The repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses is called:

• A. Epistrophe
• B. Anaphora
• C. Alliteration
• D. Anadiplosis

Answer: (B)

Anaphora is the repetition of a word or phrase at the beginning of successive clauses. This technique highlights an idea, adds emphasis, and creates a drumbeat-like rhythm that can make a message feel more forceful or memorable. For example, repeating the same phrase at the start of each clause, as in “We shall fight on the beaches. We shall fight on the landing grounds. We shall fight in the fields,” lingers in the listener’s ear and strengthens resolve. The other terms describe different patterns: epistrophe repeats at the end of clauses, alliteration repeats initial sounds in nearby words, and anadiplosis starts a new clause with the last word of the previous one.