Cataphora facts for kids

Cataphora is a cool word in linguistics, which is the study of language. It describes a special way we use words.

Imagine you have a word or phrase that refers to something, but you don't know what it is yet. Then, later in the sentence or conversation, the specific thing is finally named. That first, mystery word is called a cataphor.

It's like a puzzle! The cataphor gives you a hint, and then the full answer comes later.

Cataphora is a type of anaphora. Anaphora usually means the specific name comes first, and then a pronoun (like "he" or "it") refers back to it. Cataphora is the opposite!

What is Cataphora?

Cataphora happens when a word or phrase points forward to something that will be mentioned later. It's like saying "it" or "he" before you say "the dog" or "John."

How Cataphora Works

Let's look at an example:

• When he arrived home, John went to sleep.

In this sentence:

• He is the cataphor. It's a pronoun that appears early.
• John is the specific name that "he" refers to. It comes later.

This is different from the usual way we talk. Normally, we might say, "John arrived home, and then he went to sleep." That's called anaphora. Cataphora flips the order!

Examples of Cataphora

Cataphora can make sentences more interesting or build suspense. Here are a few more examples:

Simple Cataphora in Sentences

• If you want some, here's some parmesan cheese.
  • Here, "some" refers to "parmesan cheese."
• After he had received his orders, the soldier left the barracks.
  • "He" refers to "the soldier."
• If you want them, there are cookies in the kitchen.
  • "Them" refers to "cookies."

Cataphora Across Sentences

Sometimes, cataphora can happen over several sentences. This is often used in stories or speeches to create excitement or a dramatic effect. It makes you wonder who or what the speaker is talking about!

For example:

• He's the biggest slob I know. He's really messy. He's so funny. He's my friend, Nick.

In this case, "He" is used three times before we finally learn that the person being described is "Nick." This builds up a picture of Nick before his name is even mentioned.

General Noun Phrases as Cataphors

Cataphora isn't always just about pronouns. Sometimes, a general noun phrase can be a cataphor. This means a less specific description comes first, followed by a more specific one.

• A little girl, Jessica, was playing on the swings.
  • "A little girl" is the general phrase, and "Jessica" is the specific name.
• Finding the right gadget was a real hassle. I finally settled with a digital camera.
  • "The right gadget" is general, and "a digital camera" is specific.

Cataphora for Whole Ideas

Cataphora can even refer to a whole idea or sentence that comes later. This is common in formal writing or when explaining something important.

• I should have known it: The task is simply too difficult.
  • "It" refers to the entire idea that "The task is simply too difficult."
• This is what I believe: that all people were created equal.
  • "This" refers to the belief that "all people were created equal."
• After solving the problem, we found the following: the answer was 10.
  • "The following" points to the answer that comes next.

See also

• Exophora

In Spanish: Catáfora para niños