A periodic sentence is a long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word — often with an emphatic climax. This is also called a period or a suspended sentence .
How do you use periodic in a sentence?
Two decades after Singapore began cracking down on a pan-Southeast Asia terrorist group calling itself Jemaah Islamiah (JI), the network’s operations leader, Hambali, remains at Guantanamo Bay awaiting trial. The evidence against him shows that he took ...
What are 10 simple sentences?
- Little-o notation. "Little o" redirects here. ...
- Big Omega notation. The Hardy–Littlewood definition is used mainly in analytic number theory, and the Knuth definition mainly in computational complexity theory; the definitions are not equivalent.
- Family of Bachmann–Landau notations
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What does periodic sentence mean?
What is a periodic sentence in English? : a usually complex sentence that has no subordinate or trailing elements following its principal clause (as in “yesterday while I was walking down the street, I saw him”)
What does the term periodic mean?
pe•ri•od•ic. (ˌpɪər iˈɒd ɪk) adj. 1. recurring at intervals of time: periodic revivals of interest in handicrafts. 2. occurring at regular intervals: periodic visits of a mailboat to the island. 3. recurring irregularly; intermittent: periodic outbreaks of smallpox. 4. Physics. recurring at equal intervals of time. 5.
What is an example of a periodic sentence?
The definition of periodic sentence is a sentence in which the main clause is given at the end of the sentence in order to create interest or suspense. An example of periodic sentence is "I couldn't wait any longer, I went to sleep." (rhetoric) A sentence whose main clause appears at its end.
How do you identify a periodic sentence?
A periodic sentence is a sentence that has been deliberately structured to place the main point at the end. Therefore, a periodic sentence will have its main clause or predicate as the last part. Usually, a periodic sentence will be a busy sentence.
Why is it called periodic sentence?
Characteristics. A periodic sentence unfolds gradually, so that the thought contained in the subject/verb group only emerges at the sentence's conclusion. It is used mostly in what in oratory is called the grand style.
What is a periodic sentence AP Lang?
periodic sentence – The opposite of loose sentence, a sentence that presents its central meaning in a main clause at the end. This independent clause is preceded by a phrase or clause that cannot stand alone. The effect of a periodic sentence is to add emphasis and structural variety.
What is the difference between a loose sentence and a periodic sentence?
A periodic sentence leads up to the main point (the independent clause) while a loose sentence starts with the main point instead. This reversal is important and has a big impact on how the sentence ultimately plays out. All periodic and loose sentences are complex.
What is an example of a balanced sentence?
“Every man has a right to utter what he thinks truth, and every other man has a right to knock him down for it.” This is another very simple and clear example of a balanced sentence. Both clauses have the same length and word order, emphasizing the idea of truth and adding pleasing rhythm.
What is the periodic style?
Periodic sentence - Long and frequently involved sentence in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax. Marked by suspended syntax.
What is an example of a cumulative sentence?
A loose or cumulative sentence is one in which the main idea (independent clause) comes first, followed by dependent clauses and phrases; therefore, a loose sentence makes complete sense if brought to a close before the actual ending: e.g., “We reached Edmonton that morning after a turbulent flight and some exciting ...
What is a loose sentence example?
Here are some loose sentence examples: I went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall. He might consider paying the higher fees at a private university, if the teacher/student ratio is small, the teachers are highly qualified, and the job placement rate is high.
What is a cumulative and periodic sentence?
1:404:56Periodic and Cumulative Sentences - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis quote by Edward Gibson shows a periodic sentence in real life. Next we're going to talk about aMoreThis quote by Edward Gibson shows a periodic sentence in real life. Next we're going to talk about a cumulative sentence a cumulative sentence is a sentence where the independent clause comes first
What is cumulative sentence in literature?
A cumulative sentence (also sometimes called a loose sentence) is an independent clause followed by one or more modifiers. Essentially, you use words, phrases, and clauses to expand on or refine the main idea of the sentence. The effect can be natural as it parallels what often happens in speech.
How do you write a complex sentence example?
Here's an example of a complex sentence: Because my pizza was cold, I put it in the microwave. This sentence has an independent clause (“I put it in the microwave”) and a dependent clause (“Because my pizza was cold”) so it's a complex sentence.
What is a periodic sentence?
According to Grammar Monster, a periodic sentence is one in which a sentence that has been deliberately structured to place the main point at the end. A periodic sentence will have its main clause or predicate as the last part. An author or writer will use this to emphasize the last word.
What is an example of a periodic sentence?
An periodic sentence can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge.
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What is periodic sentence?
Jump to navigation Jump to search. A periodic sentence is a stylistic device employed at the sentence level, described as one that is not complete grammatically or semantically before the final clause or phrase.
How does a periodic sentence emphasize its main idea?
The periodic sentence emphasizes its main idea by placing it at the end, following all the subordinate clauses and other modifiers that support the principal idea. The sentence unfolds gradually, so that the thought contained in the subject / verb group only emerges at the sentence's conclusion.
What is the difference between a periodic and a running sentence?
It is the opposite of the loose sentence, also continuous or running style, where the subject and verb are introduced at the beginning of the sentence. Periodic sentences often rely on hypotaxis, whereas running sentences are typified by parataxis.
When did the periodic sentence decline?
In English literature, the decline of the periodic sentence's popularity goes hand in hand with the development toward a less formal style, which some authors date to the beginning of the Romantic period , specifically the 1798 publication of the Lyrical Ballads, and the prevalence in twentieth-century literature of spoken language over written language. In American literature, scholars note the explicit rejection by Henry David Thoreau of the formal style of his time, of which the periodic sentence was characteristic; in his journal, Thoreau criticized those sentences as the "weak and flowing periods of the politician and scholar."
What are Periodic Sentences?
A periodic sentence is a sentence wherein the main point of the sentence is placed at the end part of the sentence. Basically, the main clause is found in the last part of the sentence.
What is the difference between periodic and loose sentences?
Moreover, the periodic sentences could give more emphasis on the main clause while the loose sentence could provide highlight on the details.
Why is literature so abundant in periodic sentences?
Literature is abundant in periodic sentences because it makes the narrative more compelling. Here are some examples of periodic sentences found in the literature. “To believe your thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius.”. – Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self-Reliance.
Why do we write sentences?
There are several reasons why we write a sentence. For excelling in academics, for enhancing your career level, for lucrative purposes , you can write a sentence based on your needs and desires. Most of the time, we do not intend to compose simple and short sentences. Most likely, we desire to articulate complex and lengthy ones. Let us assume that you are asked to write with an approach that your readers would be thrilled reading. You may like to write a periodic sentence. Read through this article to learn more.
What is a loose sentence?
A loose or cumulative sentence is where the main clause comes first before its subordinate clauses. To give you a broader overview of this construction, here are some examples you may refer to.
What is a Periodic Sentence?
A periodic sentence is a sentence which is deliberately and well designed to place the main point at the end. Therefore, a periodic sentence will have its main clause or predicate as the last part.
What is the last word of a periodic sentence?
Usually, a periodic sentence remains a busy sentence and often, the very last word in the sentence is the main point the writer wants to highlight and consider.
What is a periodic sentence?
A periodic sentence is a long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word — often with an emphatic climax. This is also called a period or a suspended sentence .
Who defined the distinction between periodic and loose sentences?
Professor Jeanne Fahnestock notes in "Rhetorical Style" that the distinction between periodic and loose sentences "begins with Aristotle, who described types of sentences on the basis of how 'tight' or how 'open' they sounded.".
Why is the periodic structure important?
"The periodic structure promotes energy, as it preserves the unity of the sentence and concentrates its strength in a single point. But it has an artificial appearance; it is unfitted for some kinds of composition, and its frequent recurrence is always disagreeable. It is not easy, without more help than the English language furnishes, to enable readers to retain in their minds the members of a complex thought, and at the close bind them easily and promptly into unity. To prevent obscurity and overtasking the attention, superfluous words and thoughts should be excluded from a period, and the members and clauses should be few and short. In arranging the clauses of the members, the same rule must be followed that governs the arrangement of the members of the period; the reader must not be led to suppose that the sentence is finished until it actually is so. When this rule is neglected, a period has the tediousness and feebleness of a badly constructed loose sentence."
When was the second edition of "A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms" published?
Lanham, Richard A. "A Handlist of Rhetorical Terms." Second Edition, University of California Press, November 15, 2012.
What is periodic sentence?
periodic sentence- a complex sentence in which the main clause comes last and is preceded by the subordinate clause
What is Aristotle's advantage in the periodic sentence?
Unlike a more "strung-on" style, the progression of the periodic sentenceleads the reader to the emphatic and pivotal ending.
Is the periodic sentence mentioned in the same vein?
In the same vein the periodic sentenceis mentioned, but its inherent power is not explained.
periodic sentence in American English
Webster’s New World College Dictionary, 4th Edition. Copyright © 2010 by Houghton Mifflin Harcourt. All rights reserved.
periodic sentence in American English
Most material © 2005, 1997, 1991 by Penguin Random House LLC. Modified entries © 2019 by Penguin Random House LLC and HarperCollins Publishers Ltd

Overview
Decline
In English literature, the decline of the periodic sentence's popularity goes hand in hand with the development toward a less formal style, which some authors date to the beginning of the Romantic period, specifically the 1798 publication of the Lyrical Ballads, and the prevalence in twentieth-century literature of spoken language over written language. In American literature, scholars note the explicit rejection by Henry David Thoreau of the formal style of his time, of whic…
Characteristics
The periodic sentence emphasizes its main idea by placing it at the end, following all the subordinate clauses and other modifiers that support the principal idea. The sentence unfolds gradually, so that the thought contained in the subject/verb group only emerges at the sentence's conclusion. Obviously artificial, it is used mostly in what in oratory is called the grand style.
It is the opposite of the loose sentence, also continuous or running style, where the subject and v…
Rhetorical and literary usage
According to William Harmon, the periodic sentence is used "to arouse interest and curiosity, to hold an idea in suspense before its final revelation." In the words of William Minto, "the effect...is to keep the mind in a state of uniform or increasing tension until the dénouement."
In his Handbook to Literature, Harmon offers an early example in American literature found in Longfellow’s "Snowflakes":
See also
• Euphuism