reason is that internal rhyme can help make poems more memorable. The repeated sounds act like a memory aid, helping readers remember the words more easily. This is why many nursery rhymes and traditional songs use this technique.

Some writers use internal rhyme to show off their technical skill. Creating rhymes within lines as well as between lines demonstrates mastery of poetic techniques.

In terms of technical skill and effect, there are various reasons.

Writers can use internal rhyme to emphasise particular words or ideas. When words rhyme within a line, they become connected in the reader's mind. This connection draws attention to the meanings of those specific words.

Internal rhyme can be used to create a different mood and atmosphere to a poem. Quick internal rhymes can make a poem feel energetic and exciting. Slower internal rhymes might create a more thoughtful or mysterious mood.

Internal rhyme can also help maintain the pace of a poem. It keeps the rhythm moving forward and prevents lines from feeling flat or boring.

Writers sometimes use internal rhyme to create unity within their work. The repeated sounds tie different parts of the poem together, creating a sense of wholeness.

Frequently Asked Questions

What's the difference between internal rhyme and end rhyme?

End rhyme occurs when the last words of different lines rhyme with each other. Internal rhyme happens when words rhyme within the same line.

For example, end rhyme: "The cat sat on the mat / He wore a big black hat" Internal rhyme: "The cat in the hat sat on the mat"

Both techniques can appear in the same poem, creating layers of rhyming sounds.

Do the rhyming words have to be next to each other in internal rhyme?

No, the rhyming words don't need to be right next to each other. They just need to appear within the same line of poetry.

Sometimes you'll see rhyming words separated by several other words. The key is that they're all contained within one line rather than spread across multiple lines.

Can internal rhyme work with different types of poems?

Yes, internal rhyme can appear in any type of poetry. You'll find it in sonnets, ballads, free verse, and even modern poetry.

Different poetic forms might use internal rhyme in different ways, but the basic technique remains the same. The poet places rhyming words within individual lines rather than only at the ends of lines.

Why do poets use internal rhyme?

Poets use internal rhyme to add musicality, rhythm, and flow to their writing. It draws the reader's ear to certain words and enhances the poem's overall sound.

Internal rhyme can also make a poem feel more cohesive, and it often increases the energy or pace of a verse.