English Syntax

Alliteration

Repetition of an initial sound in a group of words

Anadiplosis

Repetition of the last word or line in a clause to begin the next (chain effect)

Anaphora

Repeating a sequence of words of the beginning of neighbouring clauses to create emphasis

Epistrophe

Emphasis comes at the end of neighbouring clauses

Anastrophe

Inverted word order (sounds like Yoda)

Apposition

Two elements (noun phrases) placed side by side with one element defining or modifying the other

Asyndeton

The obvious omission of conjunctions

Polysyndeton

The use of several conjunctions in close succession

Chiasmus

Two or more clauses related to each other through a reversal of structure in order to make a larger point

Parallelism

A balance of two or more similar words, phrases or clauses

Polyptoton

Words derived from the same root word are repeated

Allusion

An indirect reference to something (usually a literary text, although it can also be other things that are commonly known).

Anecdote

A brief recounting of a relevant episode. Anecdotes are often inserted as a way of developing a point or injecting humour. (E.g. see personal anecdotes (Obama)).

Analogy

Explains one thing in terms of another to highlight the ways in which they are alike. It is a comparison of one pair of variables to a parallel set of variables. When a writer uses an analogy, he or she argues that the relationship between the first pair of variables is the same as the relationship between the second pair of variables. E.g. "Life is like a box of chocolates; you never know what you're going to get.” Similes and metaphors are sometimes also analogies.

Amplification

Repeats a word or expression for emphasis, often using additional adjectives to clarify the meaning. (E.g. In “Love, real love, takes time” the author is using the phrase “real love” to distinguish his feelings from love that is mere infatuation).

Allegory

A story in which characters, things, and events represent qualities or concepts. The interaction of these characters, things, and events are meant to reveal an abstraction or a truth (e.g. see Animal Farm).

Comic Relief

When a humorous scene is inserted into a serious story, in order to lighten the mood somewhat (e.g. Dory in Finding Nemo).

Diction

Word choice, particularly as an element of style. Different types of words have significant effects on meaning. An essay written in academic dictation would be much less colourful, but perhaps more precise than street slang.

Colloquial

Ordinary or familiar type of conversation. A “colloquialism” is a common or familiar type of saying (e.g. “wanna” or “hit the hay”), similar to an adage (a familiar saying that expresses a general truth or piece of advice (e.g. actions speak louder than words)) or an aphorism (a concise statement that express a general truth or observation, often using a bit of wit or cleverness (e.g. an apple a day keeps the doctor away)).

Connotation

The implied meaning rather than the literal meaning. Often the associations suggested by a word (e.g. Home v.s. House). Opposite of the dictionary definition (denotation).

Euphemism

A more agreeable or less offensive substitute for generally unpleasant words or concepts. Sometimes they are used for political correctness. “Physically challenged,” as opposed to “crippled.”

Figurative Language

Writing that is NOT meant to be taken literally. Opposite: “Literal Language” which is writing that makes complete sense when you take it at face value.