explanation of inverted syntax with examples
Explanation of Inverted Syntax with Examples
An inverted syntax refers to a change in the pattern of words in the formation of a sentence. It serves as an effective literary device to create rhyming patterns, a specific tempo, a certain mood, or a dramatic effect. This Buzzle article tells you about inverted syntax with the help of some examples.
Did You Know?
Shakespeare has made ample use of inverted syntax in his literary works, sometimes making his writings difficult to comprehend. His plays 'Romeo and Juliet', 'Hamlet', and 'Macbeth' have several instances of inverted syntax.
Let's start with a simple example:
A 'syntax' is the grammatical order or arrangement of words, as the rules prescribe. In English, the syntax is usually in the SVO format (S - Subject V - Verb O - Object)
Normal syntax: Jane ate a cake.
The format is SVO in this case.
Subject : Jane
Verb : ate
Object : Cake
Inverted Syntax: A cake Jane ate
This is the OSV format.
The use of inverted syntax in literary works or poems has many effects, the most common ones being:
❏ It helps give emphasis to a particular part of the sentence.
❏ It gives a dramatic effect while reading and the reader can visualize the situation better.
❏ In poetry, it helps in creating a rhyming pattern.
❏ It amuses the reader.
Let's take the help of an example to understand the effect of using inverted syntax:
The difference in the sentence formation of the normal format and inverted format, is clearly visible. The dramatic effect which is created in the inverted format, beautifies the poem and displays the plight of the bird as well as the queen in a more effective manner. Both are pampered and spoiled in riches. However, nothing can buy the taste of freedom in this world, is what the poem tries to say. The message has a greater impact because of the use of inverted syntax. Thus, we see how a change in the sentence formation can actually make the message conveyed by the sentence, more effective.
'The Golden Cage' (Normal syntax)
The bird wept in the golden cage,
The queen asked, 'What pain thou have?'
A golden place, a royal life,
The bird said, "What pain thou have?'
A golden palace, a royal life
I see tears,
when you gaze out of your cage
'The Golden Cage' (Inverted syntax)
Wept the bird, in the golden cage,
Asked, the queen, 'Thou have what pain?
A golden place, a royal life',
Said the bird, 'Thou have what pain?'
A golden palace, a royal life',
Tears I see, when
gaze you, out of your cage
❏ 'Romeo and Juliet' by Shakespeare
Inverted Syntax : "What light from yonder window breaks?"
Normal Syntax : "What light breaks from yonder window?"
❏ 'Hamlet' by Shakespeare
Inverted Syntax : "But answer made it none"
Normal Syntax : "But it made no answer"
Inverted Syntax : "I shall the effect of this good lesson keep"
Normal Syntax : "I shall keep the effect of this good lesson"
❏ 'Macbeth' by Shakespeare
Inverted Syntax : "The castle of Macduff I will surprise."
Normal Syntax : "I will surprise the castle of Macduff." Inverted syntax is commonly used in poetry to create a rhythmic effect.
❏ 'Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening' by Robert Frost
Inverted Syntax : Whose woods these are I think I know
Normal Syntax : I think I know whose woods these are.
❏ 'All in green went my love riding' by E. E. Cummings
Inverted Syntax : "All in green went my love riding"
Normal Syntax : "My love went riding all in green." The fictional character of Star Wars series, Yoda, speaks mostly in inverted syntax. His quirky language has become quite a rage, with many grammar teachers trying to take his help in teaching what inverted syntax is.
Some of his famous quotes include:
❏ "Begun the Clone War has" (The Clone War has begun.)
❏ "Truly wonderful the mind of a child is." (The mind of a child is truly wonderful.)
❏ "Always in motion is the future." (The future is always in motion.)
We hope this article helped you in understanding the meaning of inverted syntax. If you speak in the Yoda language, as you may like to call it, share with us the inverted syntax phrases that you use or know of. For that, use the comments section below.