periodic sentence
- noun
- /ˌpɪr.iˈɒd.ɪk ˈsɛn.təns/
- Literature
:
oración periódica
- Although he had always preferred simple statements, he found that a periodic sentence, which builds suspense before revealing its main idea, could be quite effective in his writing.
Examples
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However, Chandler's willingness to cut up the longer, more modified, and more often periodic sentences of his literary predecessors and to hear or recreate the rhythm and melody of American speech may make him not just an author of his own era but a creator of the prose of our own era.
Academic text (2005) -
After reviewing various styles, she decided to incorporate a periodic sentence into her essay, placing the main clause at the end to enhance the dramatic effect.
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The teacher explained that a periodic sentence can create tension by delaying the main point until the end, keeping the reader engaged throughout.
Surface Forms
Morphology
This is a specialized grammatical term whose meaning (main clause placed at the end after subordinate material) is not directly derivable from 'periodic' (recurring/regular) + 'sentence' (grammatical unit). A B1 learner knowing the constituents would likely infer something like a sentence that occurs repeatedly, so the true technical sense is unpredictable without prior exposure.
Etymology
Periodic sentence names a sentence that puts the main clause at the end after other parts. It is like a short story that gives details first and makes you wait for the point, so the final clause feels like a 'surprise' or stronger emphasis.
