periodic sentence: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C2Academic, Literary, Formal, Technical (Linguistics/Rhetoric)
Quick answer
What does “periodic sentence” mean?
A complex sentence where the main clause or predicate is withheld until the end.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
A complex sentence where the main clause or predicate is withheld until the end.
A rhetorical and grammatical structure in which the main idea (the independent clause) is postponed until the end of the sentence, often after a series of subordinate clauses, phrases, or modifiers. It creates a sense of suspense and climactic emphasis.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant lexical differences. The term is used identically in both varieties.
Connotations
Connotes sophisticated, formal, or classical writing styles.
Frequency
Equally low-frequency and specialized in both regions, primarily found in academic discourse on rhetoric, composition, and literary analysis.
Grammar
How to Use “periodic sentence” in a Sentence
[Subject] + [verb: employs/uses/writes] + a periodic sentence.A periodic sentence + [verb: builds/suspends/concludes] + [with/in/by] + [climax/main point].Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “periodic sentence” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The writer's periodic style was admired for its classical rigor.
- He analysed the periodic structure of the paragraph.
American English
- The author's periodic style was praised for its classical rigor.
- She analyzed the periodic structure of the passage.
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Virtually never used.
Academic
Central term in rhetoric, composition studies, and advanced literary analysis. Used to describe syntactic style.
Everyday
Extremely rare and would sound overly technical.
Technical
Precise term in linguistics and rhetoric for a specific sentence structure.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “periodic sentence”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “periodic sentence”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “periodic sentence”
- Confusing it with a 'long sentence'. Not all long sentences are periodic.
- Placing the main clause anywhere but the end and still calling it periodic.
- Using it in informal writing where it sounds unnatural and pretentious.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No. A periodic sentence is defined by structure (main clause at the end), not length. While often long due to preceding modifiers, it can be relatively short if the main clause is still delayed.
To create rhetorical impact, build suspense, emphasize the main point, and control the pace and rhythm of prose. It is a deliberate stylistic choice common in formal speeches and literary works.
The opposite is a 'loose' or 'cumulative' sentence, where the main clause comes first, followed by modifying phrases and clauses. This is more common in modern English.
Yes, though less common. The defining feature is the delayed independent clause. For example: 'After all the planning, the rehearsals, and the anticipation, will the performance finally succeed?'
A complex sentence where the main clause or predicate is withheld until the end.
Periodic sentence is usually academic, literary, formal, technical (linguistics/rhetoric) in register.
Periodic sentence: in British English it is pronounced /ˌpɪəriˈɒdɪk ˈsentəns/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌpɪriˈɑːdɪk ˈsentəns/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a PERIODIC sentence as a story that keeps you waiting for the final PERIOD/full stop. The main point arrives only at the very end, like the climax of a period drama.
Conceptual Metaphor
A JOURNEY WITH A DELAYED DESTINATION or A SUSPENSEFUL STORY.
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following best describes the primary effect of a periodic sentence?