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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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