Section 2 – Sentence Structures & Grammar

Asyndeton

a construction in which elements are presented in a series without conjunctions

Balanced sentence

a sentence in which words, phrases, or clauses are set off against each other to emphasize a contrast

Complex sentence

a sentence with two or more coordinate independent clauses, often joined by one or more conjunctions

Cumulative sentence

a sentence in which the main independent clause is elaborated by the successive addition of modifying clauses or phrases

Declarative sentence

a sentence that makes a statement or declaration

Ellipsis

the omission of a word or phrase which is grammatically necessary but can be deduced from the context

Exclamatory sentence

a sentence expressing strong feeling, usually punctuated with an exclamation mark

Parenthetical

a comment that interrupts the immediate subject, often to qualify or explain

Periodic sentence

(if missing, I can add placeholder) [skip – wasn’t in your list]

Polysyndeton

the use, for rhetorical effect, of more conjunctions than is necessary or natural

Syntax

the manner in which words are arranged into sentences

Tautology

needless repetition which adds no meaning or understanding

Usage

the customary way language or its elements are used

Vernacular

the everyday speech of a particular country or region, often involving nonstandard usage