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| 5778631674 | Parallelism | Similarity of structure in a pair or series of related words, phrases or clauses; emphasizes similarities and connections Example: ...for the support of this declaration, with a firm reliance on the protection of Divine Protection, we mutually pledge to each other our Lives, our Fortunes, our sacred Honor (The Declaration of Independence) | 0 | |
| 5778631675 | Antithesis | the juxtaposition of contrasting ideas, often in parallel structure. Emphasizes dissimilarities and contraries; produces the quality of an aphorism. Example: Though studious, he was popular; though argumentative, he was modest; though inflexible, he was candid; and though metaphysical, yet orthodox (Samuel Johnson on the Reverend Zachariah Mudge, 1769) | 1 | |
| 5778631676 | Anastrophe | inversion of the natural or usual word order, which surprises expectation and gains attention, though its chief function is to secure emphasis. Example: Backward run the sentences, till reels the mind. | 2 | |
| 5778631677 | Parenthesis | insertion of some verbal unit in a position that interrupts the normal syntactical flow of the sentence. Allows the author's voice to be heard commenting or editorializing, thereby charging the statement with emotion. Example: But wherein any man is bold--I am speaking foolishly--I also am bold... Are they ministers of Christ? I--to speak as a fool--am more. (St. Paul, 2 Corinthians: 11, 21, and 23 | 3 | |
| 5778631678 | Apposition | placing side by side two coordinate elements, the second of which serves as an explanation or modification of the first. Less intrusive than parenthesis, it allows for the insertion of additional information or emphasis. Example: John Morgan, the president of the Sons of the Republic, could not be reached by phone. | 4 | |
| 5778631679 | Asyndeton | Deliberate omission of conjunctions between a series of related clauses. Produces a hurried rhythm in the sentence. Example: I came, I saw, I conquered. (Julius Caesar) | 5 | |
| 5778631680 | Polysyndeton | Deliberate use of many conjunctions. Suggests flow or continuity in some instances, special emphasis in others. Example: This semester I am taking English and history and biology and mathematics and sociology and physical education. | 6 | |
| 5778631681 | Anaphora | Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginnings of successive clauses. Always used deliberately, this scheme helps to establish a marked rhythm and often produces strong emotional effect. Example: The Lord sitteth above the water floods. The Lord remaineth a King forever. The Lord shall give strength unto his people. The Lord shall give his people the blessing of peace. (Psalm 29) | 7 | |
| 5778631682 | Epistrophe | Repetition of the same word or group of words at the ends of successive clauses. Sets up a pronounced rhythm and secures a special emphasis. Example: I'll have my bond! Speak not against my bond! I have sworn an oath that I will have my bond! (Shylock in Merchant of Venice) | 8 | |
| 5778631683 | Climax | Arrangement of words, phrases, or clauses in an order of increasing importance. Example: Renounce my love, my life, myself--and you. (Alexander Pope, "Eloisa to Abelard") | 9 | |
| 5778631684 | Antimetabole | Repetition of words, in successive clauses, in reverse grammatical order. Produces the impressive turn of the phrase typical of an aphorism. Example: One should eat to live, not live to eat. (Moliere, L'Avare) | 10 | |
| 5778631685 | Chiasmus | Reversal of grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses (literally, "the criss-cross"). Like antimetabole, but without the repetition. Example: By day the frolic, and the dance by night (Samuel Johnson, "The Vanity of Human Wishes") | 11 | |
| 5778631686 | Periodic Sentence | has the main clause or predicate at the end. This is used for emphasis and can be persuasive by putting reasons for something at the beginning before the final point is made. It can also create suspense or interest for the reader. | 12 | |
| 5778631687 | Loose Sentence | type of sentence in which the main idea (independent clause) is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases. | 13 |
