Cataphora

 

Cataphora

Cataphora is a literary or linguistic device where a word or phrase refers to something mentioned later in the sentence or discourse. It’s the opposite of anaphora, where the reference is to something mentioned earlier.

Example of Cataphora:

Before she could say a word, Maria burst into tears.

Here, the pronoun "she" appears before we know who "she" is (Maria), making it a cataphoric reference.

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Another example:

This is what I believe: that everyone deserves a second chance.

The word "this" refers to the clause that comes after it, making it cataphoric.

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🔁 Cataphora

Definition: When a word refers forward to something mentioned later.
Think: “Before the noun.”

Example:

She was crying. Maria had just lost her dog.
→ "She" refers forward to "Maria" = Cataphora

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🔄 Easy way to remember:

• Anaphora = noun first, pronoun after (backward reference)
• Cataphora = pronoun first, noun after (forward reference)

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✍️ In Writing:

Writers use cataphora for dramatic effect or to build suspense. It keeps readers wondering “Who is she?” or “What is this?” until the sentence reveals it.

Example:

This is what I hate the most: waking up early.
(We don't know what "this" is until we read the rest—cataphoric.)

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Want a few practice examples where you identify if it's cataphora or anaphora?

 Here are a few examples—see if you can tell whether each one uses cataphora or anaphora. I’ll give the answers after you try.

   Practice: Identify Cataphora or Anaphora

1. He was unlike anyone I'd ever met. Jasper had a kind of quiet confidence.

2. The cake was gone. It had been sitting on the table just minutes ago.

3. This is what I feared: the silence after an argument.

4. Anna stormed out of the room. She didn’t say a word.

5. They were relentless. The wolves didn’t let up once the chase began.