Sarcasm is a form of verbal irony in which individuals say the opposite of what they mean to mock someone or something, show irritation, or be humorous. In sarcasm, what seems like praise is actually a caustic remark, and it is signaled by a change in intonation. For example, if someone makes a mistake, you might respond with “Oh well done!” Because sarcasm can easily come across as rude, it is important to use it carefully.
Sarcasm examples How nice of you to join us! (When someone is late to a meeting)
That’s just what I need. (After something bad or annoying happens)
Antithesis is placing two contrasting ideas within a balanced structure, as in “Go big or go home.” By setting opposing elements side by side, antithesis highlights key differences between them and creates rhythmic statements that stick in our minds. Antithesis is common in writing and speaking, where it is often used to explain and emphasize complicated concepts.
Antithesis examples“That’s one small step for a man, one giant leap for mankind.”—Neil Armstrong
“My only love sprung from my only hate.”—Romeo and Juliet (Act 1, scene 5) by William Shakespeare
“Better to reigninHell, than serveinHeaven.”—Paradise Lost by John Milton
Repetition is using the same word, phrase, or sound more than once in a short passage. When a writer employs repetition, they do it purposefully to add emphasis and provide clarity. We encounter this technique in all types of writing, but it is more frequently used in songs, poetry, and speeches.
Repetition exampleAnd miles to go before I sleep, and miles to go before I sleep.
—Robert Frost, “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening”
Dramatic irony is a literary device in which the audience knows something that the characters in a work of fiction do not. As a result of their limited knowledge, the characters often make flawed decisions and face the consequences.
Dramatic irony is used to create suspense as the audience is unsure when and how the character will find out what is actually happening.
Dramatic irony exampleSuppose you are watching a horror movie and you know the killer is hiding in the bedroom closet. The protagonist enters the room unaware of what is lurking in the dark. This is an example of dramatic irony: you have a piece of crucial information that one of the characters doesn’t have.
Because dramatic irony helps to create tension and build up the audience’s anticipation, it is a storytelling device used in many genres, such as horror, comedy, and drama. If you want to explore creative writing, use QuillBot’s Paraphraser!
Parallelism involves using similar structures in two or more phrases, clauses, or sentences, like in the phrase “To err is human; to forgive, divine.” This technique enhances rhythm and balance within the text, making it more engaging and memorable for the reader. Parallelism is common in both everyday speech and works of literature.
Parallelism exampleMany common sayings contain parallelism, such as:
A parable is a short and simple story that teaches some truth, religious principle, or moral lesson. Although fictitious, parables present audiences with realistic scenarios and prompt them to think about how one should behave in life. Parables appear in both religious and secular literary texts.
Parable exampleA well-known parable is the story about “The Boy Who Cried Wolf.” According to the story, a young shepherd boy repeatedly pranked the people in his village, shouting “wolf,” until one day a real wolf approached the village, but the people did not believe him. The wolf killed many of the boy’s sheep before disappearing into the forest. The moral of the story is that if you always lie, then when you speak the truth, no one will believe you.
Imagery refers to language that describes how something looks, tastes, smells, sounds, or feels. By engaging these senses, writers draw readers into the story and immerse them in its atmosphere. Imagery can be found in various forms of writing, including novels, short stories, speeches, and advertising.
Imagery examples The smell of strong perfume wafted in the air.
My muscles tensed as I could feel the anxiety balling up in my stomach.
I tripped over my shoelace while juggling my morning coffee and car keys.
An anecdote is a brief, engaging story about a specific incident or experience, often involving an individual. While they can be real or fictional, anecdotes are typically presented as true. They may entertain, serve as cautionary tales, or reveal character traits. Some are humorous, while others are serious, making them common in casual conversations, speeches, and literature.
Anecdote example Schoolchildren are often told a well-known anecdote about how Sir Isaac Newton developed the idea for his theory of gravity. This story tells of Newton observing an apple falling from a tree, which led him to question why objects fall downward. While the story is likely fictional, it is commonly used to emphasize the power of curiosity and observation.
An epithet is a descriptive word or phrase that highlights a specific quality of a person, place, or thing, such as “Alexander the Great” or “Ivan the Terrible.” While epithets can range from neutral to highly critical, they are powerful linguistic tools that shape our perception and memory of their subjects. As a result, we encounter them in various contexts, including literature, public speaking, and everyday conversations.
Epithet exampleAthletes and teams often earn epithets that capture their playing style or achievements, like “Air Jordan” (Michael Jordan) or “Bronx Bombers” (New York Yankees).
A pejorative is a word used to express disapproval, criticism, or disrespect toward a person, group, or concept. Pejoratives are inherently negative and meant to belittle or insult the subject they refer to. While their seriousness and impact can vary depending on the context and audience, pejoratives are loaded terms and should be used with caution.
Pejorative word examplesDespite her talent, many critics label her as a nepo baby because her father is a well-known Hollywood producer.
After he made that rude comment at the meeting, everyone started to see him as a real jerk.
