Advanced Placement (AP) English Language and Composition Practice Exam

What effect does hyperbaton have on a sentence?

1. It clarifies the sentence for easier understanding

2. It emphasizes certain words by altering their usual order

3. It provides a standard grammatical structure

4. It adds complexity without purpose

The correct answer is: It emphasizes certain words by altering their usual order

Hyperbaton is a rhetorical device that involves the inversion of the usual order of words in a sentence, often to emphasize a particular word or phrase. This deliberate rearranging creates a striking or memorable effect, drawing the reader's attention to the emphasized elements. By placing important words outside of their typical grammatical context, hyperbaton enhances the emotional or thematic resonance of the statement, prompting readers to consider the significance of those words more deeply. In contrast, while the other options touch on different aspects of sentence structure or clarity, they do not capture the specific emphasis that hyperbaton brings through its unconventional word arrangement. For instance, hyperbaton does not aim to simplify or clarify a sentence but rather to invoke a stronger response or highlight specific ideas through its distinctive style.