Key Terms for AP English Language and Composition

A comprehensive set of vocabulary terms for AP English Language and Composition, aimed to aid in understanding literary concepts and improve essay writing skills.

Allegory

A device of using character and/or story elements symbolically to represent an abstraction in addition to the literal meaning.

Allusion

A direct or indirect reference to something commonly known, such as an event, book, myth, place, or work of art.

Ambiguity

The multiple meanings, either intentional or unintentional, of a word, phrase, sentence, or passage.

Analogy

A similarity or comparison between two different things or the relationship between them.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun.

Antithesis

The opposition or contrast of ideas; the direct opposite.

Atmosphere

The emotional nod created by the entirety of a literary work.

Caricature

A verbal description that exaggerates or distorts a person’s distinctive physical features or characteristics.

Clause

A grammatical unit that contains both a subject and a verb.

Colloquialism

The use of slang or informalities in speech or writing.

Connotation

The non-literal, associative meaning of a word; the implied meaning.

Denotation

The strict, literal, dictionary definition of a word.

Diction

The writer’s word choices, especially regarding correctness, clearness, or effectiveness.

Didactic

Literally means 'teaching'; refers to words that aim to teach or instruct.

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for a generally unpleasant word or concept.

Extended Metaphor

A metaphor developed at great length, occurring frequently or throughout a work.

Generic Conventions

Traditions for each genre that help define it.

Homily

Literally means 'sermon'; informally includes any serious talk or lecture involving moral advice.

Hyperbole

A figure of speech using deliberate exaggeration or overstatement.

Inference/Infer

To draw a reasonable conclusion from the information presented.

Invective

An emotionally violent, verbal denunciation or attack using strong language.

Irony/Ironic

The contrast between what is stated explicitly and what is meant.

Metonymy

A figure of speech where the name of one object is substituted for that of another closely associated with it.

Mood

The prevailing atmosphere or emotional aura of a work.

Narrative

The telling of a story or account of events or series of events.

Oxymoron

A figure of speech wherein apparently contradictory terms are grouped to suggest a paradox.

Paradox

A statement that appears contradictory but contains some degree of truth.

Parallelism

Refers to grammatical or rhetorical framing of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs to give structural similarity.

Anaphora

A sub-type of parallelism involving the exact repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive lines or sentences.

Parody

A work that closely imitates the style or content of another with the aim of comic effect or ridicule.

Pedantic

Describes words, phrases, or tone that is overly scholarly or bookish.

Periodic Sentence

A sentence that presents its central meaning at the end, preceded by introductory elements.

Point of View

The perspective from which a story is told.

Prose

One of the major divisions of genre referring to fiction and nonfiction.

Repetition

The duplication of any element of language.

Rhetoric

The principles governing the art of writing effectively, eloquently, and persuasively.

Rhetorical Modes

Describes the variety, conventions, and purposes of the major kinds of writing.

Sarcasm

Bitter, caustic language meant to hurt or ridicule.

Satire

A work that targets human vices or social institutions for reform or ridicule.

Semantics

The branch of linguistics studying the meaning of words and their relations.

Style

The sum of the choices an author makes in blending diction, syntax, figurative language, and other literary devices.

Subject Complement

The word or clause that follows a linking verb and complements the subject.

Subordinate Clause

A clause that cannot stand alone as a sentence and depends on a main clause.

Syllogism

A deductive system of formal logic presenting two premises that lead to a conclusion.

Symbol/Symbolism

Anything that represents itself and stands for something else.

Synecdoche

A figure of speech in which a part of something is used to represent the whole.

Syntax

The way an author chooses to join words into phrases, clauses, and sentences.

Tone

The author’s attitude toward their material, audience, or both.

Understatement

The ironic minimalizing of fact; presents something as less significant than it is.

Wit

Intellectually amusing language that surprises and delights.

Aphorism

A brief statement or phrase that expresses a general truth or principle. Example: 'Actions speak louder than words.'

Conceit

An extended metaphor that makes a comparison between two vastly different things. Example: 'Love is like an oil change; it’s all about making the right connections and keeping everything in good working order.'

Litotes

A figure of speech that employs an understatement by using double negatives or, in other words, a positive statement expressed by negating its opposite. Example: 'He's not the friendliest person,' meaning he is rather unfriendly.

Loose Sentence

A type of sentence structure in which the main clause is followed by one or more subordinate clauses or phrases. Example: 'The dog barked loudly, wagging its tail and running around the yard.'