Figures of Amplification

Point + point + point — piling up supporting details

Gathering together scattered points or details to strengthen an argument or paint a comprehensive picture.

Systematic list of specifics — item by item breakdown

Detailed listing of specific parts, qualities, or aspects of a subject to give a comprehensive picture.

Idea → restatement → restatement — same point refined

Restating the same idea in different words or from different angles, elaborating and refining with each pass.

General point + specific case — 'consider X' illustration

A brief illustrative story or specific example used to clarify, prove, or amplify a general point.

X — or rather, Y — self-correction for emphasis

Correcting or amending a statement just made, either to strengthen it, soften it, or redirect it, creating the appearance of spontaneous self-revision.

Main thread → tangent → return — parenthetical departure

A temporary departure from the main subject to discuss something tangentially related, before returning to the main point.

Redundant modifier that reinforces meaning

Use of more words than necessary to express an idea, adding redundant words for emphasis or style.

A = A restated — definitional repetition

Repetition of the same idea in different words within the same statement; saying the same thing twice.

Cinematic present-tense narration — scene painted before the eyes

A vivid, graphic description of a scene, event, or action presented so vividly it seems to unfold before the reader's eyes.

Detailed verbal rendering of a visual subject — art described in words

A vivid, detailed description of a visual work of art, scene, or object, so elaborate that it brings the subject before the reader's eyes.