Which term refers to the deliberate alteration of normal word order?

• A. Inversion
• B. Anacoluthon
• C. Hyperbole
• D. Apostrophe

Answer: (A)

The main idea tested is deliberately reversing the usual order of words in a sentence to create emphasis or stylistic effect. This technique, called inversion, places elements out of their normal sequence—often moving the verb before the subject or fronting a descriptive phrase—to draw attention or vary rhythm. For example, “Never have I seen such chaos” flips the typical order for dramatic impact.

Anacoluthon, by contrast, is a break or abrupt shift in a sentence’s grammar, leaving the structure incomplete or shifting unexpectedly. Hyperbole is exaggeration used for emphasis, not a structural change to word order. Apostrophe is addressing an absent or personified entity as if present.

So the term that best fits the description of deliberately altering normal word order is inversion.