Loose Sentence

What is a loose sentence

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What is a Loose Sentence?

• a sentence structure in which the main clause is followed by one or more coordinate or subordinate phrases and clauses
• known as a cumulative sentence or a right-branching sentence
• contrast with the periodic sentence

Definition and important points from different authors:

• Felicity Nussbaum points out, a writer may use loose sentences to give "the impression of spontaneity and vernacular immediacy" (The Autobiographical Subject, 1995).

• Strunk and White's Elements of Style suggests not overusing the loose sentence.

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Definition and important points from different authors:

• "At its simplest, the loose sentence contains a main clause plus a subordinate construction: We must be wary of conclusions drawn from the ways of the social insects, since their evolutionary track lies so far from ours."

— Robert Ardrey

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Loose Sentence VS Periodic Sentence

Periodic Sentence

Loose Sentence

• A loose sentence makes its major point at the beginning and then adds subordinate phrases and clauses that develop or modify the point. A loose sentence could end at one or more points before it actually does.
• A loose sentence, in contrast, creates the effect of immediacy and naturalness.

• "A periodic sentence delays its main idea until the end by presenting modifiers or subordinate ideas first, thus holding the readers' interest until the end." — Gerald J. Alred, Charles T. Brusaw, and Walter E. Oliu, The Business Writer's Companion. Macmillan, 2007

• produces a dramatic tension and suspense to the main point at the end of the sentence.

Examples:

• "I found a large hall, obviously a former garage, dimly lit, and packed with cots."

— Eric Hoffer

• 2. "I knew I had found a friend in the woman, who herself was a lonely soul, never having known the love of man or child."

— Emma Goldman

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Examples:

• I went to the movies yesterday, bought candy, and shopped at the mall.
• He might consider paying the higher fees at a private university, if the teacher/student ratio is small, the teachers are highly qualified, and the job placement rate is high.
• Florida is a great vacation spot for families, with Disney World, Universal Studios, and Sea World.
• I could tell my mother was upset from her tapping foot and her stern expression.
• The fire alarm went off, making a loud clanging noise, startling everyone, and causing some people to knock over their chairs.

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Examples:

• The elephants proceeded on their walk, pounding the dry dirt, and swinging their trunks.
• You can pass all your classes with good study habits and good attendance.
• Bill took a day off from work without permission and without telling anyone.
• I like all kinds of music, rhythm and blues, rock, and hip hop.
• Autumn is my favorite time of year, the colors of the leaves, the crisp morning air, and the promise of winter snow.

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Thank you for listening :)

What is a loose sentence

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