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Periodic sentences can be a powerful tool in an author’s style, enhancing the rhythm and flow of their prose while emphasizing particular ideas. Every grammar book emphasizes on striking a balance when it comes to the length of a sentence. Neither a series of short, choppy sentences, nor long sentences that don’t seem to end are considered to be reader-friendly. A combination of short and long sentences is what will keep the reader interested.
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The periodic sentence holds an intriguing allure for students and educators steeped in linguistics, rhetoric, and literature. This unique structure deliberately postpones the main idea until the end, building suspense and gradually allowing complex concepts to unfold. Periodic sentences differ from loose and cumulative styles, where primary points come first.
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Periodic Sentences in Classical Rhetoric
Periodic sentences add emphasis and structural variety by presenting the central thought in the form of a main clause at the end of the sentence. Penlighten presents the structure, definition, and examples of periodic sentences to help you understand this concept. 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. This is a type of rhetoric like parallelism that is used to build suspense and draw the reader to a specific word while creating curiosity during the busy sentence, until the final revelation is revealed.
Adjective Clause
A periodic sentence is a stylistic device in which the main idea or principal clause is delayed or withheld until the end of the sentence. The sentence unfolds gradually, building suspense and holding readers’ attention as they anticipate the main point or conclusion. The structure contrasts with the common loose or cumulative sentence, where the main idea is presented at the beginning.
If we omit the additional details, or if a reader glosses over them, the primary information we want conveyed will be intact, even if it lacks enhancing zest and insight. In this way, loose sentences can be easily located, scanned, and mentally processed. Yes, very lengthy or convoluted periodic sentences can frustrate readers. Aim for brevity in sub-clauses before the climactic reveal. Use periodic sentences for key moments like compelling openings, turning points, vivid descriptions, and profound ideas.
FAQs about periodic sentences
Here, the main or independent clause is ” the team continued” at the end of the sentence. Syntax is the arrangement of words and phrases to create well-formed sentences in a language, playing a key role in shaping an author’s style and tone. Start with subordinate ideas, increase complexity, vary structure, save the main point for last, and read aloud to polish. Periodic structures allow writers to present multiple subordinate ideas before arriving at the primary statement, enabling more sophisticated, intricate concepts. Writers can build anticipation and intrigue, withholding the main idea for the latest periodic sentence definition part of the sentence.
What makes periodic sentences so powerful?
- Acclaimed writers have used periodic sentences throughout history to captivate readers.
- For any writer, observing periodic sentences artfully woven into fiction and nonfiction texts can inspire mastery of this device.
- The structure can enhance the dramatic effect and highlight key ideas, making it a powerful tool in advanced grammar and syntax.
- Observe how each periodic sentence builds complexity before ending with a descriptive main clause.
- This structure highlights the central themes in an impactful manner.
- Periodic sentences add welcome variety alongside loose and cumulative structures, enhancing flow and rhythm.
The complex periodic sentence is typically used in more formal sentence construction; so, its usage is not as common today in verbal or written communication. Today this climatic style is most often seen in literature. These examples demonstrate how iconic authors have turned to the periodic sentence to entice audiences while communicating profound concepts. For any writer, observing periodic sentences artfully woven into fiction and nonfiction texts can inspire mastery of this device. Observe how each periodic sentence builds complexity before ending with a descriptive main clause.
- But they can be used creatively in many contexts when well-constructed.
- The unconventional structure makes periodic sentences more artistic and lyrical.
- Add your own ideas and themes to generate vivid periodic sentences for any genre or topic.
- You can use periodic sentences in paragraphs or creative writing where you want to create a little suspense for readers.
- The delayed gratification challenges readers while building anticipation, making the climax more rewarding.
- With practice, you can adeptly construct suspenseful yet coherent periodic sentences.
In this example, the central thought, Jason failed the test, is interrupted by the additional detail (who always stood first in the class), after which the thought is completed at the end of the sentence. Periodic sentences are often viewed as more literary and formal. But they can be used creatively in many contexts when well-constructed.
A loose sentence starts with the main idea (the independent clause) and then follows it with any details we wish to add for imagery and clarity. Sprinkle periodic sentences judiciously amidst loose and cumulative structures for optimal flow. Periodic sentence definition says It is a type of sentence that has a complex formation and a stylistic device.
Periodic sentences keep the reader wrapped in suspense, delaying the main idea by presenting it after the additional details and modifying phrases. So, use them in moderation whenever you wish to build up suspense. Besides this classification, one should have a basic idea about the concept of periodic and loose sentences.
