Tricolon
Pattern
A, B, C — three-part parallel structure
Definition
A series of exactly three parallel clauses, phrases, or words, often with increasing impact.
Examples
Example 1
Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness.
Thomas Jefferson, Declaration of Independence
The most famous tricolon in American political rhetoric
Example 2
Be sincere. Be brief. Be seated.
Franklin D. Roosevelt, advice on speechmaking
Three imperative clauses of identical structure deliver punchy advice
Example 3
Tell me and I forget. Teach me and I remember. Involve me and I learn.
Attributed to Benjamin Franklin
Three parallel compound sentences escalating in depth of engagement
AI Detection Note
One of the most overused AI patterns. LLMs default to groups of three with remarkable frequency — three examples, three reasons, three qualities. The ubiquity of tricolon in AI text makes it a reliable detection signal.
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