LessonsDelaying and Fronting the Predicate: Restriction, Emphasis, and AnticipationQuiz

Earlier parts of the chapter considered omission, mention, single-word and clausal predicates, and definite and indefinite forms. Placement completes these choices: the same content can be rhetorically reshaped by changing its position.

Omission may achieve economy, definiteness can identify a familiar referent, a clause can strengthen attribution, and fronting can suggest restriction or anticipation. Labeling every result simply “emphasis” erases the distinctions established by the text.

DevicePossible effect
Omitting a predicateEconomy or reliance on context
Using a clauseStrengthening or related predication
Fronting the predicateRestriction, salience, or anticipation

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Delaying and Fronting the Predicate: Restriction, Emphasis, and Anticipation

Earlier parts of the chapter considered omission, mention, single-word and clausal predicates, and definite and indefinite forms. Placement completes these choices: the same content can be rhetorically reshaped by changing its position.

Omission may achieve economy, definiteness can identify a familiar referent, a clause can strengthen attribution, and fronting can suggest restriction or anticipation. Labeling every result simply “emphasis” erases the distinctions established by the text.

DevicePossible effect
Omitting a predicateEconomy or reliance on context
Using a clauseStrengthening or related predication
Fronting the predicateRestriction, salience, or anticipation