Do you know what a periodic sentence is? This article will provide you with all of the information you need on periodic sentences, including its definition, usage, example sentences, and more!
Your writing, at its best
Compose bold, clear, mistake-free, writing with Grammarly's AI-powered writing assistant
According to Grammar Monster, a periodic sentence is one in which a sentence that has been deliberately structured to place the main point at the end. A periodic sentence will have its main clause or predicate as the last part. An author or writer will use this to emphasize the last word. This is a type of rhetoric like parallelism that is used to build suspense and draw the reader to a specific word while creating curiosity during the busy sentence, until the final revelation is revealed. This effect of suspense is useful in novels or movie scripts.
What is an example of a periodic sentence?
An periodic sentence can be used in many different contexts in the English language. Trying to use a word or literary technique in a sentence is one of the best ways to memorize what it is, but you can also try making flashcards or quizzes that test your knowledge. Try using this term of the day in a sentence today! Below are a couple of examples of periodic sentences that can help get you started incorporating this tool into your everyday use. Take a look at these periodic sentence examples from Your Dictionary and Thought Co!
Renewable energy resources, like wind, solar, and geothermal, will be the answers to Earth’s energy problems.
With a beautiful set and a pyrotechnic display, the act was sure to please.
Severe weather systems and the melting of the polar ice caps are both signs of climate change.
With a blood-curdling scream and claws outstretched, the eagle went after the rabbit.
If the price was good and the quality excellent, I might consider buying a designer dress.
Considering the attentiveness, friendliness and speed of service, this waiter will definitely be getting a good tip.
Proper maintenance, like checking tire pressure, changing the oil and getting tune-ups, will ensure the best gas mileage for your car.
Positive thinking, by helping us stay focused and maintaining a good attitude, is important for a happy life.
Whether it was peer pressure or her own idea, Mary tried out for the glee club and made it.
“And though I have the gift of prophecy, and understand all mysteries, and all knowledge; and though I have all faith, so that I could remove mountains, and have not charity, I am nothing.” – Iain Sinclair in Lights Out for the Territory
“Unprovided with original learning, uninformed in the habits of thinking, unskilled in the arts of composition, I resolved — to write a book.” – Edward Gibbon in Memoirs of My Life
“Years and years ago, when I was a boy, when there were wolves in Wales, and birds the color of red-flannel petticoats whisked past the harp-shaped hills, when we sang and wallowed all night and day in caves that smelt like Sunday afternoons in damp front farmhouse parlors, and we chased, with the jawbones of deacons, the English and the bears, before the motor car, before the wheel, before the duchess-faced horse, when we rode the daft and happy hills bareback, it snowed and it snowed.” Saul Bellow in Mr. Sammler’s Planet
Because of adding a pool, spa and restaurant, the hotel is experiencing an increase in guests.
In spite of losing one ship and weathering a storm, Columbus made it back to Spain.
After shopping at the mall, walking the dogs and washing the car, I finally got to stay in and relax.
Because they are independent, take care of themselves, and purr, I prefer cats over dogs.
“In the almost incredibly brief time which it took the small but sturdy porter to roll a milk-can across the platform and bump it, with a clang, against other milk-cans similarly treated a moment before, Ashe fell in love.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self-Reliance
“Halfway between West Egg and New York City sprawls a desolate plain, a gray valley where New York’s ashes are dumped” – Scott Fitzgerald in The Great Gatsby
The beach, with white sand, crystal clear water, and palm trees, is a favorite hangout for the locals.
With low taxes, beautiful views and a mild climate, this city is a great place to live.
Now, after years of research and many modifications, here is the latest model of out hybrid.
In spite of heavy snow and cold temperatures, the game continued.
Spring, with new buds popping out, flowers blooming, and mild temperatures, is my favorite season.
“Out of the bosom of the Air,/Out of the cloud-folds of her garment shaken,/Over the woodlands brown and bare,/Over the harvest-fields forsaken,/Silent and soft, and slow,/Descends the snow.” – Henry Wadsworth Longfellow in Snowflakes
“To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men, that is genius.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson in Self-Reliance
By the smell of barbequing and the fireworks in the sky, I knew it was Independence Day.
After combing through the ad for jobs and sending out hundreds of resumes, Steve finally got his dream job.
The gazelle, peacefully drinking and unaware of any danger, was soon the target of the lioness.
“In the week before their departure to Arrakis, when all the final scurrying about had reached a nearly unbearable frenzy, an old crone came to visit the mother of the boy, Paul.” – Frank Herbert in Dune
Presenting the winner of seven Academy Awards and two Tony Awards, I present the star of tonight’s play, Herbert Smith.
“Democracy is that system of government under which people, having 60,000,000 native-born adults to choose from, including thousands who are handsome and many who are wise, pick out a Coolidge to be head of state. It is as if a hungry man, set before a banquet prepared by master cooks and covering a table an acre in area, should turn his back upon the feast and stay his stomach by catching and eating flies.”- Dylan Thomas in A Child’s Christmas in Wales
Overall, an periodic sentence places the main point at the end.
Kevin Miller is a growth marketer with an extensive background in Search Engine Optimization, paid acquisition and email marketing. He is also an online editor and writer based out of Los Angeles, CA. He studied at Georgetown University, worked at Google and became infatuated with English Grammar and for years has been diving into the language, demystifying the do's and don'ts for all who share the same passion! He can be found online here.
Kevin
January 3, 2022
Common Questions
