A cumulative sentence is a type of sentence structure used in legal writing, or argumentative writing, to make a case. It is a series of separate but related statements that, when strung together, create an argument. In a cumulative sentence, each phrase or clause builds on the material that preceded it, making the case become stronger and more convincing.
How Does It Work?
In a cumulative sentence, each clause supports the one before it and adds to its effect. For example, consider this sentence: “The defendant was not at the scene of the crime, the witnesses did not identify him, and key evidence was missing from the crime scene.” This sentence consists of three clauses, each adding to the strength of the argument that the defendant was not responsible for the crime. It is possible to break the sentence into two clauses – “The defendant was not at the scene of the crime” and “The witnesses did not identify him and key evidence was missing from the crime scene” – but read as one sentence, it is more effective.
Benefits of Using Cumulative Sentences
Cumulative sentences can be particularly powerful when trying to make a case. By adding each clause in succession, arguments become more convincing and are easier to follow. This can be more effective than simply putting multiple pieces of evidence or arguments in a single sentence. Furthermore, by using one single sentence rather than multiple sentences, the argument can be reinforced more efficiently.
Examples of Cumulative Sentence Use
Cumulative sentences are commonly used in legal and other forms of argument writing. For example, in asserting that a defendant’s guilt has been proven, a lawyer may use a cumulative sentence, such as “The defendant confessed to the crime, was identified by the victims, had a prior criminal record, and was seen on surveillance footage near the scene of the crime.” This sentence contains four clauses that, taken together, paint a convincing picture of the defendant’s guilt.
Cumulative sentences can also be used in other forms of writing, such as creative writing, reporting, journalism, and marketing. In a creative writing context, the cumulative sentence structure can be used to evoke an emotional response from the reader, as in the sentence “The winds howled, the trees were bent narrowly, and the town was eerily quiet.”
Conclusion
In conclusion, a cumulative sentence is a powerful tool for making arguments or evoking emotion. This type of sentence structure is formed of separate but related clauses, each of which adds to the effect of the previous. Cumulative sentences have been used extensively in legal and other types of argumentative writing, and can also be used effectively in creative writing.