AP Lang Rhetoric Devices (List 1 + 2)

Anaphora

The repetition of a word or sequence of words at the beginning of successive phrases

Analogy

A comparison between two things for the purpose of explanation

Ambiguity

A word or expression that can be understood in two or more possible ways

Allusion

An implied or indirect reference to well-known person, character, place, or event

Alliteration

The occurrence of the same letter or sound at the beginning

Antithesis

A contrast between two things

Apostrophe

When the speaker addresses an absent person or non-human object, idea, or being.

Asyndeton

A sentence with a series of words in close succession, linked without conjunction

Aphorism

A memorable expression of a general truth or principle

Chiasmus

When the grammar of one phrase is inverted in the following phrase

Independent Clause

A group of words that contains a subject, verb, and expresses a complete thought

Dependent Clause

A group of words that contains a subject and verb but no complete thought

Coherence

The logical bridge between words, sentences, and paragraphs

Conceit

When the writer establishes a comparison between two (wildly) different concepts

Connotation

A word to suggest a different association than its literal meaning

Denotation

A literal framing of a term or sign

Diction

The choice of words used by the writer to convey their message

Didactic

The type of literature that is meant to instruct or teach

Enumeratio

Making a point forcibly by listing detailed causes or effects

Expletive

A single word or short phrase intended to emphasize surrounding words

Euphemism

A word or phrase that softens an uncomfortable topic

Exposition

Allows the writer to communicate external info with the reader

Extended Metaphor

Comparing unrelated topics with figurative language for more than a sentence

Genre

The classification of literary works by its form, content, and style

Homily

A reading of scripture giving “public explanation of a sacred doctrine” or text

Hyperbole

Exaggerated claims not meant to be taken literally

Hypophora

A writer raises a question and then immediately answers it

Imagery

Words that appeal to the senses (visual, touch, smell, etc.)

Colloquialism

The use of informal, everyday language in writing

Anecdote

A brief story about something interesting or funny in a person’s life

Antecedent

A substantive phrase that is substituted with pronouns