AP ENGLISH TERMS 1-24

Abstract Diction

Words that describe ideas or concepts rather than concrete things

Absolutes

A word or phrase free from limitations or qualifications

Academic Diction

Formal,professional language

Active Voice

When the subject performs the action

Ad Hominem Fallacy

Attacking the person instead of the argument.

Ad Populum Fallacy

Appealing to the popularity of an idea as proof it’s true

Adjective

A word that describes a noun

Adjective Phrase

A group of words that describe a noun

Adverb

A word that modifies a action

Adverb Phrase

A group of words that functions as an adverb

Adverbial

A clause that modifies a verb

Adverbial Clause

A dependent clause that functions as an adverb

Adverbial Complement

A phrase or clause needed to complete the verb’s meaning

Allegory

A story in which characters, settings, and events symbolize deeper ideas or morals.

Alliteration

Repetition of initial consonant sounds

Allusion

A brief reference to history, literature, religion, or culture.

Ambiguity

When language has more than one possible meaning; vagueness or uncertainty.

Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next

Analogy

A comparison between two things to explain or clarify.

Anaphora

Repetition of the same word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses.

Anastrophe

Reversing normal word order for emphasis

Anecdote

A short personal story used to make a point.

Annotation

Notes or comments added to a text for explanation or analysis.

Anticipation and Addressing Counterargument

When a writer predicts objections to their argument and responds to them.