Accentual-Syllabic Verse

Accentual syllabic verse is the dominant verse style in English poetry. It describes a style where each line has a defined number of metrical "feet," or groups of syllables, with each foot usually conforming to the same accentual pattern.

Pure Accentual Verse

Pure accentual verse is a style that sticks to a fixed number of accented syllables in a line with very little variation. Nursery rhymes are examples of pure accentual verse.

Pure Syllabic Verse

Pure syllabic verse is a style where each line has a fixed number of syllables, regardless of their accent. Japanese haiku is an example of pure syllabic verse.

Free Verse

Free verse is a style that does not stick to any particular meter or rhyme scheme. Lines are divided according to meaning, sound, or other purposes of the author.

Quantitative Verse

Quantitative verse is a style originally used in early Greek...