Paragraph

Paragraph

A paragraph is a self-contained unit of discourse in writing dealing with a particular point or idea. A paragraph consists of one or more sentences. Though not required by the syntax of any language, paragraphs are usually an expected part of formal writing, used to organize longer prose.

Structure and usage

The structure of a paragraph depends on the type of writing, but a typical paragraph contains a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. The topic sentence is usually the first sentence, and it introduces the main idea of the paragraph. The supporting sentences develop the main idea, while the concluding sentence summarizes or concludes the paragraph and provides a transition to the next paragraph.

In some languages, including English, paragraphs are used to organize text in many types of writing, including essays, business letters, and news stories. In English, paragraphs are also used to create a visual break in the text and make the text easier to read.

History

The word paragraph comes from the Greek word paragraphos, which means "to write beside". The concept of a paragraph as a unit of text was developed in ancient Greece, and paragraphs were used in the same way as they are today in Greek and Roman writing.

In the Middle Ages, paragraphs were marked by a symbol called a pilcrow. The pilcrow was used to indicate a new train of thought, similar to how we use paragraphs today.

See also

• Sentence
• Essay
• Pilcrow

References

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