AP Vocab 2

Diction

A writer's or speaker's choice of words

Syntax

The arrangement of words and phrases to create sentences.

Telegraphic sentences

shorter than 5 words

Denotation

the literal meaning of a word

Connotation

All the meanings, associations, or emotions that a word suggests

Loose sentence

A sentence that could end before the modifying phrases without losing its coherence

Periodic sentence

A complex sentence that only makes sense when the end of the sentence is reached

Balanced sentence

the phrases or clauses balance each other by virtue of their likeness of structure, meaning, or length

Natural order sentence

the subject comes before the verb/predicate

Inverted order (sentence inversion)

constructing a sentence so that the verb/predicate comes before the subject

Parallel structure (parallelism)

grammatical or structural similarity between sentences or parts of a sentence. It involves a mirroring of arrangement of words, phrases, sentences, or paragraphs

Elevated diction

formal, lofty, or ornate speech or writing

Informal diction

plain language of everyday use, may include idioms, slang, contractions, and a more personal voice

Formal diction

consists of a dignified, impersonal, and elevated use of language

Jargon

diction distinctive to a particular group of people