Definitions:
“A freight train sentence is one that is quite long and used to express a character's train of thought, or sets a scene, or even organizes ideas from a jumbled confusion into a whole.”
Socratic. 29 July 2016, socratic.org/questions/
what-is-an-example-of-a-freight-train-sentence#:~:text=A%20freight%20train%20sent
ence%20is,jumbled%20confusion%20into%20a%20whole. Accessed 29 Aug. 2022.
“A cumulative sentence (also sometimes called a loose sentence) is an independent clause followed by one or more modifiers. Essentially, you use words, phrases, and clauses to expand on or refine the main idea of the sentence. The effect can be natural as it parallels what often happens in speech.”
“Ask the Writer.” Answers to Writing Questions - Grammar - Gotham Writers Workshop, https://www.writingclasses.com/toolbox/ask-writer/an-editor-at-a-conference-suggested-i-learn-about-cumulative-sentences-what-are#:~:text=A%20cumulative%20sentence%20(also%20 sometimes,what%20of%20happens%20in%20speech.
Informal Definition:
A freight train or cumulative sentence is used to elaborate on the main idea the author brings up. It is generally in a more conversational tone. It is meant to be similar to a run-on sectance, but more complex and represent the character's train of thought or emotions at that moment. An Accumulation of clauses put together
Etymology:
“Cumulative” - comes from the Latin stem cumulatus: “to heap”
First recorded in 1595–1605; cumulate + -ive
“Cumulative Definition & Meaning.” Dictionary.com, Dictionary.com, https://www.dictionary.com/browse/cumulative.