Periodic Sentence

1. Periodic Sentence Jessica Davis and Una Kosarac

2. Periodic Sentence • Definition: A long and frequently involved sentence, marked by suspended syntax, in which the sense is not completed until the final word--usually with an emphatic climax. Contrast with loose sentence.

3. EXAMPLE: "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."(The King James Bible, I Corinthians 13)

4. Can YOU find the Periodic Sentence? “Only Countess Helene, considering the society of such people as the Bergs beneath her, could be cruel enough to refuse such an invitation. Berg explained so clearly why he wanted to collect at his house a small but select company, and why this would give him pleasure, and why though he grudged spending money on cards or anything harmful, he was prepared to run into some expense for the sake of good society—that Pierre could not refuse, and promised to come.” -War and Peace by Tolstoy

5. ANSWER The first sentence of the example is NOT a periodic sentence because it does not have the completion of syntax as well as not having a balanced subordinate clauses. However, the second sentence IS an example because it has syntax, subordinate clauses and a suspense that makes readers read to the end.

6. Find the Periodic Sentence again “While he was declaring the ardour of his passion in such terms, as but too often make vehemence pass for sincerity, Adeline, to whom this declaration, if honourable, was distressing, and if dishonourable, was shocking, interrupted him and thanked him for the offer of a distinction, which, with a modest, but determined air, she said she must refuse.” -Romance of the Forest by Ann Radcliffe

7. ANSWER This is a trick question, but the whole passage is an example of a periodic sentence. Tell us why though…