Rhetorical Grammar : Grammatical Choices, Rhetorical Effects

by Kolln, Martha

• ISBN13: 9780321103383
• ISBN10: 0321103386
• Edition: 4th
• Format: Paperback
• Copyright: 2003-01-01
• Publisher: Longman

Summary

Most writers, even very good ones, would probably admit to a lack of knowledge of and confidence regarding grammar. Many can write good sentences; but shouldn't they be able to discuss them, thinking about alternatives? And many can punctuate their sentences; but shouldn't they, too, be able to explain why? The place in the writing process where a knowledge of grammar often makes the biggest difference is in the revision process. This book therefore provides its readers with the tools to have more confidence in their writing, to have the ability to talk about why they made the writing choices they did, and to see the versatility, beauty and vast possibilities of language. Presenting grammar as a rhetorical tool, this book avoids the "do's and don'ts" so long associated with grammar. It reveals to readers the system of grammar they already know subconsciously, encouraging them to use that knowledge to understand their choices as writers. In addition to providing key strategies for revision, the book presents systematic discussions of audience expectation, sentence rhythm and cohesion, subordination and coordination, punctuation, modifiers, diction, and other principles. Writers, teachers, and anyone who writes in general.

Table of Contents

Each chapter begins with “Chapter Preview” and concludes with “Key terms,” “Rhetorical Reminders” and “Punctuation Reminder.”

Preface.

Introduction.

I. UNDERSTANDING SENTENCES.

1. The Structure of Sentences.
The Two-Part Sentence.
The Expanded Verb.
Sentence Patterns.
The Optional Slot.
The Passive Voice.
"Clause" and "Sentence".
Punctuation and the Sentence Patterns.

2. Cohesion.
Reader Expectation.
The Known-New Contract.
The Role of the Passive Voice.
Metadiscourse.
Parallelism.
Levels of Generality.

3. Sentence Rhythm.
Intonation: The Peaks and Valleys.
End Focus.
Controlling Rhythm.
Rhythm and the Comma.
Power Words.

4. The Writer's Voice.
Tone.
Diction.
Metadiscourse.
Point of View.

5. Coordination.
Coordination Within the Sentence.
Compound Sentences.
The Compound Sentence: Punctuation Review.

6. Brevity and Subordination.
Brevity.
Subordination.

II. MAKING CHOICES.

7. Choosing Verbs.
Showing, Not Telling.
The Overuse of Be.
Verbs and Grammar.
The Abstract Subject.

8. Choosing Adverbials.
The Opening Adverbial.
The Prepositional Phrase.
The Subordinate Clause.
Infinitive (Verb) Phrases.
Movability and Closure.
The Qualifiers.

9. Choosing Adjectivals.
Determiners.
Adjectives and Nouns.
Prepositional Phrases.
Participle Phrases.
Relative Clauses.
The Broad-Reference Clause.
Other Nominals.
Punctuation Revisited.

10. Choosing Appositives and Absolutes.
Appositives.
Absolute Phrases.
Key Words.

11. Choosing Stylistic Variations.
The Coordinate Series.
Repetition.
Word-Order Variation.
Ellipsis.
Antithesis.
The Deliberate Fragment.

III. A WAY WITH WORDS.

12. Word Classes.
Lexical Rules.
Parts of Speech.
The Form Classes.

13. Pronouns.
Personal Pronouns.
Personal Pronoun Errors.
Reflexive Pronouns.
Reciprocal Pronouns.
Demonstrative Pronouns.
Indefinite Pronouns.

V. Punctuation.

14. Punctuation: Its Purposes, Its Hierarchy, and Its Rhetorical Effects.
The Purposes of Punctuation Marks.
The Hierarchy of Punctuation.
The Rhetorical Effects of Punctuation.

Glossary of Punctuation.

Glossary of Terms.

Bibliography.

Answers to the Exercises.

Index.