Grammatical Techniques Shape Structure and Emphasis
- Grammatical techniques are deliberate choices in syntax and sentence structure that shape how a message is delivered.
- They influence the rhythm, clarity, and emotional impact of a text.
Note
This includes parallelism, subordination, anaphora, chiasmus, and punctuation choices.
Why Grammatical Techniques Matter
- The form of a sentence affects how we feel and interpret it:
- Short, clipped sentences can create urgency or tension.
- Long, flowing sentences can mimic a character’s racing thoughts or create a sense of overwhelm.
- Repetition can build rhythm, unify ideas, or hammer home a point.
Tip
- Writers use sentence structure to control how a passage feels as it’s read.
- A short, abrupt sentence can feel like a punch.
- A long, winding one might feel like a spiral of thought or confusion.
Key Grammatical Techniques
Parallelism
Definition
Parallelism
Parallelism is the repetition of similar grammatical structures in a sentence or series of sentences.
"She came, she saw, she conquered."
- The repetition of subject–verb structure creates a sense of movement and momentum.
- It adds rhythm and finality, reinforcing her dominance and confidence.
- Is used to:
- Emphasize a sequence of actions or traits
- Create a balanced, memorable sentence
Subordination
Definition
Subordination
Subordination involves using dependent clauses to add detail or context to a main clause.
"Although she was tired, she kept going."
- The subordinate clause introduces emotional context, her fatigue.
- The main clause gains strength, showing determination in spite of hardship.
- Is used to:
- Show contrast, cause, condition, or time
- Reveal character motivation or inner conflict
Example
Although she was tired, she continued to work.
Anaphora
Definition
Anaphora
Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences.
"We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds..."
- Repeating “we shall fight” unifies the message and strengthens resolve.
- It mimics a speech-like rhythm, making it emotionally rousing and unforgettable.
- Is used to:
- Build intensity or urgency
- Reinforce key themes or values
Chiasmus
Definition
Chiasmus
Chiasmus is a rhetorical device where the structure of one clause is reversed in the next.
"Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country."
- The reversal of grammatical structure spotlights the shift in responsibility.
- It sharpens contrast and makes the message stick through balance and surprise.
- Is used to:
- Highlight irony, contrast, or transformation
- Make a sentence feel polished or profound
Punctuation Choices
- Punctuation can shape the rhythm and flow of a sentence:
- Periods create short, abrupt sentences.
- Commas and semicolons allow for longer, flowing sentences.
- Dashes and colons can add emphasis or introduce additional information.
Exam technique
- Be specific.
- Instead of saying "The author uses repetition," say "The author uses anaphora by repeating 'We shall fight' to emphasize determination."
How Sentence Structure Shapes Emotion
| Quote | Effect on the Reader | Why It Works |
|---|---|---|
| “He stopped. Turned. Ran.” | Creates urgency and tension. | The short, clipped sentences mimic fast movement and panic. Each full stop forces the reader to pause, echoing each sudden action. |
| “Even though the rain poured and thunder rolled above, she kept walking, head high, each step steadier than the last.” | Feels determined, steady, and relentless. | The long, flowing sentence mirrors her persistence through chaos. The build-up of clauses slows the reader down, emphasizing endurance. |
| “We waited. And waited. And waited.” | Emphasizes frustration or suspense. | Repetition mimics the feeling of time dragging on. The repeated structure puts rhythm behind the emotional weight of waiting. |
Common Mistake
- Students often confuse parallelism with simple repetition.
- Parallelism involves repeating grammatical structures, not just words.
Analyzing Grammatical Techniques in Texts
- When analyzing grammatical techniques, consider:
- What technique is used? Identify the specific grammatical technique.
- How does it affect the reader? Explain the impact on the reader's understanding or emotions.
- Why is it used? Connect the technique to the author's purpose or the text's themes
Example question
Passage from Martin Luther King Jr.'s "I Have a Dream" Speech
I have a dream that one day every valley shall be exalted, every hill and mountain shall be made low, the rough places will be made plain, and the crooked places will be made straight; and the glory of the Lord shall be revealed, and all flesh shall see it together.
Let freedom ring from the prodigious hilltops of New Hampshire.
Let freedom ring from the mighty mountains of New York.
Let freedom ring from the heightening Alleghenies of Pennsylvania.
Let freedom ring from the snow-capped Rockies of Colorado.
Let freedom ring from the curvaceous slopes of California.
Solution
Techniques Used
- Anaphora: Repetition of the phrases “I have a dream” and “Let freedom ring” at the start of multiple sentences.
- Parallelism: Repeated sentence structures that follow the same grammatical pattern (e.g. “Let freedom ring from…” + geographic feature).
Analysis
- Anaphora (“I have a dream” / “Let freedom ring”) creates a strong, memorable rhythm that feels almost musical.
- The repetition builds emotional power, each new line adds weight to King’s vision and inspires the audience.
- Parallelism makes the speech feel unified and structured, tying together different parts of America into one powerful image of equality.
- By repeating the structure “Let freedom ring from…” and naming different states, King suggests freedom should reach every corner of the nation, not just the South.
Exam technique
- Identify the grammatical technique in the following sentence: "She came, she saw, she conquered."
- How does this technique shape the reader's perception of the subject?
- Write a sentence using parallelism to describe a challenging experience.
