This document is designed to help give students a succinct and purposeful list of purposeful verbs to userather than

the word use or its more eloquent synonymswhile completing rhetorical analysis assignments. It is governed by
the philosophy that if students can either identify the rhetorical mode or the element of classical argument structure
that is exhibited in the text at hand, then they wont have to overthink identifying the rhetorical strategy because they
will have a go-to word that clearly delineates what the author is doing. Remember: Devices are nouns, and
strategies are ACTION VERBS (that are not related to the word uses).

Rhetorical and Argumentative Verbs

Give Uses a Rest

Rhetorical Modes Classical Argument Other Verbs of Rhetorical

Structure (Oration) Merit
Narration Exordium/Background Info 1. Considers
1. Narrates 1. Creates 2. Reasons
Description 2. Initiates 3. Evokes
2. Describes 3. Introduces 4. Elicits
Exemplification 4. Illustrates 5. Addresses
3. Exemplifies Partition 6. Provides
4. Provides 5. Presents 7. Distinguishes
Compare and Contrast 6. Develops 8. Demonstrates
5. Compares 7. Claims 9. Provokes
6. Contrasts Confirmation 10. Maintains
7. Juxtaposes 8. Confirms 11. Repeats
Classification and Division 9. Supports 12. Avoids
8. Divides 10. Rationalizes 13. Concludes
9. Classifies 11. Legitimizes 14. Excludes
10. Categorizes Refutation 15. Focuses
11. Characterizes 12. Challenges 16. Incites
Definition 13. Refutes 17. Inspires
12. Defines 14. Accepts 18. Ridicules
Process Analysis 15. Defends 19. Opposes
13. Initiates 16. Counters 20. Assumes
14. Provides So What? 21. Speculates
15. Analyzes 17. Pleads 22. Sympathizes
Cause and Effect 18. Clarifies 23. Alludes
16. Causes 19. Implies
17. Affects 20. Calls to Action

USE Employs Utilizes

Argumentative Structure Common Corresponding Mode

Exordium Narration/Description
Background Information Narration/Cause and Effect/Exemplification
Partition Classification and Division/Definition
Confirmation Exemplification/Cause and Effect/ Process Analysis
Refutation Compare and Contrast/Exemplification
So What? Cause and Effect/ Process Analysis