Analyzing & Discussing Diction, Syntax & Style

Following are words that lend themselves to DICTION, SYNTAX, VOICE, and overall STYLE analysis. This is not a complete list – add to this list as you find new descriptors. Do not confuse these descriptors with your TONE word list – they are not necessarily interchangeable although some will work for both.

NOTE: Never substitute terminology for analysis. Always connect the rhetorical strategy and/or literary term (and example) directly to the effect it creates in the passage. Include clear commentary after all supporting quotations and tie to the total meaning/purpose.

Formal

Elevated/High

Informal

Low

Loaded

Plain

Dry

Precise

Matter-of-fact

Forthright

Sparse

Austere

Unadorned

Ornate

Pompous

Haughty

Flowery

Elaborate

Elegant

Disorganized

Jumbled

Chaotic

Obfuscating

Erudite

Esoteric

Sprawling

Dramatic

Didactic

Pedantic

Transcendental

Journalistic

Terse

Laconic

Harsh

Grating

Cacophonous

Musical

Rhythmic

Mellifluous

Lilting

Lyrical

Euphonic

Whimsical

Jovial

Staccato

Abrupt

Solid

Thudding

Sprawling

Solemn

(Ir)Reverent

Intimate

(Deceptively) Simple

Complex

Abstract

Concrete

Generalized

Specific

Repetitive

OTHER IDEAS related to DICTION: denotation, connotation; slang, jargon, dialect, colloquialism, euphemisms, cliché(s)

DICTION can also belong to specific “categories”: religious/spiritual, philosophical, etc.

OTHER IDEAS related to SYNTAX: pacing, rhythm – Syntax DOES NOT work in isolation

REVIEW the handout on Syntax – specific terminology