If we’ve ever decided to write a poem, a song, or any creative piece of writing involving rhymes, we might have wondered what words rhyme with “girl”. Quite a few words, in truth, and even more when we consider not only perfect, but also near or slant rhymes. Let’s understand this further.
True Rhymes vs Slant Rhymes
First, it’s essential to recognize the difference between true rhymes and slant rhymes.
- True rhymes: match both the vowel sound and the final consonant, making them sound ‘perfect’ to our ears. Examples with ‘girl’ would be ‘pearl’ and ‘twirl’.
- Slant rhymes: have the same vowel sound but different ends. Classic examples with ‘girl’ include ‘curl’ and ‘swirl’. Over time, usage of these has become pretty popular.
Syllables and Rhyme
It is always important to consider the syllabic count while rhyming. There are one-syllable words like ‘pearl’, ‘curl’, ‘swirl’, ‘twirl’ and ‘whirl’ that rhyme perfectly with ‘girl’. Additionally, two-syllable words like ‘unfurl’ or compound words like ‘schoolgirl’ offer a broader range of expression.
Unconventional Rhymes
Sometimes, a writer might want to experiment or avoid sounding too clichéd and choose words that don’t exactly rhyme but have a similar end sound or rhythm. Terms that end with ‘rl’, ‘le’, or similar sounds may work, like ‘world’, ‘hurl’ or ‘merle’.
Finding the Right Rhyme
Writing, in the end, isn’t about finding the perfect rhyme but about making an impact with your words. Many songwriters nowadays use false or slant rhymes to avoid sounding boring. An example of a song using ‘true’ and ‘false’ rhymes is Taylor Swift’s ‘Gorgeous’.
So, finding the right word to rhyme often depends on the mood, the theme, and the individual style of the piece you’re writing.
Conclusion
Exploring the world of rhymes can be incredibly encouraging for any writer. Understanding rhymes, both true and slant, and the versatility of rhyming patterns helps to express ourselves more creatively. The word ‘girl’ offers quite a few rhyming possibilities and allows room for imaginative play. Happy writing.