Paragraphs

punctuation sentence structure

When sentences are used together and they are linked to each other, they can finally form paragraphs. In this lesson, we will learn about them.

What Is a Paragraph?

A paragraph is a unit of written text that contains one or more sentences. The main purpose of a paragraph is to organize and present information in a clear and coherent manner.

Why Do We Use Paragraphs?

A paragraph usually covers a single topic and typically contains six or seven sentences. Look at the paragraph below.

Today is the day. I am getting married to the most perfect woman in the world. My sister has done everything to prepare the best night ever. Actually, I was really stressed before, but now I feel free. I think I got what I deserved.

a paragraph

Different Parts of a Paragraph

Generally, a paragraph has to consist of three parts. Check out the list:

topic sentence
supporting sentences
concluding sentences

What Is a Topic Sentence?

The topic sentence (also called the focus sentence) is the most important sentence in a paragraph. It gives a general idea of what the paragraph is about. Check out a few topic sentences:

There are many reasons why I love you. This one is the most important...

Dogs are the most wonderful pets. That's why I have had a dog since I was four years old...

What Are Supporting Sentences?

Supporting sentences (also called detail sentences) give us more information or details about the topic sentence. Here are a few examples.

The plant was found in the Africa. People used it to build the roofs. It can actually keep it cooler inside.

I can study more to avoid it, but I don't care. Working and studying at the same time seems tiring. It is actually more tiring than it seems. I should think about a change.

What Are Concluding Sentences?

Concluding sentences are used to present the result of all you have read in the paragraph. Here are a few examples:

Finally, I decided not to pay attention anymore. Fate can put everything in its right place.

They got the baby. They raised her, and now she is a doctor as her mother once was.

Paragraphs in Business Writing

When we are writing paragraphs about a business issue, it is better to use a title for the paragraph. Check these examples out to help you learn more.

One app and all the Cooking Books in the world. Have you ever thought about an application which can gather all the cooking books around the world? This app can help you cook in your own mother tongue. Once you choose a language it translates all the books at the moment. Download it for free!

People have been enjoying jasmine tea for many centuries. Both tea and jasmine were cultivated in China during the Tang Dynasty (618-907), and people may have drunk jasmine tea even before that time. For many people, drinking jasmine tea is a pleasurable experience. It may also have health benefits.

Paragraph Example

Here, you can see a whole paragraph with the three parts indicated with different colors.

We could see him from the window. He was trying to bury the dead body. This was how it started.

The next day her empty chair was the saddest thing that I experienced. The teacher came in as if nothing has happened. He sighed and said, "We are sorry about Hannah's sudden death."

Sam stood up and said, "You are a total liar. We saw you last night. You killed the poor girl."

When you put all these parts together, a paragraph is formed:
We could see him from the window. He was trying to bury the dead body. This was how it started. The next day her empty chair was the saddest thing that I experienced. The teacher came in as if nothing has happened. He sighed and said, "We are sorry about Hannah's sudden death." Sam stood up and said. "You are a total liar. We saw you last night. You killed the poor girl."

Review

Each paragraph is made of three main parts as follows:

topic sentence
supporting sentences
conclusion sentences

Slash

A slash is a punctuation in the English language. In this article you can learn about its functions.

Capitalization

Capitalization is to write the first letter of a word in uppercase. In this lesson, you will learn all the rules about this subject.

Contractions

You might wonder what the difference between formal and informal styles is. One of the elements that can make your writings informal is using contractions.

Ellipsis Punctuation

Ellipses is the plural form of ellipsis. They are three dots beside each other that stand for something. In this lesson, we will learn all about them.

Run-on Sentences

Run-on sentences are special types of sentences that are not actually correct ones. In this lesson, you will learn how to fix them.

Syllables

A unit of sound that forms a meaningful word is called a syllable. Syllables usually contain a vowel and accompanying consonants.

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