Schemes of Balance, Word Order, and Repetition in Rhetoric

Parallelism

using the same structure in a series of words, phrases, or clauses. Shows connection or contrast.

Isocolon

like parallelism, but each part is also the same length (in words or syllables). Creates rhythm.

Antithesis

putting opposite ideas side by side, often in parallel structure. Emphasizes contrast.

Anastrophe

switching the usual word order to draw attention or emphasize something.

Parenthesis

inserting extra words or commentary that interrupt the normal flow of the sentence. Adds emotion or a personal voice.

Apposition

placing two elements side by side, where the second explains or renames the first.

Ellipsis

leaving out words that are understood from the context. Keeps the sentence concise.

Asyndeton

leaving out conjunctions (like and, but) between phrases or clauses. Makes it feel fast or urgent.

Polysyndeton

using many conjunctions (and, or, but). Creates a sense of flow or overwhelming detail.

Alliteration

repeating the same consonant sound at the start (or middle) of nearby words. Adds rhythm or mood.

Assonance

repeating vowel sounds in stressed syllables of nearby words. Creates musical or emotional effect.

Anaphora

repeating words at the beginning of successive clauses. Builds rhythm and emotion.

Epistrophe

repeating words at the end of successive clauses. Creates emphasis.

Epanalepsis

repeating at the end the same word that started the clause. Feels dramatic or intense.

Anadiplosis

repeating the last word of one clause at the beginning of the next. Creates a chain effect.

Climax

arranging ideas in order of increasing importance. Builds intensity.

Antimetabole

repeating words in reverse order. Clever and memorable.

Chiasmus

reversing grammatical structure in phrases, but not repeating words exactly.

Polyptoton

repeating the same root word in different forms.