Anapodoton

The anapodoton, also ananpodoton, is a rhetorical stylistic device, but can also be considered as a style defect. The anapodoton is a special case of the anacoluth describing a sentence break. The style figure describes the circumstance that only the first part in a sentence is obtained with a corresponding conjunction (though – both, both – and – neither – etc.).

The term is derived from the Greek (anapodosis) and can be translated without retribution. As a result, the translation refers to what is at stake. In the widest sense retaliation means the reaction to a previous act. In this case, the act is the first word of a corresponding conjunction which remains unanswered. Let us look at an example.

Although I am glad that you came,
[] my time today is very limited.
In the example above, however, the conjunction (linkword) is missing, which is requested by the word. As a result, the actual sentence structure is interrupted or interrupted by the omission of a word. Thus, the utterance is fragmented and bumpy.

In this case, the anapodoton merely suggests a careless expression of the speaker. However, it can be used as stylistic means. For example, if not only the rear part of the two-part conjunction is missing in the utterance, but further elements of the respective sentence are underlined by the speaker. Let us look at another example.

I like you both your soft skin …,
[] you know what I mean, beautiful.
Here we are dealing with a breakdown of the actual statement. The sentence thus started is, so to speak, rethought, replanted, and ended differently when it was begun. In this case as well, a substantial part is missing, which is requested by both: namely the word sequence as well.

In this example, however, the effect is larger and not just as if the speaker had made an error. Rather, the omission of a possible space, which can be filled by the receiver, is the result. Here the proximity to Anakoluth is obvious.

Note: Although the anapodoton can be used as a stylistic tool in rhetoric, it is, above all, a part of our language when starting sentences are wrongly continued.
Overview: Meaning, effect and function of the anapodoton
The anapodoton describes the fact that a two-part or a corresponding conjunction is not brought to an end. As a result, a sentence which has started can be bumpy. As stylistic means it is only to be designated if the speaker is intentional and not just an unintentional style mistake.
The figure is related to the Anakoluth. As anakoluth is meant the breaking of the sentence or a break in the structure of the sentence. This happens, for example, when a speaker redirects during the speech and re-maps the sentence.
In the literature, the anapodoton is predominantly found in dialogues. In the same way as the anacoluth, it is said to produce vitality in the language. Furthermore, it can cause an excited, hectic mood or refer to the uncertainty of speech.
Ernst Bloch, a German philosopher, attested to the anakoluth in his essay Spoken and written syntax that it represented the real language much better than the usual, but unbroken language of writing, which seems rather smoothed.
Branched conjunctions: either – or, both – and also – though, on the other hand – on the other hand, not only – but, anyway, neither – nor