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

Compare the following periodic sentence with the loose sentence under §87: Napoleon, feeling his weakness, and trying to win back popular favor by concession after concession, had, at his fall, nearly restored parliamentary government.

From Practical Grammar and Composition by Thomas Wood

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

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

A periodic sentence is one which is not grammatically or logically complete till the end.

From The Art Of Writing & Speaking The English Language Word-Study and Composition & Rhetoric by Sherwin Cody

Dangling participles, trailing relatives, and straggling generalities can find no chance to hang on to a periodic sentence.

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