anacoluthon Definition
a rhetorical device where a sentence is broken off and resumed in a different syntax or grammar, often creating confusion or surprise.
Using anacoluthon: Examples
Take a moment to familiarize yourself with how "anacoluthon" can be used in various situations through the following examples!
Example
He was walking down the street, I saw him yesterday. (The second clause is an example of anacoluthon.)
Example
I can't believe how much--well, you know what I mean. (The dash here indicates anacoluthon.)
Example
She said to me--no, wait, it was someone else entirely. (This sentence also employs anacoluthon.)
Phrases with anacoluthon
a literary technique where clauses or phrases are placed side by side without conjunctions
Example
Anacoluthon is often used in parataxis to create a sense of disjointedness or confusion.
a literary technique where clauses or phrases are linked together in a hierarchical structure using conjunctions
Example
Anacoluthon can be used to disrupt hypotaxis, creating a sense of surprise or confusion.
a narrative technique that presents the thoughts and feelings of a character as they occur
Example
Anacoluthon is sometimes used in stream of consciousness writing to mimic the way thoughts can jump from one idea to another.
Origins of anacoluthon
from Greek 'anakolouthon', meaning 'inconsequent'
Summary: anacoluthon in Brief
An 'anacoluthon' [an-uh-kuh-loo-thon] is a rhetorical device where a sentence is broken off and resumed in a different syntax or grammar, often creating confusion or surprise. It is often used in parataxis or to disrupt hypotaxis, creating a sense of disjointedness or surprise. Anacoluthon is sometimes used in stream of consciousness writing to mimic the way thoughts can jump from one idea to another.
