Anacrusis

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Anacrusis

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Anacrusis is the lack of emphasis on the first few words of a sentence.

Example

In the town where I was born... (from Beatles song 'Yellow Submarine' - 'town' receives the first emphasis; 'In the' is the unstressed anacrucis).

When I was young my father said, said 'Son I have something to say...

Are you ready to buy this now?

Discussion

Anacrusis is less a grammatical figure and more a name for the pattern that appears in particular in songs. nevertheless it is useful in understanding the impact of emphasis.

Within a sentence, emphasis is normally placed on key words. These are the words that the speaker wants the listener to pay particular attention to. Other words fill in and give context. They may also be used to create subtle influence.

Classification: Meaning