Periodic Sentences 

A periodic sentence is the opposite of a cumulative sentence. In a periodic sentence, the main clause or central idea is withheld until the very end of the sentence, preceded by a series of subordinate clauses, phrases, or modifiers. This structure builds suspense and emphasizes the main point when it is finally revealed.

Here's a breakdown:

• Subordinate Elements First: The sentence begins with introductory phrases, clauses, or descriptive details that lead up to the main idea.

• Main Clause Last: The independent clause, containing the core subject and verb, appears at the very end.

• Suspense and Emphasis: By delaying the main point, the periodic sentence creates anticipation and places strong emphasis on the concluding statement.

• Formal Tone: Periodic sentences often lend a more formal, literary, or rhetorical tone to writing.

Examples of Periodic Sentences:

1. "Halfway between the two of them, in a space that was not quite a room but more like a corridor, with a single window overlooking a narrow alley, lived the old woman."

   • Subordinate Elements: "Halfway between the two of them, in a space that was not quite a room but more like a corridor, with a single window overlooking a narrow alley," (These phrases set the scene and build up the location.)

   • Main Clause: "lived the old woman." (The subject and verb are at the very end.)

2. "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, Self-Reliance)

   • Subordinate Elements: "To believe your own thought, to believe that what is true for you in your private heart is true for all men," (These infinitive phrases and clauses build the condition.)

   • Main Clause: "—that is genius." (The core assertion is delivered at the end.)

3. "With a heavy heart, a tear in her eye, and a final wave to her beloved family, she boarded the train."

   • Subordinate Elements: "With a heavy heart, a tear in her eye, and a final wave to her beloved family," (These prepositional phrases describe the manner of departure.)

   • Main Clause: "she boarded the train." (The action is revealed last.)

4. "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." (1 Corinthians 13:2, King James Bible)

   • Subordinate Elements: "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," (A long series of "though" clauses build up conditions.)

   • Main Clause: "I am nothing." (The impactful conclusion.)

Periodic sentences are powerful tools for creating dramatic effect, emphasizing a point, and adding sophistication to prose. They require the reader to hold information in mind until the complete thought is revealed.