Which device involves repeating the first word or words at the start of successive phrases or clauses?

Which device involves repeating the first word or words at the start of successive phrases or clauses?

• A. Alliteration
• B. Epistrophe
• C. Anaphora
• D. Anadiplosis

Answer: (C)

Anaphora is when the same word or words are repeated at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses. This puts extra emphasis on that idea and creates a noticeable rhythm or momentum in the writing or speech. For example, repeating the same starting word across sentences—like “We shall…” in each clause—builds a strong, marching cadence that underscored the speaker’s resolve. Other devices work differently: alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds within words, not the beginnings of phrases; epistrophe repeats a word at the ends of successive clauses; and Anadiplosis repeats the last word of one clause at the start of the next.

Anaphora is when the same word or words are repeated at the beginning of successive phrases or clauses. This puts extra emphasis on that idea and creates a noticeable rhythm or momentum in the writing or speech. For example, repeating the same starting word across sentences—like “We shall…” in each clause—builds a strong, marching cadence that underscored the speaker’s resolve.

Other devices work differently: alliteration repeats initial consonant sounds within words, not the beginnings of phrases; epistrophe repeats a word at the ends of successive clauses; and Anadiplosis repeats the last word of one clause at the start of the next.