1. Emphasis and Impact: Starting with an incomplete clause creates a sense of immediacy and draws attention to the second, complete clause. The reader is left anticipating the full thought, and the impact of the completed idea is heightened.
2. Rhythm and Flow: The sudden shift from the incomplete clause to the complete one creates a rhythmic shift, breaking up the sentence and adding a sense of momentum. This can be used to build tension, create a feeling of surprise, or highlight a specific point.
3. Dramatic Effect: This structure can be used for dramatic effect, creating a sense of suspense or urgency. The incompleteness of the first clause can leave the reader wondering what will come next, making the following clause more impactful.
4. Informality and Conversational Tone: This structure is often found in casual conversation, making it seem more natural and informal. It can also create a sense of intimacy or immediacy.
Example:
> "Rain pounding on the roof, the old house creaked and groaned."
* Incomplete clause: "Rain pounding on the roof"
* Complete clause: "the old house creaked and groaned."
This sentence starts with a vivid image of the rain, creating a sense of atmosphere and immediacy. The reader is then drawn to the complete clause, which reveals the effect of the rain on the house. The sudden shift from the incomplete clause to the complete clause adds a sense of rhythm and momentum to the sentence.
Overall, beginning a compound sentence with an incomplete clause is a versatile technique that can be used to create a variety of effects, from emphasis and rhythm to dramatic impact and a conversational tone.