Analyzing and Interpreting Literature / Unit 2 AIL 0109 short lesson, about 20 seconds
The Suspended Sentence
Captions available
The idea
A suspended sentence delays its main verb behind a long run of modifying material. The reader must hold everything in mind until the verb arrives and makes sense of it. Milton's opening sentence is the standing example in English.
In practice
Hold it open until the verb.
Where people slip
Do not decide the sense early.
Your place on the trail
Every lesson rests on earlier ones and opens later ones. Tap any to jump.
Builds on
Unlocks
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