How we change what others think, feel, believe and do

Antistrophe

Techniques > Use of language > Figures of speech > Antistrophe

Method | Example | Discussion | See also

Description

Antistrophe is the repetition of words at the end of successive phrases or sentences.

Example

I told you do to it, again. Like last time, I had to repeat myself again. Why do I have to always have to say things again and again?

She is the object of my affection and love, just as I am the object of her affection and love.

I know the best party. The Democrats are the best party. I will vote for the best party.

Discussion

Repetition of a word of phrase creates a pattern and so draws attention to it. Repetition is thus a powerful tool that is used in all kinds of persuasive speech and action.

When a word is at the end of something, whether a sentence or a list, the recency effect occurs, where by we are more likely to remember it.

Antistrophe thus uses a combination of repetition and recency to create a powerful linguistic form.

Classification: Repetition