Syntax and Diction Flashcards

Questions and Answers

What does the word 'abstract' refer to?

A narrative style

Concrete language

A type of sentence structure

Intangible ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts (correct)

What is 'anaphora' in syntax?

The omission of conjunctions

Repetition of the same word or group of words at the beginning of successive clauses (correct)

A type of complex sentence

A style of high diction

What is 'asyndeton'?

Deliberate omission of conjunctions in a series of related clauses.

What characterizes a balanced sentence?

Phrases or clauses that balance each other by their structure, meaning, or length. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'chiasmus'.

A sentence strategy in which the arrangement of ideas in the second clause is a reversal. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'colloquialism' refer to?

Nonstandard, often regional ways of using language appropriate to informal speech. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a complex sentence.

A sentence that contains an independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses. Signup and view all the answers

What is a compound-complex sentence?

A sentence that contains two or more independent clauses and one or more subordinate clauses. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'concrete' refer to in diction?

Specific words that describe physical qualities or conditions. Signup and view all the answers

Explain 'connotation'.

The implicit meaning of a word, including suggestions and emotional overtones. Signup and view all the answers

What is a declarative sentence?

A sentence that makes a statement. Signup and view all the answers

What does denotation mean?

The exact literal definition of a word, independent of emotional associations. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'dialect'.

A nonstandard subgroup of a language with its own vocabulary and grammatical features. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'diction'?

An author's choice of words to convey effects, meanings, and emotions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an exclamatory sentence?

A sentence that provides emphasis or expresses strong emotion. Signup and view all the answers

What characterizes high diction?

Language that creates tone free of slang, idioms, and contractions. Signup and view all the answers

What is an imperative sentence?

A sentence that gives a command. Signup and view all the answers

Define an interrogative sentence.

A sentence that asks a question. Signup and view all the answers

What does 'inverted order' mean in syntax?

A sentence in which the predicate comes before the subject. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'jargon'.

Words and expressions characteristic of a particular trade, profession, or pursuit. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'juxtaposition'?

A poetic and rhetorical device where unassociated ideas, words, or phrases are placed next to each other. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a long sentence?

A sentence that is thirty or more words in length. Signup and view all the answers

Define a loose/cumulative sentence.

A sentence that makes complete sense if brought to a close before the actual ending. Signup and view all the answers

What does low diction mean?

Everyday language that is relaxed and conversational. Signup and view all the answers

What is a medium sentence?

A sentence that is eighteen to twenty-nine words in length. Signup and view all the answers

Describe natural order in syntax.

Constructing a sentence so the subject comes before the predicate. Signup and view all the answers

What is neutral diction?

Standard language and vocabulary without elaborate words; may include contractions. Signup and view all the answers

What does parallel structure refer to?

Grammatical or structural similarity between parts of a sentence or sentences. Signup and view all the answers

Define a periodic sentence.

A sentence that makes sense fully only when the end of the sentence is reached. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'polysyndeton'?

The deliberate use of many conjunctions for emphasis or to create a flowing sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is repetition in syntax?

A device in which words, sounds, and ideas are used more than once to enhance rhythm. Signup and view all the answers

What is a rhetorical fragment?

A sentence fragment used deliberately for persuasive purposes. Signup and view all the answers

Define a rhetorical question.

A question that requires no answer. Signup and view all the answers

What is considered a short sentence?

A sentence that is five to seventeen words in length. Signup and view all the answers

What is a simple sentence?

A sentence that contains one independent clause. Signup and view all the answers

Define 'syntax'.

The manner in which an author constructs a sentence. Signup and view all the answers

What is 'zeugma'?

The use of a verb that has two different meanings with objects that complement both. Signup and view all the answers

Describe a telegraphic sentence.

A sentence shorter than five words in length. Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Vocabulary: Diction and Syntax

Abstract: Language that denotes intangible ideas, emotions, conditions, or concepts.
Colloquialism: Nonstandard linguistic expressions, often regional, used in informal speech or writing.
Concrete: Specific words that describe observable qualities and conditions.
Diction: Author's word choice aiming to convey effect, meaning, and evoke emotions.
Denotation: Exact literal meaning of a word without emotional associations.
Connotation: Implicit meanings of a word that include associations and emotional undertones.
Dialect: A unique subgroup of a language characterized by its own vocabulary and grammatical rules.
High Diction: Language that avoids slang, idioms, and colloquialisms, creating a formal tone.
Jargon: Specialized terms used within a particular profession or field.
Low Diction: Everyday language that includes common words, idioms, and contractions.
Medium Diction: Standard language that may include contractions and clear vocabulary.
Neutral Diction: Language without embellishments, maintaining clarity and simplicity.

Syntax: Sentence Structures and Techniques

Anaphora: Repetition of the same word(s) at the start of successive clauses for emphasis.
Asyndeton: Omission of conjunctions in a series of related clauses to create urgency or rhythm.
Balanced Sentence: Structure where phrases or clauses have equal length or meaning.
Chiasmus: Reversal of arrangement of ideas in the second clause for thematic contrast.
Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and one or more subordinate clauses.
Compound-Complex Sentence: Features two or more independent clauses alongside one or more subordinate clauses.
Declarative Sentence: A sentence that states a fact or opinion.
Exclamatory Sentence: Used to express strong emotions or to emphasize a point.
Imperative Sentence: Gives a command or request.
Interrogative Sentence: A sentence framed to ask a question.
Inverted Order: Arrangement where the predicate comes before the subject.
Juxtaposition: Placing unassociated ideas or phrases closely together for effect.
Loose/Cumulative Sentence: Makes sense before reaching the end, often adding further information.
Natural Order: Sentence structure where the subject precedes the predicate.
Parallel Structure: Grammatical similarity between parts of a sentence or multiple sentences.
Periodic Sentence: A sentence that is not complete until the final part is reached.
Polysyndeton: Overuse of conjunctions to create emphasis and a flowing narrative style.
Repetition: The strategic use of recurring words, sounds, or ideas for rhythm and emphasis.
Rhetorical Fragment: A sentence fragment intentionally used for persuasive impact.
Rhetorical Question: A question asked to make a point rather than to elicit an answer.
Short Sentence: Consists of five to seventeen words.
Simple Sentence: Contains only one independent clause.
Telegraphic Sentence: Short sentences consisting of fewer than five words.
Zeugma: A verb that governs two different meanings with objects that fit both.

Sentence Length Classifications

Long Sentence: Contains thirty or more words.
Medium Sentence: Between eighteen and twenty-nine words.
Short Sentence: Five to seventeen words in length.

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Test your knowledge of syntax and diction with these flashcards. Each card features a term along with its definition, helping you comprehend essential language concepts clearly. Perfect for students looking to master these important literary devices.