English Language & Rhetorical Devices: Definitions and Examples

literal

accurate without embellishment (frugal, thin)

figurative

comparison creating a pictorial effect (Skinny as rail)

connotative

suggested, emotional meaning

abstract

conceptual, philosophical (patriotism)

pedestrian

layman's terms

pedantic

boorish, inflated language

vulgarity

language deficient in taste and refinement

slang

vernacular speech sometimes humorous, exaggerated, or shortened for effect

informal/standard

correct but conversational

formal/literate

appropriate for more formal occasions; often more abstract

parts of speech

noun, pronouns, verbs, adverbs, adjectives, articles, prepositions, interjections, conjunctions

phrases

a group of words which does not contain a verb

prepositional phrase

phrase that has prep. its object and modifiers

gerund phrase

swimming is a great exercise

participial phrase

a verb form functioning as adj (the tired boy took a nap)

clause

a group of words that contains a subject and verb

periodic/front loaded

express subject AFTER modifying elements

loose/back loaded

expresses subject at or near beginning and adds modifying elements at end

Persuasion

An appeal in order to compel some action

Argumentation

Forming reasons, drawing conclusions, and applying them to a case in debate

Claim/Assertion/Proposition/Position/Thesis

Something asserted or maintained, the main point or position of your argument

Ex. Korean BBQ is the best.

Sub claims

A subordinate point to a larger claim or position in your argument

Refutation/Counter Argument/Counter Claim

To discredit an argument, particularly a counterargument

Opinion

A judgment, view, or appraisal formed in the mind

Sentimental

Evoking sorrow or pity.

syllogism

major proposition, minor proposition, followed by conclusion.

Rogerian Arrangement

To solve a problem by compromise

Ex. Korean BBQ is awesome and not too over-priced: I also love In N Out for the meat and good pricing.

Deductive Reasoning

Reasoning in the form of if A, then B.

ex. I like Korean BBQ. That restaurant serves Korean BBQ. I will like that restaurant.

Inductive Reasoning

Reasoning which starts specific, then goes general. If B, then A.

ex. Cham Sut Gul is a great restaurant. They have Korean BBQ. I love all Korean BBQ.

Ad hominem

Attacks the personality of the individual

Ad populum

A proposition is held to be true because it is widely held to be true by some sector of the population

Ad vericundium

Belief that something said by a great person is true, even if times have changed or prove to be wrong

Nonsequitur

When one statement isn't logically connected to another

Post Hoc

attempts to prove something by showing that because a 2nd event followed a first event, the 2nd event is a RESULT of the 1st event

Begging the Question

Assumes something to be true that needs proof

ex. like her because she is likeable.

Equivocation

Use of expressions susceptible of a double meaning with a purpose to mislead.

ex. Fine for parking here

Smoke Screen

an opponent creates a weakened, incomplete, and often distorted version of an argument, then destroys it.

Red Herring

A distractor

Purple Patch

Overly ornate writing