# Tricolon Three parallel words or phrases. From Greek "three unit."[^1] When combined with alliteration or rhyme, it can produce a surprising effect when the third breaks form, as in, "Wine, women, and song," and "Ready, steady, go."[^2] It's also effective if the last item is longer, as in, "Friends, Romans, countrymen," and "We few, we happy few, we band of brothers."[^3] [^1]: [Definition and Examples of Tricolons in Rhetoric](https://www.thoughtco.com/tricolon-rhetoric-1692565) [^2]: [[The Elements of Eloquence]] pg. 99 [^3]: [[The Elements of Eloquence]] pg. 100