What is Diction?

Definition: Diction refers to an author’s word choice and how it impacts meaning or tone.

Example:

• “She sprinted to the door.” vs. “She tiptoed to the door.”

• What’s the difference? One suggests urgency, while the other suggests caution.

What is Syntax?

Definition: Syntax is how words are arranged to create meaning (sentence structure).

Example:

• “I cannot go out.” vs. “Go out, I cannot.” (Shakespearean syntax)

• Changes in word order affect tone and emphasis.

• Look at sentence length and structure:

  • Short, choppy sentences = urgency or tension.

  • Long, flowing sentences = reflection or description.

• Unusual word order can change emphasis (e.g., “Into the room she walked” instead of “She walked into the room”).

• Ask: How does the structure affect the message or tone?

Syntax Clues:

• Look for specific word choices that stand out (formal vs. informal, positive vs. negative, etc.).

• Ask: Why did the author choose this word instead of another?

Diction Clues:

How to Identify Diction & Syntax in a Text/Poem