Syntax Patterns

11 AP Language and Composition

Syntax

11. Balanced- in a balanced sentence, the phrases or clauses balance each other by virtue of their likeness of structure, meaning, or length Ex: He maketh me to lie down in green pastures; he leadeth me beside the still waters. (Psalm 23:2) Ex: Benjy has no concept of time; Quentin has escaped from time.

Syntax

12.Natural Order- involves constructing a sentence so the subject comes before the predicate. Ex. The Compsons live in Mississippi.

13.Inverted Order(Sentence inversion) involves constructing a sentence so the predicate comes before the subject.

Ex. In Mississippi live the Compsons.

Syntax

14.Juxtaposition- a poetic and rhetorical device in which normally unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to each other for compare and contrast, often creating a surprising effect.

Ex. Caddy’s guilt was reflected in her eyes; they were pools of muddy water created by stormy days.

Syntax

15.Parallel Structure (parallelism)- Refers to a grammatical or structural similarity between sentences or parts of a sentence. It involves the arrangement of words, phrases, sentences, and paragraphs so that elements of equal importance are equally developed and similarly phrased.

Ex. Benjy loved flowers, golf, and slippers. Caddy was disowned by her family because she was promiscuous, got pregnant before she was married, and dishonored the family name.

Syntax

16.Repetition- a device in which words, sounds, and ideas are used more than once to enhance rhythm and to create emphasis EX. To foster a healthy family, Dilsey must organize, Dilsey must nurture, Dilsey must counsel, Dilsey must discipline, Dilsey must love.

Syntax

17.Rhetorical Question- a question that requires no answer. It is used to draw attention to a point and is generally stronger than a direct statement.

Ex: Ain’t I a woman? 18.Rhetorical Fragment- a sentence fragment used deliberately for a persuasive purpose or to create a desired effect.

Ex: Bellowing, lost in despair.

Advanced Syntax

19. Anaphora- the repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses • • Examples: “To raise a happy, healthy, and hopeful child, it takes a family; it takes teachers; it takes business people; it takes community leaders; it takes those who protect our health and safety. It takes all of us” (Hillary Clinton, 1996 Democratic Convention Address). “We are a people in a quandary about the present. We are a people in search of our future. We are a people in search of a national community” (Barbara Jordan, 1976 Democratic National Convention Address).

Advanced Syntax

20. Zeugma- the use of a verb that has two different meanings with objects that complement both meanings • • • Examples: “You held your breath and the door for me” (Alanis Morissette).

He lost his coat and his temper that cold December night.

The addict kicked the habit and then the bucket.