Syntactical Structures to Know for AP English Language

Understanding syntactical structures is key to effective writing in AP English Language. These techniques enhance clarity, rhythm, and persuasion, allowing you to craft compelling arguments and engage readers through various sentence forms and styles.

1. Parallel structure

   • Involves using the same grammatical form for similar elements in a sentence.
   • Enhances readability and rhythm, making writing more persuasive and impactful.
   • Commonly used in lists, comparisons, and contrasting ideas.

2. Periodic sentence

   • A sentence that presents its main idea at the end, creating suspense.
   • Often begins with subordinate clauses or phrases, leading to the main clause.
   • Effective for emphasizing the main point and engaging the reader.

3. Cumulative sentence

   • Starts with an independent clause followed by additional details or modifiers.
   • Allows for a more conversational tone and can build complexity gradually.
   • Useful for elaborating on a main idea without losing clarity.

4. Inverted sentence

   • The normal word order is reversed, often for emphasis or stylistic effect.
   • Can create a dramatic or poetic effect, drawing attention to specific elements.
   • Commonly used in literary works and speeches to enhance impact.

5. Balanced sentence

   • Contains two or more clauses that are parallel in structure and length.
   • Creates a sense of harmony and balance, making arguments more compelling.
   • Often used in persuasive writing to present contrasting ideas effectively.

6. Antithesis

   • Juxtaposes contrasting ideas in a parallel structure to highlight differences.
   • Enhances clarity and can create a memorable impact on the reader.
   • Frequently used in speeches and literature to emphasize a point.

7. Chiasmus

   • A rhetorical device where the structure of the first clause is reversed in the second.
   • Creates a memorable and impactful statement through its mirrored structure.
   • Often used to emphasize a particular idea or theme.

8. Anaphora

   • The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
   • Builds rhythm and reinforces a central theme or idea.
   • Commonly found in speeches and poetry to evoke emotion.

9. Asyndeton

   • The omission of conjunctions between clauses, creating a rapid, dramatic effect.
   • Can convey urgency or intensity, making the writing more impactful.
   • Often used in lists to emphasize the items presented.

10. Polysyndeton

    • The use of multiple conjunctions in close succession, often slowing down the rhythm.
    • Creates a sense of abundance or overwhelming detail.
    • Can evoke a feeling of continuity or connection among ideas.

11. Zeugma

    • A figure of speech in which a word applies to multiple parts of a sentence.
    • Creates a unique connection between different ideas, often with a surprising effect.
    • Can add depth and complexity to writing by linking disparate concepts.

12. Ellipsis

    • The omission of words that are understood from the context, creating brevity.
    • Can enhance clarity and focus by removing unnecessary information.
    • Often used in dialogue and informal writing to reflect natural speech patterns.

13. Appositive

    • A noun or noun phrase that renames or clarifies another noun next to it.
    • Provides additional information without the need for a separate clause.
    • Enhances detail and specificity in writing.

14. Subordination

    • The use of subordinate clauses to add complexity and depth to sentences.
    • Helps to show the relationship between ideas, indicating which is more important.
    • Essential for creating complex sentences that convey nuanced meanings.

15. Coordination

    • The linking of two or more independent clauses using coordinating conjunctions.
    • Creates compound sentences that can express equal importance among ideas.
    • Useful for balancing thoughts and enhancing the flow of writing.