RHETORICAL ANALYSIS: POWER VERBS

Summarizing, rather than analyzing, is one of the chief pitfalls of AP rhetorical analysis. Bland verbs,

such as uses, says, and relates, lead the writer into a summary. Specific, powerful verbs and verb

phrases make your writing more analytical and incisive when composing a rhetorical analysis

(sophisticated, close read) of any text.

Suggests Disparages Verbs Related to Rhetorical

Hints Ridicules Modes of Development

Intimates Mocks Compares

Implies Points out contrasts

Questions Sympathizes Classifies

Casts Vacillates Defines

Sheds light Verifies Narrates

Clarifies Suppresses Acknowledges Describes

Masks Emphasizes Argues

Notes Minimizes Persuades

Observes Dismisses Analyzes

Asserts Demonstrates Underscores Explains

Concedes Sugarcoats Exemplifies

Qualifies Flatters Illustrates Summarizes

Affirms Lionizes Structure Verbs

Criticizes Praises Opens

Admonishes Exaggerates Begins

Challenges Downplays Adds

Characterizes Minimizes Connects

Contests Exposes Juxtaposes

Deviates Debates Establishes Evokes Quotes Draws a parallel between

Distinguishes Envisions Cites Foreshadows

Ponders Postulates Draws attention to the irony Turns to

Rationalizes Satirizes Calls attention to details Shifts to

speculates Denigrates Accentuates Transitions to

Vilifies assumes Conclude

Demonizes