easy
Start a new paragraph when you move to the next main idea.
What does Paragraph mean?
A paragraph is a section of one or more sentences that develops one main idea.
Dictionary definition
A paragraph is a section of writing that starts on a new line and develops one main point, event, description, or speaker, using one or more sentences. It can also be a numbered section in a formal document or the ¶ mark. As a verb, paragraph means to divide writing into paragraphs.
Example sentences
Paragraph in a sentence
medium
The opening paragraph uses three details to describe the storm.
medium
In dialogue, a new speaker usually begins a new paragraph.
hard
The instructions appear in paragraph six of the form.
hard
The editor paragraphed the long transcript so each speaker was easy to follow.
Writing practice
Ready to write your own? Study the examples, then practice paragraph in a sentence with Sentence Builder checklist feedback.
Quick practice
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Practice the meaning of Paragraph
Answer three quick questions about its meaning and related words.
Question 1 of 3
Practice 1
What is a paragraph?
A paragraph organizes one main idea or purpose in one or more sentences.
Practice 2
Which sentence gives a good reason to begin a new paragraph?
A clear change in the main idea or purpose often signals a new paragraph.
Practice 3
Choose the best word: Each new speaker in the dialogue begins a new ____.
Starting a new paragraph helps readers follow a change of speaker.
Practice complete
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You completed 3 questions.
Pronunciation coach
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Paragraph
Voice settings
Sounds like
pair · uh · graf · strongest beat: pair
Tap each sound part, then blend the whole word together.
Learn
WordParagraph.
Partnoun, verb.
MeaningParagraph means A paragraph is a section of one or more sentences that develops one main idea.
ExampleExample: Start a new paragraph when you move to the next main idea.
Word breakdown
3 syllables. Say each part, then blend the word.
- Syllables
- pair · uh · graf
- Strongest beat
- pair
- Ending
- graf
- Tip
- Put a little extra energy on pair.
Your turn
Say Paragraph
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Nice work—you practiced paragraph.
Synonyms
Words like Paragraph
sectionThe closest general match for one organized part of a larger piece of writing.
passageClose when paragraph means a short portion of text, though a passage may contain several paragraphs.
clauseClose only in formal document numbering, where paragraph and clause can both name a designated section.
Antonym review
Does Paragraph have an opposite?
Paragraph has no direct opposite. Sentence is a smaller unit that may make up a paragraph, and whole text is a larger unit; neither is an antonym.
Synonym practice
Want to practice paragraph synonyms in context? Try a Synonym Search question like "The paragraph had four sentences," then compare close word choices. Practice paragraph synonyms.
Word family
Paragraph word family
Base word
paragraph
noun
paragraphs
More than one paragraph.
verb
paragraphed
Divided writing into paragraphs in the past.
noun
paragraphing
The way writing is divided and organized into paragraphs.
adjective
paragraphic
A less common formal word meaning related to paragraphs.
Related words
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Student support
Understand Paragraph
Hint for students
Look for a group of related sentences—or sometimes one sentence—set apart to develop one main idea or purpose.
Common mix-up
A paragraph does not have to contain a fixed number of sentences. One sentence can form a paragraph when it carries the whole point, while longer paragraphs need enough related detail to develop their idea.
Try it in class or at home
Give students six related sentences about two topics. Ask them to arrange the sentences into two paragraphs, choose where each new line begins, and explain the main idea of each paragraph.
Teacher prompt
Compare a one-sentence paragraph with a five-sentence paragraph. How can both still develop one clear point?
Word Wheel
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Learning activities
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Practice PARAGRAPH
Synonym Search
Compare meanings in a question that includes PARAGRAPH.
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