Enthymeme describes an argument where one premise is assumed to be so obvious to the audience that it is implied rather than stated. Enthymemes make it much easier to form a logical argument, because it is not necessary to explain each premise.
Enthymeme examplesThe low voter turnout is a concern to everyone. [It is implied that high voter turnout is good.]
It’s a good idea on a long drive to take regular breaks. [It is implied that driving while tired is dangerous.]
There are lots of apps that will help you track and regulate your screen time. [It is implied that too much screen time is harmful.]
Published on
December 10, 2024
by
Trevor Marshall.
Revised on
January 30, 2025.
Anastrophe is a literary device, sometimes called “inversion,” where the word order in a sentence or phrase is reversed. It is done for emphasis, to maintain rhyme or meter in a poem, or for some other effect desired by the author.
Anastrophe examples“Stone Walls do not a Prison make,
Nor Iron bars a Cage” —“To Althea, from Prison” by Richard Lovelace
“Ask not what your country can do for you” —John F. Kennedy’s inauguration speech
“So here I go, it’s my shot; feet, fail me not” —“Lose Yourself” by Eminem
An allusion is commonly used in literature, cinema, music, and art. It is a reference to a person, place, or event that the speaker or writer assumes will be understood by their audience, with the effect that it adds a layer of meaning or insight to the text.
Allusion examplesMicawber-like, Eric assumed that the answer to his problems was just around the corner. [Mr. Micawber in Charles Dickens’ David Copperfield optimistically believes that “something will turn up” to solve his problems.]
Booking this late meant that it was Hobson’s choice for Julie when it came to flights. [Named after a livery stable owner who offered customers the horse nearest the door, or none.]
Winning the election was the governor’s Austerlitz and marked a new phase in local politics. [Napoleon won the battle of Austerlitz, and the battle is often seen as a brilliant and decisive victory.]
