Definition

Relating to a grammatical error where the expected structure of a sentence is not followed, often resulting in a disconnection between parts of the sentence.

Example

The writer's use of anacoluthic phrases made the text difficult to follow.

Conversation

I was reading this book, and the writing style is so anacoluthic sometimes.

Really? I've never heard that term before. What does it mean?

It means the sentences can start one way and end another, which makes it interesting.

That sounds cool! I love when writers play with language like that.

Synonyms & Antonyms

Root Explanation

Anacoluthic is formed from "ana-" (meaning up or back) and "coluthos" (from Greek "kolluthos", meaning to follow or to be in agreement). The term describes a grammatical construction where the expected sequence of words is interrupted, leading to a lack of grammatical coherence, hence the idea of something that does not follow logically.

Memory Tip

Think of 'up or back' ('ana-') and 'to follow' ('coluthos') to remember that anacoluthic refers to a construction that does not follow the expected grammatical order.

Visually Confused Words