Iambic Pentameter

Iambic pentameter is a type of meter in poetry that consists of ten syllables per line, with each syllable alternating between stressed and unstressed. The pattern that emerges sounds like this: da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-DUM da-Dda-DUMUM.
Iambic pentameter is the most common meter in English poetry, and it has been used by some of the greatest poets in the English language, including William Shakespeare, John Milton, and William Wordsworth.
The historical significance of iambic pentameter can be traced back to the 14th century, when it was first introduced into English poetry by Geoffrey Chaucer. Chaucer used iambic pentameter in his most famous work, The Canterbury Tales, and his use of the meter helped to establish it as the standard meter for English poetry.
Iambic pentameter has been used in a wide variety of poetic forms, including sonnets, blank verse, and epic poems. It is a versatile meter that can be used to create a variety of effects, from the lyrical to the dramatic.
Here are some examples of iambic pentameter:
- “I love to hear her speak, yet well I know” - Shakespeare, My Mistress’ Eyes Are Nothing Like the Sun
- “So long as men can breathe or eyes can see” - Shakespeare, Sonnet 18
Iambic pentameter is a powerful tool that can be used to create a variety of effects in poetry. It is a versatile meter that has been used by some of the greatest poets in the English language.

Tip for checking for iambic pentameter

When reviewing iambic pentameter for each line of your poem, do the following:
- Underline or highlight each word or syllable (if more than a one-syllable word) that five stresses that follow iambic pentameter: syllables 2, 4, 6, 8, and 10.
- Check to see that the underlined or highlighted stresses 1) land on content words (nouns, verbs, adjectives, and adverbs) and not on function words like articles, prepositions, and connectors; the only except are pronouns which are typically not stressed and 2) land on the standard way to pronounce words with two or more syllables.