Surplus interword phonological similarity in English multiword units

What is it about?

Rhyme, alliteration, assonance, and combinations of these three patterns of interword, interphrase sound repetition occur at greater than chance rates in English multiword expressions. The size of the surplus was estimated through use of randomization.

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Why is it important?

This can matter for learners of English as an additional language because a the form of a sound-repeating multiword expression is relatively easy to remember, provided that the sound repetition is noticed.