Glossary of Literary and Rhetorical Devices

AP English Language and Composition

Active Voice

The subject of the sentence performs the action. This is a more direct and preferred style of writing in most cases. “Anthony drove while Toni searched for the house.”

Passive Voice

When the subject of the sentence receives the action. “The car was driven by Anthony.” Passive voice is often overused, resulting in lifeless writing. When possible, try to use active voice.

Allusion

An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can be other things commonly known, such as plays, songs, historical events) with which the reader is supposed to be familiar.

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted into fictional or nonfictional texts as a way of developing a point or injecting humor.

Antecedent

The word, phrase, or clause referred to by a pronoun. The AP language exam occasionally asks for the antecedent of a given pronoun in a long, complex sentence or in a group of sentences. “If I could command the wealth of all the world by lifting my finger, I would not pay such a price for it.” An AP question might read: “What is the antecedent for ‘it’?”

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have signified effects on meaning. An essay written in academic diction would be much less colorful, but perhaps more precise than street slang. You should be able to describe an author’s diction. You SHOULD NOT write in your thesis, “The author uses diction…”. This is essentially saying, “The author uses words to write.” (Duh.) Instead, describe the type of diction (for example, formal or informal, ornate or plain).

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or familiar type of saying, similar to an adage or an aphorism.

Connotation

Rather than the dictionary definition (denotation), the associations suggested by a word. Implied meaning rather than literal meaning. (For example, “policeman,” “cop,” and “The Man” all denote the same literal meaning of police officer, but each has a different connotation.)

Denotation

The literal, explicit meaning of a word, without its connotations.

Jargon

The diction used by a group which practices a similar profession or activity. Lawyers speak using particular jargon, as do soccer players.

Vernacular

1) Language or dialect of a particular country

2) Language or dialect of a regional clan or group

3) Plain everyday speech

Didactic

A term used to describe fiction, nonfiction or poetry that teaches a specific lesson or provides a model of correct behavior or thinking.