Question

What is a good way to remember hyperbaton?

Answer 1

Hyperbaton is an inversion of the normal order of words.

Explanation:

Think of someone in a parade flipping a baton. In hyper baton (get it?) , the normal order of words is flipped. When the baton is flipped, it's purpose and use is still the same. This is just like a hyperbaton; even if the order is flipped, it's meaning and purpose is still the same.

Here is an example of a hyperbaton from "Wasteland" by T.S. Eliot:

"You cannot say, or guess, for you know only ."

The phrase in bold is the hyperbaton. Let's say the sentence was corrected back to a normal, standard form:

"You cannot say, or guess, for only you know."

The only difference between the revised sentence and the original is just the wording of it. The meaning is still maintained.

Next time you need to remember, flip a baton!