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

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 Devlin, Joseph

A loose sentence formed with but can always be converted into a periodic sentence formed with although, as illustrated under Rule 4.

From A Foreword to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition by James, Juliet Helena Lumbard

Theoretically the periodic sentence is better than the loose sentence; for it economizes attention.

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

The author starts out with a periodic sentence, beginning with a predicate modifier and placing the subject last.

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

The effectiveness of the periodic sentence arises from the prominence which it gives to the main statement.

From A Foreword to the Panama-Pacific International Exposition by James, Juliet Helena Lumbard