Welcome to the world of rhetoric! If you’re here, you’re likely interested in the art of persuasive writing and speaking. One of the key techniques used in rhetoric is the use of repetition, often achieved through anaphora and parallelism. But what exactly are these terms and how do they differ?
Let’s define our terms. Anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. Parallelism, on the other hand, is a similar device that involves repeating grammatical structures within a sentence or passage. Both techniques can be incredibly effective in creating a sense of rhythm and emphasis in your writing or speaking.
So, which is the “proper” word to use? The answer is both! Anaphora and parallelism are both valid and useful techniques, depending on the effect you’re trying to achieve. Throughout this article, we’ll explore the differences between the two and provide examples of how they can be used effectively in your writing.
Define Anaphora
Anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, and speeches to create emphasis, rhythm, and a sense of unity. Anaphora can be used to draw attention to a particular idea or theme, to create a sense of urgency or importance, or to evoke an emotional response from the audience.
For example, in Martin Luther King Jr.’s famous “I Have a Dream” speech, he uses anaphora to emphasize the importance of his message:
“I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.’
“I have a dream that one day on the red hills of Georgia, the sons of former slaves and the sons of former slave owners will be able to sit down together at the table of brotherhood.
“I have a dream that one day even the state of Mississippi, a state sweltering with the heat of injustice, sweltering with the heat of oppression, will be transformed into an oasis of freedom and justice.
In this example, King repeats the phrase “I have a dream” at the beginning of each sentence to create a powerful and memorable message.
Define Parallelism
Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves the repetition of grammatical structures, such as clauses, phrases, or sentences. It is commonly used in literature, poetry, and speeches to create a sense of balance, symmetry, and rhythm. Parallelism can be used to draw attention to a particular idea or theme, to create a sense of unity or coherence, or to emphasize the relationship between different elements of a text.
For example, in Abraham Lincoln’s famous Gettysburg Address, he uses parallelism to emphasize the importance of the sacrifice made by the soldiers:
“It is for us the living, rather, to be dedicated here to the unfinished work which they who fought here have thus far so nobly advanced.
“It is rather for us to be here dedicated to the great task remaining before us—that from these honored dead we take increased devotion to that cause for which they gave the last full measure of devotion.
“That we here highly resolve that these dead shall not have died in vain—that this nation, under God, shall have a new birth of freedom—and that government of the people, by the people, for the people, shall not perish from the earth.”
In this example, Lincoln repeats the phrase “It is for us” and “that” to create a sense of balance and symmetry, and to emphasize the importance of the soldiers’ sacrifice.
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is essential to convey your message effectively. Two rhetorical devices that can help achieve this are anaphora and parallelism. In this section, we will explore how to use these devices in a sentence.
How To Use Anaphora In A Sentence
Anaphora is a rhetorical device that involves repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences. This repetition can create emphasis, rhythm, and a sense of progression in the text.
To use anaphora in a sentence, follow these steps:
- Identify the word or phrase you want to repeat.
- Place the word or phrase at the beginning of each clause or sentence.
- Make sure the repeated word or phrase is relevant to the overall message of the text.
For example:
“We will fight for our rights. We will fight for our freedom. We will fight for our future.”
In this example, the repetition of “we will fight” creates a sense of determination and unity in the text.
How To Use Parallelism In A Sentence
Parallelism is a rhetorical device that involves using similar grammatical structures or patterns in successive clauses or sentences. This repetition can create balance, clarity, and a sense of order in the text.
To use parallelism in a sentence, follow these steps:
- Identify the grammatical structure or pattern you want to repeat.
- Use the same structure or pattern in each clause or sentence.
- Make sure the repeated structure or pattern is relevant to the overall message of the text.
For example:
“She likes hiking, swimming, and biking.”
In this example, the parallel structure of “verb + ing” creates a sense of balance and clarity in the text.
More Examples Of Anaphora & Parallelism Used In Sentences
In this section, we will explore more examples of anaphora and parallelism used in sentences. These literary devices are commonly used in writing to create emphasis, rhythm, and clarity. By repeating words or phrases, writers can drive home a point and make their writing more memorable. Let’s take a look at some examples of anaphora and parallelism in action.
Examples Of Using Anaphora In A Sentence
- “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'” – Martin Luther King Jr.
- “It
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to using anaphora and parallelism in writing, it’s important to understand the differences between the two. Unfortunately, many people make the mistake of using these terms interchangeably, which can lead to confusion and ineffective writing. Here are some common mistakes to avoid:
Mistake #1: Using Anaphora And Parallelism Interchangeably
Anaphora and parallelism are often used together in writing, but they are not the same thing. Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, while parallelism is the repetition of grammatical structures within a sentence or paragraph. Using these terms interchangeably can lead to confusion and ineffective writing.
For example, consider the following sentence:
She walked to the store, to the park, and to the library.
This sentence uses parallelism, but not anaphora. A better example of anaphora would be:
I came, I saw, I conquered.
Here, the phrase “I” is repeated at the beginning of each clause, creating a powerful effect.
Mistake #2: Overusing Anaphora Or Parallelism
While anaphora and parallelism can be powerful tools in writing, it’s important not to overuse them. Using these techniques too frequently can make your writing seem repetitive and dull.
For example, consider the following paragraph:
I love my job. I love my coworkers. I love my boss. I love the work that I do.
This paragraph uses anaphora, but it also overuses the technique, making the writing seem repetitive and dull. A better approach would be to use anaphora sparingly, and to vary your sentence structures to keep your writing interesting.
Tips For Avoiding These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, here are some tips to keep in mind:
- Make sure you understand the difference between anaphora and parallelism.
- Use anaphora and parallelism sparingly, and vary your sentence structures to keep your writing interesting.
- Read your writing out loud to make sure it flows smoothly and doesn’t sound repetitive.
By keeping these tips in mind, you can use anaphora and parallelism effectively in your writing, without making common mistakes.
Context Matters
When it comes to writing, the choice between anaphora and parallelism can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. Both techniques have their own unique strengths, and understanding when to use each one can greatly enhance the impact of your writing.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between anaphora and parallelism might change:
Context 1: Persuasive Writing
In persuasive writing, the goal is to convince the reader to take a specific action or adopt a particular viewpoint. In this context, anaphora can be a powerful tool for emphasizing a particular point. By repeating a phrase or sentence at the beginning of multiple sentences, you can create a sense of urgency and importance. For example:
- “We must act now. We must act decisively. We must act with purpose.”
On the other hand, parallelism can be useful for presenting a series of related ideas in a clear and concise manner. By structuring your sentences in a parallel fashion, you can create a sense of symmetry and balance. For example:
- “We will fight for justice, for equality, and for freedom.”
Context 2: Creative Writing
In creative writing, the goal is often to evoke a particular emotion or create a vivid image in the reader’s mind. In this context, anaphora can be useful for creating a sense of rhythm and repetition. By repeating a word or phrase at the beginning of multiple sentences, you can create a sense of momentum and flow. For example:
- “The rain fell softly on the roof. The rain fell gently on the trees. The rain fell quietly on the ground.”
Parallelism can also be effective in creative writing, particularly when you want to create a sense of contrast or juxtaposition. By presenting two or more ideas in a parallel fashion, you can emphasize their similarities or differences. For example:
- “She was both beautiful and dangerous. Her eyes sparkled like diamonds, but her smile was as cold as ice.”
As you can see, the choice between anaphora and parallelism can depend heavily on the context in which they are used. By understanding the strengths of each technique and how they can be applied in different situations, you can greatly enhance the impact of your writing.
Exceptions To The Rules
While anaphora and parallelism are powerful tools in writing, there are certain exceptions where the rules for using them might not apply. Here are some explanations and examples for each case:
1. Variations In Sentence Structure
While parallelism requires the repetition of a grammatical structure, there are instances where varying sentence structures can be more effective in conveying a message. For example:
- Parallelism: She loved to ski, to snowboard, and to ice skate.
- Variation: She loved to ski, snowboard, and ice skate.
The variation in sentence structure creates a more concise and impactful sentence.
2. Emphasis On Specific Words
While anaphora requires the repetition of a word or phrase, there are instances where emphasizing a specific word can be more effective. For example:
- Anaphora: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.
- Emphasis: I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed.
The emphasis on the word “true” creates a stronger emotional impact and reinforces the message.
3. Creative Writing
While anaphora and parallelism are commonly used in academic and professional writing, there are instances where creative writing allows for more flexibility in sentence structure and style. For example:
- Parallelism: He laughed, he cried, he danced.
- Creative Writing: He laughed, tears streaming down his face, twirling around the room in a wild dance.
The creative writing style allows for more descriptive and imaginative language to be used.
While anaphora and parallelism are powerful tools in writing, it is important to recognize when they may not be the most effective option. By understanding the exceptions to the rules, writers can create more impactful and engaging content.
Practice Exercises
Improving your understanding and use of anaphora and parallelism requires practice. Here are some exercises to help you:
Exercise 1: Identify The Anaphora
Read the following sentences and identify the anaphora:
- “I have a dream that one day this nation will rise up and live out the true meaning of its creed: ‘We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.'”
- “My fellow citizens, ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
- “We shall fight on the beaches, we shall fight on the landing grounds, we shall fight in the fields and in the streets, we shall fight in the hills; we shall never surrender.”
Answer Key:
- Anaphora: “We hold these truths to be self-evident, that all men are created equal.”
- Anaphora: “Ask not what your country can do for you, ask what you can do for your country.”
- Anaphora: “We shall fight”
Exercise 2: Identify The Parallelism
Read the following sentences and identify the parallelism:
- “I came, I saw, I conquered.”
- “It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled, or where the doer of deeds could have done
Conclusion
After exploring the concepts of anaphora and parallelism, it is clear that both play important roles in creating effective and impactful writing. Anaphora, with its repetition of words or phrases at the beginning of successive clauses or sentences, can add emphasis and rhythm to a piece of writing. Parallelism, on the other hand, creates a sense of balance and symmetry by repeating grammatical structures.
It is important for writers to understand the differences between these two techniques and to use them appropriately in their writing. Anaphora is particularly useful for creating a sense of urgency or importance, while parallelism can make writing more cohesive and easier to follow.
Furthermore, understanding the nuances of grammar and language use is crucial for anyone looking to improve their writing skills. By continuing to learn about these concepts, readers can become more confident and effective writers.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.