Figures of Grammar

A grammatical figure (figura constructionis) is one that depends upon some manipulation of specific grammatical elements, or which purposefully alters normal grammatical conventions for effect. Grammatically based figures are often simply the purposeful or artistic use of grammatical vices.

This classification of figures has by no means been universal over time. The following list is a synthesis.

Many grammatical figures are syntactical, relying upon some arrangement, manipulation, or emphasis of syntax. These are in fact grammatical schemes.

Some grammatical figures depend upon some sort of grammatical substitution:

Some grammatical figures may in fact be errors or vices (or the purposeful use of these):