Eng lit

Modifier

A word, phrase, or clause that adds detail, description, or limitation to another word in a sentence (e.g., "loudly sang," "the boy in the red hat")

Abstract Noun

Concepts, ideas, or feelings that cannot be seen, touched, or held (e.g., love, freedom, courage).

Concrete Noun

Physical objects you can see, touch, hear, smell, or taste (e.g., table, water, dog).

Noun Phrase

A noun paired with extra words describing it (e.g., "the cold, dark night").

Pre-modifying Adjective

An adjective placed directly before a noun to describe it (e.g., "fierce storm").

Imperative Verb

Command or action verbs at the start of a sentence telling someone to do something (e.g., "Stop," "Listen").

Dynamic Verb

Verbs that show a physical, visible action happening (e.g., run, jump, explode).

Stative Verb

Verbs that describe a state of being, thought, preference, or emotion rather than action (e.g., believe, love, seem).

Past Participle

A verb ending typically in "-ed" or "-en" used as an adjective or in passive forms (e.g., the broken glass, the shattered mirror).

Modal Verb

Helping verbs like must, should, could, might, will, can placed before another verb to show probability or obligation.

Emotive Vocabulary

Words chosen specifically to trigger emotional reactions like outrage, fear, or sympathy (e.g., tragic, agonizing, cruel).

Superlative

Words describing the highest degree of a quality, usually ending in "-est" or using "most" (e.g., tallest, most dangerous).

Synthetic Personalization

Using "you" or "your" in public texts to make a mass audience feel like they are being talked to individually.

Declarative Sentence

A direct sentence that states a fact or opinion ending with a period, Creates authority, clarity, and an impression of objective truth.

Interrogative Sentence

A sentence framed as a question ending with a question mark (?), Engages the reader directly and provokes internal reflection or curiosity.

Expository Heading

A title or subheading that outlines what the following section explains, Establishes structural organization and sets clear reader expectations.

Signposting

Words that act as structural directional signs (e.g., "Firstly," "In contrast"), Guides narrative flow and makes complex arguments easy to follow.

Metaphor / Simile

Compares two different things directly or using "like/as", Alters mood by linking an unfamiliar feeling or concept to a familiar image.

Personification

Gives non-human objects or abstract ideas human qualities, Gives non-human elements active human agency to increase emotional resonance.

Pathetic Fallacy

Gives human emotions to nature or weather, Mirrors character emotions or narrative mood using the environment.

Juxtaposition

Places contrasting ideas, images, or characters side-by-side, Highlights differences and creates thematic tension or emphasis.

Tricolon (Rule of Three)

Uses three parallel words, phrases, or clauses in quick succession, Creates a memorable cadence, sense of completeness, and rhythmic impact.

Hyperbole

Uses deliberate, extreme exaggeration, Emphasizes intense emotion, scale, urgency, or panic.

Zoomorphism

Assigns animal characteristics or behaviors to humans or objects, Degrades, dehumanizes, or highlights raw instinctual behavior.

Allusion

References a well-known historical, literary, or religious event or figure, Elevates meaning by borrowing emotional or cultural weight from the reference.

Anaphora

Repeats the same word or phrase at the start of consecutive clauses or sentences, Builds emotional momentum, rhythm, and strong emphasis.

Antithesis

Balances two opposing ideas within a single parallel sentence structure, Sharpens a contrast to make a clear, definitive point.

Litotes

Uses intentional understatement or double negatives (e.g., "not bad"), Creates a dry, subtle, or ironic effect while emphasizing the positive point.

Euphemism

Uses mild, indirect, or polite phrasing instead of direct words, Masks harsh, offensive, or uncomfortable realities.

Dysphemism

Uses intentionally harsh, blunt, or offensive phrasing, Expresses disgust, hostility, or bitterness toward a subject.

Asyndeton

Omits conjunctions between clauses or words (e.g., "I came, I saw, I conquered"), Speeds up narrative pace and creates a sense of rapid action or urgency.

Polysyndeton

Overuses conjunctions like "and" or "or" in close succession, Slows down narrative pace to build overwhelming weight, scale, or exhaustion.

Authoritative Tone

Speaks with expert confidence, formal vocabulary, and decisive statements, Establishes complete credibility and commands reader trust.

Journalistic / Objective Tone

Uses neutral, matter-of-fact language focused strictly on facts and evidence, Presents an unbiased perspective to inform the reader fairly.

Didactic Tone

Employs instructional language, direct advice, or clear moral lessons, Seeks to educate, lecture, or guide the reader's behavior.

Cautionary Tone

Highlights risks, consequences, and prospective dangers through warning words, Creates concern and deters the reader from risky choices.

Urgent Tone

Uses short sentences, high-stakes vocabulary, and immediate time markers, Compels the reader to take swift, immediate action.

Transactional Tone

Uses clear, direct, and outcome-oriented language focused on actions or exchanges, Prompts a specific professional response, trade, or purchase.

Inspirational / Uplifting Tone

Employs emotionally elevated language, optimistic themes, and encouraging calls to action, Motivates the reader and instills hope.

Sensationalist Tone

Uses exaggerated, emotionally charged vocabulary and dramatic phrasing, Provokes shock, excitement, or outrage to grab attention.

Conversational / Colloquial Tone

Employs informal vocabulary, slang, contractions, and relaxed phrasing, Reduces distance to build intimacy and rapport with the reader.

Evocative Tone

Uses rich sensory descriptions and vivid imagery, Awakens strong feelings and detailed mental pictures in the reader's mind.

Nostalgic Tone

Combines warm, sentimental vocabulary with references to the past, Evokes a fond, tender longing for previous times.

Impassioned Tone

Features intense emotion, powerful modifiers, and strong value judgments, Conveys deeply held conviction and moves the reader emotionally.

Abandon

Old French abandoner, Creates a feeling of absolute loss, isolation, or complete freedom.

Arrive

Latin adripare via Old French ariver, Signals the resolution or completion of a journey or process.

Change

Latin cambire via Old French changier, Demonstrates a clear shift from one state, mood, or idea to another.

Damage

Anglo-Norman French damage, Emphasizes physical destruction, emotional harm, or loss of value.

Define

Latin definire via Old French definer, Establishes complete clarity, strict boundaries, and exact meaning.

Demand

Latin demandare via Old French demander, Conveys strong urgency, authority, and uncompromising insistence.

Discover

Late Latin disoperire via Old French descovrir, Uncovers new knowledge and brings hidden truths to light.

Distance

Latin distantia via Old French distance, Highlights physical, emotional, or social separation and remoteness.

Examine

Latin examinare via Old French examiner, Encourages close inspection to uncover deeper hidden details.

Expect

Latin expectare, Builds narrative anticipation and sets up future reader expectations.

Finish

Latin finire via Old French feniss-, Marks a definitive end, total completion, or ultimate resolution.

Innocent

Latin innocentem via Old French innocent, Establishes pure intentions, vulnerability, or a lack of legal or moral blame.

Notice

Latin notitia via Old French notice, Directs reader attention to a specific critical detail or shift.

Prepare

Latin praeparare via French préparer, Establishes readiness and sets up necessary conditions for success.

Protect

Latin protegere, Conveys security, defensive action, and preservation from potential harm.