Rhetorical Devices Table

Rhetorical Device
Definition
When to use or Example
Hyperbole
Rhetorical exaggeration. Hyperbole is often accomplished via comparisons, similes, and metaphors.
Make a point strongly. Makes the reader snap to attention and foucus. Demonstrates the difference between two things. Caution it is overused and can weaken writing if not used carefully. Do not use to avoid using actual figures or just fill up space
Understatement
A rhetorical form in which the force of a descriptive statement is less than what one would normally expect
The middle east is currently having some political squabbles
Litotes
Deliberate understatement, especially when expressing a thought by denying its opposite.
Can be combined with understatement for emphasis. Allows the reader to say what isn't true without committing as strongly to what is true
Anthesis
Juxtaposition of contrasting words or ideas (often, although not always, in parallel structure).
Since humans love organization and categories this can be helpful. It can be built by contrasting different parts of a statement. Sentence structure can be identical but uses opposing words. Entire clauses can be change to contrast one another. Using alliteration when using this strategy can be effective.
Hypophora
A figure of reasoning in which one asks and then immediately answers one's own questions
Can be used to start a paragraph. Used to anticipate questions or concerns you think your reader may raise. Helps your reader with info they don't know without forcing on them. Can bring up numbered points. Can be implied
Rhetorical Question
The rhetorical question is usually defined as any question asked for a purpose other than to obtain the information the question asks.
You must have a purpose for using this- not just laziness. Make the reader pause for taught. Drives your point home with gusto. Needs a simple yes or no one taught answer. Not ambiguous. Best reserves for only crucial points. Overuse weakens writing
Procatalepsis
Refuting anticipated objections. Directly addresses/deals with objections
Tackle likely, common or troubling objections head on. Can be used if you don’t have an answer to the objection- honest and humble. Come up with own argument to bolster your point. Have a type of person who objects. Too many objections and maybe your point isn’t worth arguing.

Rhetorical Device
Definition
When to use or Example
Distinctio
Form in which the writer elaborates on a definition of a word to make sure there is no misunderstanding
Tells the reader exactly what you mean. Can be used to handle hotly debated words. The material you add using this device can be put in parentheses
Simile
A device in which the writer compares two things using the words like or as pointing out likeness between the two objects being compared
You’re as fat as an elephant
Metaphor
A comparison where in the writer speaks as one thing as if it where another using a "to be" verb usually
She had the smile of an angle
Analogy
Compares two things, which are alike in several respects, for the purpose of explaining or clarifying some unfamiliar or difficult idea or object by showing how the idea or object is similar to some familiar one.

Allusion is a short, informal reference to a famous person or event
When using these you should keep your target audience in mind. This is used as a short cut to help your reader understand what you’re talking about. You want to make sure your pop-culture references do not tie you to a particular era, You may need to make sure your reader is familiar with your reference
Eponym
substitutes for a particular attribute the name of a famous person recognized for that attribute
A device in which makes a reference to a specific person to link his or her attributes to someone else. Should be used sparingly but can transform a description of a mundane person to something with more of a punch
Sententia
quoting a maxim or wise saying to apply a general truth to the situation; concluding or summing foregoing material by offering a single, pithy statement of general wisdom
This device is best used to sum up what u've been talking about in the preceding paragraph. It is most effective when used in short paragraphs
Exemplum
citing an example; using an illustrative story, either true or fictitious
Some of the strongest of these are drawn from the real world. Make sure you have correct facts, toughly. A good one of these should support your point in a way that seems natural
Climax
consists of arranging words, clauses, or sentences in the order of increasing importance, weight, or emphasis
This should be very distinctive and clear to your reader. If it is somewhat obscured it suggest that the writer did not organize his/her
Rhetorical Device
Definition
When to use or Example
Metabasis
A device used to sum a body of work that has come before so as to allow movement to a new point
This organizational device usually takes the form of a sentence or series of sentences summing up key points It is a sign of a transition
Parenthesis
A device used to insert a aside or additional information into the main flow of your writing. A fancy term for a quotation

Use commas in formal and academic writing, dashes to jolt the reader and for less formal writing. This device is used to place a bit of information into text to help your reader better understand
Epithet
A common stylistic device involving attaching a descriptive adjective to a noun to bring a scene to life or to invoke a particular idea or emotion adjective or adjective phrase appropriately qualifying a subject (noun) by naming a key or important characteristic of the subject, as in "laughing happiness,"
Zeugma
A device in which the unexpected items in a sentence are linked by a shared word
Zeugmatic usage would include one subject with two (or more) verbs, a verb with two (or more) direct objects, two (or more) subjects with one verb, and so forth. The main benefit of the linking is that it shows relationships between ideas and actions more clearly.
Hyperbaton
A device in which you arrange the words in a sentence in an unexpected order
From his seat on the bench he saw the girl content-content with the promise that she could ride on the train again next week.

Aporia
Deliberating with oneself as though in doubt over some matter; asking oneself (or rhetorically asking one's hearers) what is the best or appropriate way to approach something.
Common in political discourse this may be used to seem to address a point while actually dismissing it. Rather than ignore the criticism or common question. Which can weaken an argument a writer may use this to acknowledge the criticism, but then move on without any discussion may be smelling a rat
Amplification
involves repeating a word or expression while adding more detail to it, in order to emphasize what might otherwise be passed over. In other words, amplification allows you to call attention to, emphasize, and expand a word or idea to make sure the reader realizes its importance or centrality in the discussion.
In my hunger after ten days of rigorous dieting I saw visions of ice cream--mountains of creamy, luscious ice cream, dripping with gooey syrup and calories.

Personification metaphorically represents an animal or inanimate object as having human attributes--attributes of form, character, feelings, behavior, and so on. Ideas and abstractions can also be personified.
The cool wind gently bathed the runner’s hot and tired body
Parataxis
writing successive independent clauses, with coordinating conjunctions, or no conjunctions
My dad went to Las Vegas, he lost his money he came home