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literary device - Language technique of preposition starting a sentence?


Specifically, in F. Scott Fitzgerald's 'The Great Gatsby':



With the influence of the dress her personality had also undergone a change.



The phrase "With the influence of the dress" is known as a 'prepositional phrase', but is there a specific term for the preposition starting a prepositional phrase? If so, what is this language technique?



Answer



I'm assuming the previous sentence in the discourse explained some other change to her (e.g., her hair changed color). The prepositional phrase with the influence of her dress functions an adjunct.


In English adjuncts often consist of a prepositional phrase, but not always. So you should cast your net broader than just prepositional phrases. Consult the relevant Wikipedia entry for more details.


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