Rhetorical Devices and Their Definitions

Definition: The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences to create emphasis or rhythm.
Example: "We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields."

• Anaphora
• Epistrophe
• Chiasmus
• Alliteration

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4

Definition: A sentence fragment used intentionally for a persuasive or dramatic effect, often to emphasize an idea or evoke emotion.
Example: "No light. Only silence."

• A rhetorical question for engagement.
• A complete sentence for clarity.
• Sentence fragment for emphasis or dramatic effect.
• A metaphorical expression for creativity.

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Definition: A rhetorical device that contrasts two opposing ideas in parallel structures to highlight their differences.
Example: "To err is human; to forgive, divine.

• Metaphor
• Syllogism
• Oxymoron
• Antithesis

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Definition: A question asked for effect rather than an answer, often used to emphasize a point.
Example: "Who wouldn’t want to live a life of freedom?"

• Closed question
• Leading question
• Open-ended question
• Rhetorical question

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.8.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Definition: The deliberate omission of conjunctions between words, phrases, or clauses for a concise, dramatic, or rhythmic effect.
Example: "She came, she saw, she conquered."

• Polysyndeton
• Asyndeton
• Ellipsis
• Anaphora

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Definition: A rhetorical device where the structure of two or more clauses is reversed for artistic or persuasive effect.
Example: "You forget what you want to remember, and you remember what you want to forget."

• Antithesis
• Metaphor
• Alliteration
• Chiasmus

Tags

CCSS.L.4.5

CCSS.L.5.5

Definition: A form of understatement where a positive idea is expressed by negating its opposite, often for subtle or ironic emphasis.
Example: "He’s not the worst singer I’ve heard."

• Oxymoron
• Euphemism
• Hyperbole
• Litotes

Tags

CCSS.RL.11-12.6

Definition: The use of similar grammatical structures in phrases or sentences to create balance, rhythm, and clarity.
Example: "She enjoys reading, writing, and painting."

• Cohesion
• Clarity
• Parallelism
• Syntax

Tags

CCSS.L.11-12.6

CCSS.L.9-10.6

CCSS.W.11-12.2D

CCSS.W.8.2D

CCSS.W.9-10.2D

Definition: The omission of one or more words in a sentence, replaced by three dots (...), to create suspense, imply continuity, or allow readers to fill in the blanks.
Example: "I wanted to say something, but…"

• Ellipsis
• Continuation
• Interruption
• Suspension

Tags

CCSS.RI.11-12.4

CCSS.RI.7.4

CCSS.RI.8.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

CCSS.RI.9-10.4

Definition: The deliberate use of multiple conjunctions between words or clauses, often to slow the pace or add a dramatic effect.
Example: "The room was filled with laughter and joy and music and dancing."

• Polysyndeton
• Anaphora
• Epistrophe
• Asyndeton

Tags

CCSS.RL.2.4

CCSS.RL.7.4