SONGWRITING GUIDE
Types of Rhymes Explained
Perfect, near, slant, eye, and internal rhymes. Learn what they are, when to use them, and how they shape your lyrics.
What Is a Rhyme?
A rhyme is a repetition of similar sounds in two or more words, most often at the end of lines in poems or songs. Rhyming creates patterns, memorability, and a pleasing auditory experience for listeners.
Not all rhymes are created equal. Understanding the different types of rhymes gives you more tools to craft lyrics that say exactly what you mean while maintaining flow and musicality. Let's break down each type.
Perfect Rhymes
Definition
Perfect rhymes (also called true rhymes or full rhymes) occur when two words have identical sounds from the vowel in the final stressed syllable to the end of the word.
When to Use Perfect Rhymes
- •Choruses and hooks — Perfect rhymes create strong, memorable patterns
- •Children's music — Clear, obvious rhymes are easier for kids to follow
- •Final lines — End verses or sections with satisfying, conclusive perfect rhymes
- •Emphasis — Perfect rhymes draw attention and create impact
Near Rhymes (Imperfect Rhymes)
Definition
Near rhymes (also called imperfect rhymes or half rhymes) have similar but not identical sounds. They share some phonetic elements but differ in others.
When to Use Near Rhymes
- •Modern genres — Hip-hop, R&B, indie, and alternative heavily use near rhymes
- •Conversational lyrics — Near rhymes sound more natural and less forced
- •When perfect rhymes don't exist — Many words don't have perfect rhymes
- •Subtle effects — Create sophisticated, nuanced rhyming without being obvious
Slant Rhymes
Definition
Slant rhymes are a type of near rhyme with partial sound matches. They share some phonetic elements (usually consonants or vowels) but don't perfectly rhyme.
When to Use Slant Rhymes
- •Avoid predictability — Slant rhymes keep listeners engaged by being less obvious
- •Poetic sophistication — They sound more literary and thoughtful than perfect rhymes
- •When meaning matters most — Say exactly what you want without forcing a perfect rhyme
Eye Rhymes
Definition
Eye rhymes look like they should rhyme based on spelling but don't sound alike. They're visual rhymes, not auditory ones.
When to Use Eye Rhymes
Eye rhymes are rarely used intentionally in modern songwriting since they don't actually rhyme when spoken or sung. They're mostly interesting quirks of English spelling. However, they can work in visual poetry or when writing lyrics that will primarily be read rather than heard.
Internal Rhymes
Definition
Internal rhymes occur within a line, not just at the end. They can rhyme with other words in the same line or with words in other lines.
When to Use Internal Rhymes
- •Create flow — Internal rhymes add rhythm and make lyrics flow smoothly
- •Show skill — Advanced rappers and lyricists use internal rhymes extensively
- •Add density — Layer multiple rhyme patterns for complexity
- •Hip-hop especially — Internal rhyming is a cornerstone of modern rap
When to Use Each Type
Use perfect rhymes when:
You want clarity, memorability, and impact. Perfect rhymes are best for choruses, hooks, and moments where you want the rhyme to be obvious and satisfying.
Use near/slant rhymes when:
You need more word choices, want a conversational tone, or are aiming for sophisticated, subtle effects. These are essential for saying exactly what you mean without forcing rhymes.
Use internal rhymes when:
You want to showcase lyrical skill, create intricate flow patterns, or add rhythmic complexity. Internal rhyming is what separates good rappers from great ones.
The best approach:
Mix all types. Use perfect rhymes for emphasis and memorability, near/slant rhymes for subtlety and flexibility, and internal rhymes for flow and complexity. The combination creates dynamic, professional-sounding lyrics.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between perfect rhyme and near rhyme?
A perfect rhyme has identical sounds from the final stressed vowel onward (cat/bat). A near rhyme has similar but not identical sounds (cat/cap). Perfect rhymes sound complete and final, while near rhymes sound more subtle and modern.
Can I use near rhymes in professional songs?
Absolutely. Near rhymes (also called slant rhymes or imperfect rhymes) are extremely common in professional songwriting, especially in hip-hop, R&B, and modern pop. They provide more creative freedom and sound more natural than forcing perfect rhymes.
What is a slant rhyme?
A slant rhyme is a type of near rhyme where words share some phonetic elements but don't perfectly rhyme. Examples include "time/mine" or "soul/cool". They create a subtle rhyming effect without the obviousness of perfect rhymes.
What are internal rhymes?
Internal rhymes occur within a line of lyrics, not just at the end. For example: "I wake in the morning and take a deep breath" — "wake/take" are internal rhymes. They add complexity and flow to your lyrics.
Why would I use near rhymes instead of perfect rhymes?
Near rhymes give you more word choices, sound more conversational and natural, avoid clichéd rhyme pairs, and create subtle, sophisticated effects. They're essential for saying exactly what you mean without sacrificing meaning for a perfect rhyme.
What is an eye rhyme?
An eye rhyme is when words look like they should rhyme based on spelling but don't sound alike. Examples: "love/move", "cough/bough". They're rarely used intentionally in songwriting but are interesting quirks of English spelling.
Find Any Rhyme Type You Need
Download RHYMEBOOK to find perfect, near, slant, and internal rhymes instantly. Free rhyme dictionary with advanced filters.