English Language - subject terminology

Dynamic verb

A verb that shows continued or progressive action on the part of a subject. They occur over a span of time. Creates a sense of action, energy and movement, making the narrative feel more lively and immediate.

Static verb + effect in writing

Verbs that express a state rather than an action. They usually relate to thoughts, emotions, relationships, senses etc. Can help create a sense of calm, stillness or stability in a scene, perhaps slow down the action and allow readers to focus on a character’s emotional state. Often describe ongoing states - indicating a situation or emotion has lasted for some time.

Evocative verbs + effect in writing

Strong, precise action words that elicit vivid imagery or emotions. Help reader picture actions more clearly as well as setting the mood or showing a character’s emotion or intent.

Concrete noun

Nouns you can physically see and touch.

Abstract noun

Words that name things you cannot physically see or touch.

Exclamative sentence

A sentence that expresses strong emotion or surprise. It conveys excitement, shock, joy, anger or other intense feelings. Instantly communicate a strong emotional reaction from a character, drawing the readers attention to the characters feelings & highlighting the emotional impact of a moment.

Interrogative sentence

An interrogative sentence is a sentence whose grammatical form shows that it is a question.

Imperative sentence

Imperative sentences are used to issue a command or instruction, make a request, or offer advice.

Declarative sentence

A declarative sentence makes a statement and ends with a full stop. It's named appropriately because it declares or states something.

Triples + effect in writing

Grouping three words, phrases or ideas together. Makes key ideas more impactful (like a character’s traits), creates a natural cadence and also builds momentum - making sentences engaging.

Irony

A rhetorical device, literary technique, or event which appears, on the surface to be the case, differs radically from what is actually the case.

Alliteration + effect in writing

The repetition of the same sound at the beginning of adjacent or closely connected words. Establishes a specific tone/atmosphere by emphasizing certain sounds that align with the mood and draws the readers focus to the repeated sound, making the phrase more memorable.

Assonance

Resemblance of sound between syllables of nearby words, arising particularly from the rhyming of two or more stressed vowels, but not consonants.

Sibilance

Sibilance is a more specific type of alliteration that relies on the repetition of soft consonant sounds in words to create a hissing sound in the writing.

Onomatopoeia + effect in writing

Words that mimic or imitate the natural sounds they describe, help readers hear the scene, making the description more immersive and therefore more memorable & dynamic.

Consonance

The recurrence of similar-sounding consonants in close proximity.

Plosives

Denoting a consonant that is produced by stopping the airflow using the lips, teeth, or palate, followed by a sudden release of air.

Monosyllabic

A word or utterance consisting of one syllable.

Visual imagery

Imagery pertaining to graphics, visual scenes, pictures of the sense of sight.

Auditory imagery

Imagery pertaining to sounds, noises, music, or the sense of hearing.

Olfactory imagery

Imagery pertaining to odours, scents, or the sense of smell.

Gustatory imagery

Imagery related to the sense of taste.

Tactile imagery

Imagery pertaining to physical textures or the sense of touch.

Synaesthesia

A technique adopted by writers to present ideas, characters, or places in such a manner that they appeal to more than one sense, like hearing, sight, smell and touch at a given time.

Terms of address + effect in writing

Words or phrases used to address someone directly in conversation - include titles (Sir, Madam), names, terms of endearment (love, darling) or formal titles (Doctor, Professor). The choice of term can show the level of intimacy, formality or respect between characters, establishing the mood of the setting.

Protagonist

Leading character or major character

Antagonist

Opposing force to the protagonist - usually brings conflict.

Possessive determiners + effect in writing

Words that indicate ownership or possession - modify nouns by showing something/someone belongs to someone/something. They can reveal relationships between characters by showing possession or connection, create a sense of closeness or emotional distance between characters.

Foil

A character who contrasts another.

Simile

Comparison of one thing with another thing using the words 'like' or as.

Metaphor

A figure of speech in which a word or phrase is applied to an object or action to which it is not literally applicable.

Extended metaphor + effect in writing

A metaphor that is developed over several lines or throughout an entire work. Allows writers to enrich imagery and engage the readers imagination.

Personification

The attribution of a personal nature or human characteristics to something non-human, or the representation of an abstract quality in human form.

Symbolism

The use of symbols to represent ideas or qualities.

Hyperbole + effect in writing

Exaggerated statements or claims not meant to be taken literally. Draws attention to an idea, making it stand out more vividly, creates a sense or grandeur or importance.

Emotive language + effect in writing

Language used to evoke emotion in the reader or listener, often to persuade or influence their feelings. Creates an emotional connection with the reader, making the writing more impactful, shapes how readers feel about characters.

Pathetic fallacy + effect in writing

A literary device where human emotions, traits, or moods are attributed to nature, objects, or the environment to reflect or enhance the atmosphere of a scene. It is often used to mirror the emotions of characters or the tone of the narrative.

Colloquial language + effect in writing

Informal, everyday speech that reflect how people actually speak. Makes dialogue & narration feel authentic & relatable, helping to develop characters, create realism, engage readers and set a tone or mood.

Oxymoron + effect in writing

A figure of speech where two seemingly contradictory words/ideas are combined to create a striking & though-provoking effect. They highlight conflicting emotions, adding depth to the description/narrative, they encourage readers to pause & consider deeper meanings or nuances, they add tension, mystery or poignancy,

Semantic field + effect in writing

A group of words related in meaning, often revolving around a theme or concept. Have a cumulative effect that creates a mood or atmosphere as well as guiding the readers interpretation of a scene, action or character.