AP Lang Diction/Sentence Structure Terms

Interrogative Sentences

ask questions to get information, confirm facts, or inquire about something and always end with a question mark

Hortative Sentences

offer encouragement, advice, or suggestions

• ex: "Let's go to the park"

Declarative Sentences

make statements, present facts, or share opinions

• ex: "Vanilla is the best ice cream flavor"

Imperative Sentences

issue commands, give instructions, or make requests

• ex: "Don't hang up!"

Exclamatory Sentences

convey strong emotions—such as shock, surprise, or anger—and always end with an exclamation mark

Abstract

refers to intangible things

• ex: “Truth is the highest aspiration”

Concrete

refers to tangible things

• ex: “burp” or “dog”

Elevated

complex words, superior tone

• ex: “Ensure that you wear the appropriate attire.”

Colloquial

everyday jargon

• ex: “You’ll wanna wear the right thing’

Convoluted

complex words, difficult to follow

Simple

easy, clear words

Denotative

containing an exact meaning

• ex: “dress” or “young”

Connotative

containing a suggested meaning

• ex: “gown” or “juvenile”

Euphonious

pleasant sounding

• ex: “silver laughter”

Cacophonous

harsh sounding

• ex: “croak” or “rasping”