AP Lang Syntax Defintions

Word

The smallest unit of language that carries meaning (e.g., cat, run).

Phrase

A group of words that functions as a unit but lacks a subject–verb pair that can stand alone (e.g., the red bike, under the table).

Clause

A group of words that contains a subject and a verb; can be independent or dependent.

Independent clause

A clause that contains a subject and a verb and can stand alone as a complete sentence.

Dependent clause

A clause that contains a subject and a verb but cannot stand alone; it depends on an independent clause.

Simple sentence

A sentence made of a single independent clause.

Compound sentence

A sentence with two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction or semicolon.

Complex sentence

A sentence with one independent clause and at least one dependent clause.

Compound-complex sentence

A sentence with at least two independent clauses and at least one dependent clause.

Declarative sentence

A sentence that makes a statement.

Interrogative sentence

A sentence that asks a question.

Imperative sentence

A sentence that gives a command or request.

Exclamatory sentence

A sentence that expresses strong emotion, often ending with an exclamation point.

Parallelism

The use of identical or equivalent grammatical structures in successive phrases or clauses to create balance and rhythm.

Anaphora

Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.

Epistrophe (Epiphora)

Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses or sentences.

Chiasmus

A criss-cross (A–B / B–A) arrangement of grammatical elements or ideas to create a mirror effect.

Antimetabole

A specific kind of chiasmus that repeats the same words in reverse order (A B / B A).

Antithesis

Parallel juxtaposition of sharply contrasting ideas to highlight difference.

Juxtaposition

Placing two ideas, images, or words side-by-side to highlight contrast or comparison.

Parataxis

Placing clauses or phrases side-by-side without subordinating connectors (often using commas or dashes).

Asyndeton

Omission of expected coordinating conjunctions in a list or series to speed rhythm or emphasize items.

Polysyndeton

Use of multiple conjunctions (more than necessary) in a series to slow rhythm and emphasize accumulation.

Anastrophe

Inversion of the normal word order (e.g., putting object or adjective before subject/verb) for emphasis.

Hyperbaton

An extreme or unusual displacement of word order (a more forceful or extended inversion) to emphasize or create effect.

Inversion

Any reversal of the normal word order (umbrella term that includes anastrophe/hyperbaton).

Syllepsis / Zeugma

A single word (often a verb) that governs two or more objects or phrases in different senses or grammatically different ways.

Periodic sentence

A sentence in which the main clause (or the central idea) comes at the end, after subordinate phrases or clauses.

Cumulative (Loose) sentence

A sentence that begins with the main clause and then adds subordinate elements (details follow the main idea).

Ellipsis

Deliberate omission of words that are implied by context.

Parenthesis

An insertion of explanatory or qualifying material in a sentence, set off by dashes, commas, or parentheses.

Appositive

A noun or noun phrase that renames or identifies another noun beside it.