Anacoluthon: Definition and Examples

An anacoluthon , originating from the Greek word "anakolouthos," meaning "lacking sequence," is a stylistic device characterized by a syntactic deviation or interruption within a sentence, causing a shift from one grammatical structure to another. This interruption disrupts the expected grammatical flow of a sentence and often initiates new sentences or constructions. Characteristics of Anacoluthon Intentional or Unintentional Use: Anacoluthon can be employed intentionally or unintentionally within a text. It may arise naturally in speech or writing when thoughts or expressions become disjointed. Rhetorical Device: In rhetoric, anacoluthon is regarded as a figure of disorder in which the syntax of a sentence does not correlate with the reader's or listener's expectations. This deviation from expected sentence structure can serve rhetorical purposes within a discourse. Distinct from Hyperbaton: Anacoluthon should not be confused with hyperbaton, another figure in…