Use Syntactical Structures Strategically - AP English Language and Composition

Correct: 'She likes cooking, reading, and jogging.'. All items must follow the same grammatical pattern (gerunds in this case).

'Every day, every night, in every way, I am getting better and better.'. The phrase repeats 'every' at the beginning of each clause for emphasis.

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. Creates rhythm and emphasis through strategic repetition of opening words.

The structure is parallelism. Both clauses have similar structure: 'To [verb] is [adjective].'

Antithesis is used to create contrast and highlight differences. Placing opposites together emphasizes the distinction between ideas.

Correct: 'He wanted to win, to be famous, and to gain respect.'. All three elements must use the same infinitive structure.

The question is rhetorical. The question expects no answer; it's used for emphasis about obviousness.

A periodic sentence builds suspense or emphasis by delaying the main clause. The main idea comes at the end, creating anticipation and focus.

Asyndeton is the omission of conjunctions in a series for effect. Creates speed and urgency by removing connecting words between items.

Polysyndeton is the use of multiple conjunctions close together for effect. Creates rhythm and can suggest abundance or overwhelming detail.

Epistrophe emphasizes a repeated word or phrase at the end of successive clauses. End repetition creates strong closure and memorable impact.

The repetition of 'no evil' is an epistrophe. The word 'evil' ends each of the three parallel phrases.

Inverted sentences emphasize a particular part of the sentence. Unusual word order draws attention to the inverted element.

The structure is an inverted sentence. Prepositional phrase 'In the garden' appears before subject 'roses.'

A complex sentence contains one independent clause and at least one dependent clause. The dependent clause cannot stand alone and needs the main clause.

Rhetorical devices enhance persuasion, emphasis, and clarity in writing. Strategic language choices strengthen arguments and engage audiences effectively.

The sentence is complex. 'Although it was raining' is dependent; main clause follows comma.

The phrase uses aphorism. A brief, memorable statement expressing a general truth or principle.

The structure is asyndeton. No conjunctions connect the three parallel phrases, creating quick pace.

The parenthesis is '(after taking five minutes to think)'. The parenthetical element provides additional but non-essential information.

Ellipses create a pause or indicate omitted material. Creates suspense, shows hesitation, or indicates trailing thoughts.

Hyperbaton is the inversion of the normal order of words for emphasis. Disrupts expected word order to draw attention to specific elements.

The structure is hyperbaton. Normal word order is inverted: 'Some by virtue fall' instead of expected order.

Rhetorical questions engage the audience and provoke thought without expecting an answer. Forces readers to consider the implied answer or reflect on ideas.

Correct: 'The book and the pen are on the table.'. Combines repeated information into one concise parallel structure.

This is a complex sentence. Contains a dependent clause 'Despite the rain' and main clause.

Short sentences create a sense of urgency or emphasis. Brief statements grab attention and create dramatic impact.

The repetition of 'it was' is anaphora. The phrase 'it was' begins both clauses for rhythmic effect.

A balanced sentence uses parallel structures of approximately the same length and importance. Equal weight given to parallel elements creates symmetry and emphasis.