Which rhetorical device repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses?

Which rhetorical device repeats a word or phrase at the beginning of successive sentences or clauses?

• A. Anaphora
• B. Alliteration
• C. Metaphor
• D. Irony

Answer: (A)

Repetition at the start of successive sentences is called anaphora. It works by repeating the same word or phrase right at the beginning of each clause or sentence, which gives emphasis and a driving rhythm to the passage. Think of a speaker who repeats a phrase like "We shall" at the start of several sentences to build momentum and unify the ideas that follow. This device is a deliberate pattern that helps audiences remember key points and feel the emphasis building. Alliteration, by contrast, repeats similar consonant sounds at the beginnings of words, not the exact same word at the start of each sentence. Metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, not about repeating words at sentence starts. Irony is about saying something that contrasts with its literal meaning, also not defined by the repetition pattern described.

Repetition at the start of successive sentences is called anaphora. It works by repeating the same word or phrase right at the beginning of each clause or sentence, which gives emphasis and a driving rhythm to the passage. Think of a speaker who repeats a phrase like "We shall" at the start of several sentences to build momentum and unify the ideas that follow. This device is a deliberate pattern that helps audiences remember key points and feel the emphasis building.

Alliteration, by contrast, repeats similar consonant sounds at the beginnings of words, not the exact same word at the start of each sentence. Metaphor is a direct comparison between two unlike things, not about repeating words at sentence starts. Irony is about saying something that contrasts with its literal meaning, also not defined by the repetition pattern described.