Anaphora Figure of Speech: Definition, Examples & Worksheet

What is Anaphora?

The anaphora figure of speech is basically a recurrence of a word or an expression at the start of consecutive sentences. It is a literary device that is similar to repetition but not exactly a repetition. Recurrence is made purposely to emphasise a particular message or a key idea. One can also define anaphora as a special type of repetition that is used to create rhyme in the lines of a song or poetry. Songwriters and poets use it to improve their emotional connection with their audience. Further, let's see an example of anaphora for a better understanding. 

Stay on your P’s for a better life, stay on your prayers, stay on your priorities, stay on your peace, stay on your positivity, stay on your patience.

In the above sentence, the 'stay on your' recurrence is used as anaphora. The motive for using an anaphora figure of speech here is to build emotional intensity, making the message more effective.

How to Use Anaphora?

Using anaphora in a sentence can be an exciting way to express your message. Learning it will allow the use of the rhyming element to grab readers' attention and convey the message effectively. So, let's look at some easy steps to use anaphora in sentences.

1. Identify The Message

The use of anaphora in a sentence revolves around a central message or theme that you have to convey. Start by identifying the core message or idea that you want to convey. This can help you focus on highlighting the exact message.

2. Choose the Phrase and Structure the Sentences

After identifying the message, the next step is to look for a phrase or word that is unique and rhymes at the same time. It must be simple so that the audience can grasp and remember. Further, use the chosen phrase at the beginning of successive clauses and ensure that a consistent rhythm is maintained.

3. Consider its Impact and Apply in Context

Once you have started structuring sentences, consider how repetition will resonate with your audience, focusing on your core idea. Now, apply your anaphora to the context while ensuring it improves your message's quality.

So, once you have learned the meaning of anaphora, it is easy to use in various contexts. Using it can provide various benefits, like creating a flow and building an emotional connection. Further, to enhance your understanding of this literary device, go through the various examples of anaphora in the next section.

Examples of Anaphora

The anaphora figure of speech is used by writers for multiple reasons. However, the majority of the time, anaphora is used to create a rhyme or convey a message effectively. It is the primary reason that this figure of speech is used in song lyrics and poems. When you hear a repetition of a phrase or a word in lyrics, it's easy for you to connect the message it tries to convey. Further, let's look at some examples of anaphora used in various contexts.

1. Movies: (10 Things I Hate About You)

“I hate the way you talk to me and the way you cut your hair

I hate the way you drive my car; I hate it when you stare.”

2. Literature: (The Handmaid’s Tale)

Perhaps he was merely being friendly.

Perhaps he saw the look on my face and mistook it for something else.

3. Poetry: (Let America be America Again)

“I am the poor white, fooled and pushed apart,

I am the Negro bearing slavery’s scars.

I am the red man driven from the land,

I am the immigrant clutching the hope I seek.”

4. Songs: (If I Ain’t Got You)

“Some people live for the fortune

Some people live just for the fame

Some people live for the power, yeah

Some people live just to play the game.”

5. Television: (Naruto)

If he rips my arms out, I’ll kick him to death!

If he rips my legs off, I’ll bite him to death!

If he rips my head off, I’ll stare him to death!

In each of the above examples, the anaphora figure of speech is used in various contexts. These examples may have helped you understand the proper use of this literary device. So, go ahead and practice using anaphora in the sentence with the help of the worksheets given below.

Anaphora Worksheets & Practice Questions

While you have learned the anaphora meaning and definition, it's time to improve your learning and solve practice questions. It will help you use this literary device in various contexts. Go ahead and solve the two exercises given for your practice.

Exercise 1- Underline the anaphora in each set of sentences below

In this exercise, your task is to underline the anaphora in each sentence set below. Go through each sentence carefully and underline the anaphora in a sentence. At the end of the exercise, we will provide the answers so you can evaluate your understanding of this literary device. 

1. The children were fed. The children were clothed. The children were well cared for. Nobody could dispute that. But were the children loved? Ah-that was the heart of the matter.
2. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; We shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets, and on the hills. 
3. Having a job is responsible. Having a job is respectable. But in my opinion, having a job is also the most boring and unimaginative thing a person could have.
4. Take care of your family. Take care of your friends. Take care of your duties. If you do these things, all will be well.
5. A hard employee never falters. A hard employee never complains. A hard employee never quits.

Answers for Exercise 1

1. The children were fed. The children were clothed. The children were well cared for. Nobody could dispute that. But were the children loved? Ah-that was the heart of the matter.
2. We shall go on to the end. We shall fight in France and on the seas and oceans; We shall fight with growing confidence and growing strength in the air. We shall defend our island whatever the cost may be; We shall fight on beaches, landing grounds, in fields, in streets, and on the hills. 
3. Having a job is responsible. Having a job is respectable. But in my opinion, having a job is also the most boring and unimaginative thing a person could have.
4. Take care of your family. Take care of your friends. Take care of your duties. If you do these things, all will be well.
5. A hard employee never falters. A hard employee never complains. A hard employee never quits.

Exercise 2- Use the given word or phrase as anaphora and write several sentences

In this exercise, you have been given a few words/phrases. Use them as a figure of speech anaphora and make several sentences. Each learner will have a distinct answer for this exercise. The sentence structure exercise will help you easily understand the use of anaphora in various contexts. Make sure to check the sample answers provided for your reference.

1. Now we have
2. It was me
3. They
4. Dance
5. We will

Answers for Exercise 2

1. Now we have the bravery to tell the truth. Now we have the unity to stand together. Now we have the control to change our future. Now we have what we once only dreamed of.
2. It was me who waited when everyone else walked away. It was me who believed when no one else did. It was me who carried the silence of pain with a smile.
3. They told lies in the name of love. They guaranteed peace but brought only war. They observed as the world burned around them. They forgot what it meant to be human.
4. Dance in the night as if no one is watching. Dance through the obstacles that life throws your way. Dance even when your heart feels heavy. Dance because your soul still remembers joy.
5. We will rise even after the darkest nights. We will fight for those who cannot fight for themselves. We will build a world that our children deserve. We will not be silent in the face of injustice.

Conclusion

In a nutshell, Anaphora figure of speech is a crucial literary device writers use for various purposes. Using anaphora, you can create rhymes and maintain flow. This blog has all the necessary information required to learn the anaphora figure of speech from the beginning. Further, the blog has included practice worksheets to learn this literary device effectively. However, if you still face trouble learning English grammar elements, connect with experts at Gradding.com. They can help you learn other crucial grammar elements such as tenses, adjectives, pronouns, etc.

FAQs

1. Is Anaphora just repetition?

Anaphora is a special type of repetition in which a word or phrase is used at the beginning of subsequent sentences or lines of a song or poetry.

2. What are 5 examples of Anaphora?

• It was the best of times; it was the worst of times.
• "My life is my purpose. My life is my goal. My life is my motivation." 
• "Fool me once, shame on you. Fool me twice; shame on me."
• "Out of sight, out of mind."
• "Monkey see, monkey do."

3. What is the effect of Anaphora?

Anaphora is used by writers to make the sentences more effective. The use of anaphora can help build emotion or improve influence.

4. How do you use anaphora in a sentence?

The effective use of Anaphora can be done by identifying a word or phrase you want to focus on and repeat it at the beginning of multiple connected sentences.

5. What are the rules of Anaphora?

• The repeated word must be used at the beginning of two or more sentences.
• The repetition in sentences must be purposely done to develop a sense of meaning or to focus on a key message.