2

What is the rhetorical device/argument called when one says:

All surgeons are doctors, but not all doctors are surgeons.

3
  • 1
    I don't know what the "X Y Z, Z Y X" sentence structure is called in English grammar, but I do know "all surgeons are doctors, but not all doctors are surgeons" falls under syllogism in the philosophy of logic (and the term can be applied to such logical propositions in any language, even formal languages like mathematical notation, or programming code).
    – Dan Bron
    Commented Oct 22, 2014 at 21:08
  • 1
    Grammatically, it's two sentences combined into a single sentence by connecting them with a conjunction. Is that the kind of answer you wanted?
    – Barmar
    Commented Oct 22, 2014 at 21:48
  • 1
    @DanBron The statement is certainly not a syllogism as there is not at least two propositions and a conclusion. Commented Nov 22, 2014 at 15:25

1 Answer 1

4

Antimetabole and possibly Chiasmus.

http://grammar.about.com/od/ab/g/antimetabole.htm

1
  • It would be nice to include the definition of each of these words, and possibly an example, in your answer.
    – IanF1
    Commented Mar 20, 2015 at 7:55

Your Answer

By clicking “Post Your Answer”, you agree to our terms of service and acknowledge you have read our privacy policy.

Not the answer you're looking for? Browse other questions tagged or ask your own question.