periodic sentence

American  

[peer-ee-od-ik, peer-] / ˈpɪər iˈɒd ɪk, ˌpɪər- /

noun

1. a sentence that, by leaving the completion of its main clause to the end, produces an effect of suspense, as in Unable to join the others at the dance because of my sprained ankle, I went to a movie.

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periodic sentence British  

/ ˌpɪərɪˈɒdɪk /

noun

1. rhetoric a sentence in which the completion of the main clause is left to the end, thus creating an effect of suspense

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Etymology

Origin of periodic sentence

First recorded in 1895–1900

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

periodic sentence

The philosophy of the periodic sentence has been best stated by Herbert Spencer.

From English: Composition and Literature by W. F. (William Franklin) Webster

A periodic sentence is doubly emphatic: it has emphasis by position because the important idea comes at the end; it has emphasis by subordination because all ideas except the last one are grammatically dependent.

From The Century Handbook of Writing by Garland Greever

Herbert, on the philosophy of the periodic sentence, 212.Spenser,

From English: Composition and Literature by W. F. (William Franklin) Webster

In the periodic sentence the main idea comes last and is preceded by a series of relative introductions.

From How to Speak and Write Correctly by Joseph Devlin

A periodic sentence holds the meaning in suspense till the close.

From Elementary Guide to Literary Criticism by F. V. N. (Franklin Verzelius Newton) Painter