Practice writing with the different cadences shown below. Start with iambic pentameter, which is a natural rhythm for the English language.
With iambic pentameter, each line has five iambs. Say out loud “duh DUH, duh DUH, duh DUH, duh DUH, duh DUH” to hear the rhythm.
Here’s a line from Shakespeare in iambic pentameter: “But, soft! what light through yonder window breaks?”
Foot |
Stress |
Example |
Effect |
| iamb | u / | until | heavy, slower |
| trochee | / u | crashing | light, quick |
| spondee | / / | saved files | solemn, very slow |
| anapest | u u / | intervene | strong, rapid |
| dactyl | / u u | surfacing | super speed |