Periphrases: Use and Abuse

A periphrase is: the use of more words than are necessary to express the idea; a roundabout, or indirect, way of speaking; circumlocution.

A rhetoric device, periphrasis often occurs when one word would do, but the writer deliberately uses several. For instance, the 'briny deep' (ocean) or 'green emeralds' (eyes)

Periphrases commonly feature in popular fiction because they make a text accessible, giving common language uncommon meaning


Here are some periphrastic forms and their inflected counterparts:
Inflected Form:            Periphrastic equivalent:
kind-er                                   More kind
nasti-er                                  More nasty
funni-er                                  More funny

Perhaps you think it's wiser to stay away from some periphrastic forms, as it's more straightforward to say "kinder" than "more kind." However, above we'd probably agree that "briny deep" is more creative than "ocean." So here we demonstrate how periphrasis can be used and abused!


Sometimes though, it doesn't seem to make a massive difference. Consider the following:
Full Verb:                    Periphrastic alternative:
to drink                                   to have a drink (another meaning?)
to walk                                   to take a walk
to present                               to give a presentation


Periphrasis often gives style to a piece, although perhaps the addition of "more" to "kind" -as outlined above- in a text doesn't tend to amount to much for the reader. It's a bit fluffy, hm? An awareness of variation however is always helpful, and can really add that richness to your work~


An example of periphrasing working its subtlety is: "Polly laughed, the kindly girl."

The added description of Polly being kind shapes the reader's opinion of her.


So, periphrasing, not to be confused with paraphrasing! Experiment with your writing and see how periphrasis can make a difference

Hope this helped!

write~