Allow me to once again display my grammatical ignorance. I was reading an online book review and the author used lots of multisyllabic words. (That’s something I actually enjoy.) But then he went and threw in one of those words I had to rush to dictionary.com to define. (That’s another thing I love—learning new words.)
Naturally, I could partially decipher the definition from the context. However, whenever I have a dictionary within reach, that shortcut doesn’t satisfy me.
In this case, the word was anacolutha, the plural form of anacoluthon. It is defined as “a construction involving a break in grammatical sequence, as ‘It makes me so—I just get angry.’” Well, we can all agree that is not a good sentence; it’s a fine example of what a writer should avoid.
Not all grammar rules make sense. Take for example the notion that one cannot end a sentence with a preposition. Some of us literally had our knuckles rapped for scribbling such grammatical “obscenities.” While it’s true that you can avoid using prepositions in this manner, it’s not the great sin we were taught it was. In his Letters to an American Lady, C.S. Lewis writes:
[Regarding] a sentence ending with a preposition. The silly “rule” against it was invented by Dryden. I think he disliked it only because you can’t do it in either French or Latin which he thought more “polite” languages than English.
Well, isn’t that an interesting historical note to become aware of?
But, back to anacolutha . . . let’s see if it’s difficult for a trained pen to sever the ties of logic, and compose this sort of literary construction.
Reepicheep was a great swordsman who, “a tail is the honor and glory of a Mouse” was his creed.
Frodo pondered his options while—the Nazgûl loathed bathing more than once each fortnight.
Wow, that’s a lot harder than it looks. If you can think of better examples (not difficult, I’m sure), feel free to share them in a comment! But only write them here, and don’t allow any anacolutha to slip into your real writing!
Mere Inkling Press 
I could see perhaps using it as a device to make dialog more realistic. Other than that . . .
I like that… looking for the best in literary oddities–apparently some say the euro is in trouble.
You’re right because we often speak–whoa, look at the sunset!
There you go!
Love your Scrabble messages. You’re the son of one creative Daddy!
Jessica
hiddeninjesus.wordpress.com
Thanks. He certainly is the Fount of creativity and inspiration, isn’t He?
By the way. This is the website where you can create these unique images:
http://www.doodletrick.com/scrabble.html
The Nazgul never bathed– whatever made you think of posting on this?
It’s simply an example of the grammatical theme of the post. Every month or so I select one of these uncommon words to explore. It’s of interest to lots of people, especially writers (to continue to expand our literary knowledge).
As for the notion of the Nazgul bathing… hmm… don’t recall Tolkien saying that they never bathed, so we can’t be certain. I can picture them riding their mounts through lightning and thunderstorms.
I was replying in kind. But remember how scared they were of the Brandywine and Bruinen….
:-D
Thanks for checking out my site. I’ve been following you just ’cause I want to, but it is fun to network!
Excellent!
Very cool post and I learned something new today. I still have people constantly quoting the not ending a sentence with a preposition rule and sometimes I just feel like doing it!
Ah, a “rebellious” spirit! Seriously, as an adult I’m amazed at how upset people can get about things like that rule. There really aren’t any grammar police (although most slang makes me wish there were). Many of the people who achieve the greatest artistry with English appear to pay the least attention to these ordinances.
I agree! The best writers seem to have their own standards which lend themselves to beautiful voices.
I certainly think that – do you really believe that Tolkien could be right? I can’t imagine Nazgul bathing at all.
Nicely done.
Thank you for bringing such things to our attention, providing us with the opportunity to practice them, and for giving us the scoop on the dangling preposition!
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