Fronting

Definition

Fronting is a syntactic phenomenon where a constituent, usually an object or adverbial phrase, is moved to the beginning of a sentence for emphasis or clarity. This rearrangement often helps in highlighting certain information or establishing a more engaging discourse, connecting it to how we structure sentences and present new or important information.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Fronting is often used to draw attention to specific elements of a sentence, making it useful in both spoken and written communication.
2. This technique can help manage the flow of information by placing known information at the beginning and introducing new information afterward.
3. In many cases, fronting alters the focus of the sentence without changing its overall meaning, allowing speakers or writers to control emphasis.
4. Fronting can be particularly effective in narrative contexts, where emphasizing certain details enhances engagement and interest.
5. In English, fronting is frequently seen with adverbial phrases, such as 'In the garden, I found a cat,' which shifts the focus from the subject to the location.

Review Questions

• How does fronting affect the structure and clarity of a sentence?
  • Fronting impacts sentence structure by rearranging elements to emphasize specific constituents. By moving an object or adverbial phrase to the beginning, it enhances clarity and directs the listener's or reader's focus. This change can make complex ideas easier to understand and allows speakers to highlight key information effectively.
• Discuss how fronting relates to the concept of given and new information in communication.
  • Fronting is closely linked to managing given and new information within discourse. By placing known or previously mentioned information at the start of a sentence, speakers establish a reference point before introducing new content. This technique ensures that listeners can follow along more easily and understand how new information connects to what they already know.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of fronting as a technique for enhancing emphasis in narrative writing versus expository writing.
  • Fronting can be highly effective in narrative writing as it draws attention to important plot details, enhancing engagement and emotional impact. In contrast, while it can still be useful in expository writing, its effectiveness may vary depending on the clarity required for presenting factual information. Evaluating its use shows that in narrative contexts, it fosters excitement and interest, while in expository contexts, it should be balanced with straightforwardness to maintain clarity.

Related terms

Topic Shift: The process of changing the subject of conversation or writing to introduce new information or to redirect attention.

Cleft Sentences: A grammatical construction that divides a sentence into two clauses, often used to emphasize a particular element within the sentence.

Dislocation: A construction where a phrase is moved away from its canonical position in a sentence to create emphasis or clarity, similar to fronting.