enjambment
en-JAM-munt
/ɪnˈdʒæm.mənt/
The continuation of a sentence without a pause beyond the end of a line, couplet, or stanza.
Creates tension, speeds up reading pace, or pulls the reader forward into the next line.
The story behind the word. From French 'enjamber' (to stride over), derived from 'jambe' (leg). The poet literally 'strides over' the end of the line without stopping.
Word relationships
- run-on line: 'Run-on line' is the plain English equivalent term for enjambment.
- end-stopping: End-stopping occurs when a line of poetry ends with punctuation.
Commonly confused with
- end-stopped line: An end-stopped line pauses with punctuation; enjambment spills over without pause.
Word family
- enjambed (adjective): Describing a line of poetry that continues into the next line without punctuation.
Collocations
- dramatic enjambment
- use enjambment
- line-ending enjambment
Example sentences
- "By using enjambment, the poet forces the reader's eye to tumble rapidly down the page." Poetic technique
Memory hook
ENJAMBMENT JAMBS two lines together without punctuation in between! Striding across line breaks.
When not to use
Do not use 'enjambment' if the line ends with punctuation like a period, comma, or semi-colon.
Fun facts
- Modern free verse poetry relies heavily on enjambment to control rhythm and emphasis.
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