Analyzing Syntax
The term syntax refers not only to the structure of sentences, their types, their uses, their
connection, and the variations authors choose, but also to smaller structures within sentences.
Phrases (any group of words), clauses (groups of words that contain a subject and a verb), and
even punctuation are also syntactic elements that require a reader’s attention. In my experience,
syntax is probably the literary element students struggle with the most.
Key Questions to Consider about Syntax:
How does syntax contribute to and enhance the meaning and effect of language?
How does syntax contribute to tone, character development, and even theme?
Syntax is basically used to convey three things to readers: meaning, emotion, and emphasis.
Elements of Syntax to Examine:
1. Short, clipped phrases, sentences and clauses tend to create a feeling of quickness,
decisiveness, and speed to a piece. It is important to be aware of the content of a piece and
look for connections to syntax. Pay attention to how pacing relates to the action and purpose
of a particular piece.
2. Long, convoluted sentences, especially with subordinate clauses (these clauses rely on a main
clause; “Even though the broccoli was covered in cheese, Anna refused to eat it.”) at the
beginning tend to slow the pace of a piece. Often they are connected to a contemplative
section, a heavy or serious subject and the writer wants to emphasize it. Sometimes, however,
they are placed in a piece for the purpose of demonstrating the ramblings of a character, the
ludicrousness of an idea, or the ridiculousness of a situation. Watch for occasional satire or
irony in these long sentences.
Element of Definition Example Common Effect
Syntax
Declarative Sentence that makes a The king is sick. Assertive
sentence statement
Imperative Sentence that gives a Cure the king! Authoritative
sentence command
Interrogative Sentence that asks a Is the king sick? Questioning
question
Exclamatory Sentence that makes an The king is dead; long live Emotional
exclamation the king!
Cumulative or A sentence in which the Nothing could deflect that Straightforward,
loose sentence independent/main clause wall of water, sweeping upfront, natural (use
comes first followed by away trees and boulders, this most often when
dependant or subordinate engulfing streets and we speak),
clauses. These types of villages, churning and conversational,
sentences would make roaring like a creature in informal, relaxed,
sense if they were ended pain. etc.
after the main clause.
The hounds continued to
bray - uncontrollably,
maddeningly, and horribly.
Periodic A sentence in which As long as politicians talk Arouse interest/
sentence subordinate or dependant about withdrawal while curiosity and build
clauses appear first they attack, as long as the up suspense to
followed by independent government invades privacy dramatic end (more
clause. In other words, the while it discusses human persuasive than
sentence doesn’t make rights, as long as we act in cumulative)
sense or isn’t complete fear while we speak of
until the end. courage, there can be no
security and there can be no
peace.
Balanced A sentence in which the If a free society cannot help Emphasize contrast
sentence phrases or clauses balance the many who are poor, it or even similarity
each other by virtue of their cannot save the few who are
likeness in structure, rich.
meaning, or length.
Juxtaposition Placing normally The apparition of these Highlights
unassociated ideas, words, faces in the crowd; / Petals similarities and
or phrases next to each on a wet, black bough differences
other
Repetition Words, sounds, and phrases Emphasis or even
are used more than once rhythm
Anaphora Repetition of the same We shall fight on the Emphasis or stirring
word or group of words at beaches, we shall fight on emotions
the beginning of successive the landing-grounds, we
clauses shall fight in the fields and
in the streets, we shall
fight in the hills.
Fragment An incomplete sentence One dollar and eighty-seven Emphasis or urgency
cents.
Chiasmus Sentence strategy in which Ask not what your country Emphasize contrast
the arrangement of ideas in can do for you; ask what or an idea
the second clause is a you can do for your
reversal of the first country.
Asyndeton Deliberate omission of I came, I saw, I conquered. Accelerated or slow
conjunctions in a series of rhythm; emotional
related clauses distress or
excitement; emphasis
of ideas/words
Polysyndeton Deliberate use of many The meal was huge – my Emphasize quantity
conjunctions mother fixed okra and or details; a flowing
green beans and ham and continuous pattern
apple pie and green
pickled tomatoes and
ambrosia salad and all
manner of fine country
food – but no matter how I
tried, I could not consume
it to her satisfaction.
Ellipses ... ... Trailing off,
confusion, etc.
Dash - - Interruption of a
thought or
interjection a thought
into another
Semicolon ; ; Parallel or equal
ideas
Colon : : Emphasizing a word,
result, definition,
explanation, etc.
Italics Emphasis
Capitalization Emphasis
Exclamation ! ! Emphasis; emotion
Point
