What Is ... Called In Writing

What's That Called in Writing? A Comprehensive Guide to Grammatical Terms and Rhetorical Devices

Understanding the nuances of language is crucial for effective communication, whether you're crafting a compelling novel, a persuasive essay, or a simple email. Knowing the names of different grammatical structures and rhetorical devices empowers you to analyze, critique, and improve your writing. This comprehensive guide explores a wide range of terms used to describe elements of written language, helping you confidently identify and utilize them in your own work. We'll delve into sentence structure, punctuation, stylistic choices, and much more, providing clear definitions and illustrative examples.

Part 1: Sentence Structure and Grammar

Understanding the building blocks of sentences is fundamental to effective writing. This section covers key grammatical terms related to sentence structure.

1.1. Parts of Speech:

• Noun: A word that names a person, place, thing, or idea (e.g., cat, house, freedom).
• Pronoun: A word that replaces a noun (e.g., he, she, it, they).
• Verb: A word that expresses action or a state of being (e.g., run, is, become).
• Adjective: A word that describes a noun (e.g., big, red, happy).
• Adverb: A word that describes a verb, adjective, or another adverb (e.g., quickly, very, extremely).
• Preposition: A word that shows the relationship between a noun or pronoun and another word in the sentence (e.g., on, in, at, to, from).
• Conjunction: A word that connects words, phrases, or clauses (e.g., and, but, or, so, because).
• Interjection: A word or phrase that expresses strong emotion (e.g., Wow! Ouch! Oh no!).

1.2. Sentence Types:

• Declarative Sentence: Makes a statement (e.g., The sun is shining.)
• Interrogative Sentence: Asks a question (e.g., What time is it?).
• Imperative Sentence: Gives a command or makes a request (e.g., Close the door.)
• Exclamatory Sentence: Expresses strong emotion (e.g., What a beautiful day!).

1.3. Clauses and Phrases:

• Clause: A group of words containing a subject and a verb. An independent clause can stand alone as a sentence, while a dependent clause cannot (e.g., Independent: The dog barked. Dependent: Because the dog was hungry.)
• Phrase: A group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb (e.g., in the garden, running quickly, with a smile). Common types include noun phrases, verb phrases, prepositional phrases, adjectival phrases, and adverbial phrases.

1.4. Sentence Structure:

• Simple Sentence: Contains one independent clause (e.g., The cat sat on the mat.)
• Compound Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction (e.g., The cat sat on the mat, and the dog slept on the rug.)
• Complex Sentence: Contains one independent clause and one or more dependent clauses (e.g., The cat sat on the mat while the dog slept on the rug.)
• Compound-Complex Sentence: Contains two or more independent clauses and one or more dependent clauses (e.g., The cat sat on the mat, and the dog slept on the rug while the birds sang outside.)

Part 2: Punctuation and Mechanics

Correct punctuation is crucial for clear and effective communication. This section outlines the uses of various punctuation marks.

2.1. Commas (,): Used to separate items in a list, separate independent clauses joined by a coordinating conjunction, set off introductory phrases or clauses, and more.

2.2. Semicolons (;): Used to join two closely related independent clauses without a coordinating conjunction, or to separate items in a list that already contains commas.

2.3. Colons (:): Used to introduce a list, an explanation, or a quotation.

2.4. Apostrophes ('): Used to show possession (e.g., John's car) and contractions (e.g., can't, won't).

2.5. Quotation Marks (" "): Used to enclose direct quotations and sometimes titles of short works.

2.6. Parentheses (()): Used to enclose additional information or asides.

2.7. Brackets [[]]: Used to enclose information added by someone other than the original author.

2.8. Dashes (—): Used to indicate a break in thought or to set off a parenthetical phrase.

2.9. Ellipses (...): Used to indicate omitted words or a trailing-off thought.

Part 3: Rhetorical Devices and Stylistic Choices

Beyond grammar, effective writing involves employing various rhetorical devices to enhance style and impact.

3.1. Figurative Language:

• Metaphor: A direct comparison between two unlike things (e.g., The world is a stage.)
• Simile: A comparison using "like" or "as" (e.g., He was as strong as an ox.)
• Personification: Giving human qualities to inanimate objects or animals (e.g., The wind whispered through the trees.)
• Hyperbole: An exaggeration for effect (e.g., I'm so hungry I could eat a horse.)
• Onomatopoeia: Words that imitate sounds (e.g., buzz, hiss, bang)
• Alliteration: Repetition of consonant sounds at the beginning of words (e.g., Peter Piper picked a peck of pickled peppers.)
• Assonance: Repetition of vowel sounds within words (e.g., Go slow.)
• Consonance: Repetition of consonant sounds within words (e.g., pitter-patter)

3.2. Rhetorical Devices:

• Anaphora: Repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses (e.g., I have a dream... I have a dream...)
• Epistrophe: Repetition of a word or phrase at the end of successive clauses (e.g., With malice toward none, with charity for all, with firmness in the right.)
• Antithesis: Juxtaposition of contrasting ideas (e.g., That's one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.)
• Chiasmus: A rhetorical device in which two or more clauses are balanced against each other by the reversal of their structures in order to produce an artistic effect (e.g., "Never let a Fool Kiss You or a Kiss Fool You").
• Allusion: A reference to a well-known person, place, event, literary work, or work of art (e.g., He was a real Romeo.)
• Irony: A contrast between expectation and reality (e.g., The fire station burned down.)
• Paradox: A statement that seems contradictory but may hold a deeper truth (e.g., Less is more.)

3.3. Other Stylistic Choices:

• Tone: The author's attitude towards the subject matter (e.g., formal, informal, humorous, serious).
• Mood: The feeling or atmosphere created in the writing (e.g., suspenseful, joyful, melancholic).
• Style: The distinctive way an author uses language (e.g., concise, descriptive, poetic).
• Voice: The individual personality or perspective of the author.
• Diction: The author's choice of words.

Part 4: Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What is the difference between a phrase and a clause?

A: A phrase is a group of words that does not contain a subject and a verb, while a clause does. A clause can be independent (a complete sentence) or dependent (cannot stand alone).

Q: How can I improve my sentence structure?

A: Vary your sentence length and structure. Use a mix of simple, compound, complex, and compound-complex sentences to create a more engaging and dynamic piece of writing. Avoid overly long or convoluted sentences.

Q: What is the best way to learn punctuation?

A: Practice! Read widely and pay attention to how authors use punctuation. Consult style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the MLA Handbook for detailed rules.

Q: How can I use rhetorical devices effectively?

A: Use rhetorical devices sparingly and purposefully. Don't overuse them, as this can make your writing sound artificial. Choose devices that enhance your meaning and create a specific effect.

Conclusion

Mastering the terminology of writing is a journey, not a destination. Continuously expanding your knowledge of grammar, punctuation, and rhetorical devices will significantly enhance your writing skills. By understanding the "what's that called" aspects of language, you gain the tools to analyze, refine, and ultimately create powerful and impactful written communication. This guide serves as a foundation; continued practice and exploration will solidify your understanding and empower you to express yourself with precision and artistry. Remember that the best writers are lifelong learners, constantly refining their craft and expanding their vocabulary of writing techniques. So, keep reading, keep writing, and keep learning!