Periodic sentence — English definition
Defined in 2 courses:
- A sentence that delays its main idea until the end to build suspense and emphasis — the opposite of a loose (cumulative) sentence, which states its main point first and then adds detail. (English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences)
- A sentence that withholds its main clause until the end, building anticipation through the modifiers that come first. (English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory)
Where it is taught
- Syntax & Rhetorical Style — Language, Style & Conventions, English 10: Choices, Conscience & Consequences, Grade 10
- Advanced Syntax & Style — Language, Style & Conventions, English 11: American Voices, Identity & Public Memory, Grade 11
In use
A periodic sentence withholds its main clause until the very end — 'Through the rain, past the roadblocks, long after the others had turned back, she kept driving' — so tension coils until the final word releases it.
Syntax & Rhetorical Style
' A periodic sentence does the reverse, withholding the main clause until the very end so tension builds: 'With the season lost, the seniors gone, and the gym lights already dimming, the coach finally sat down.
Advanced Syntax & Style
Questions using periodic sentence
Problem 1
Explain the difference between a periodic sentence and a loose (cumulative) sentence, and describe one effect a periodic sentence can create.
Answer and explanation
A periodic sentence delays its main idea until the end, while a loose sentence states the main idea first and adds details after it. Because a periodic sentence withholds the point, it builds suspense and gives the ending extra emphasis.