A paragraph is a unit of writing, longer than sentences but shorter than chapters or entire works. Paragraphs connect the small ideas of individual sentences into a bigger idea.

Paragraph meaning

<ul><li>Expository paragraphs revolve around explaining and discussing one point or idea.</li><li>Persuasive paragraphs focus on discussing one point but support opinions instead of facts.</li><li>Narrative paragraphs explain an action or event. Each sentence provides new information.</li><li>Descriptive paragraphs focus on describing one topic. Each sentence adds new detail to the topic.</li></ul>

Types of paragraphs 

For your reader's convenience, connect the sentences so the reader can move from one point to the next without getting confused.  Some paragraph sentences will run together on their own but others need transition sentences to help the flow. Use transition words like however, therefore, or similarly.

How to transition within a paragraph

Your paragraph introduction should be the topic sentence unless you're doing narrative writing. Say only what's necessary. Save the details for the following sentences.

How to start a paragraph

If the paragraph looks too long after you’ve said everything, consider breaking it up into separate topics and paragraphs. The best way to end a paragraph is to summarise the topic with all the new information from the support sentences. However, you don't need to restate the topic. It's also reasonable to end a sentence stating one more piece of support.

How/when to end a paragraph

Paragraphs follow a standard three-part structure with a beginning, middle, and end. These parts are:<ul><li>The topic sentence introduces the main idea the paragraph is about.</li><li>Development and support. Development sentences explain the idea in more detail, while support sentences provide evidence, opinions, or other statements to confirm the paragraph's main idea.</li><li>The conclusion wraps up the idea, sometimes summarising or transitioning to the next paragraph.</li></ul>

Paragraph structure

Most paragraphs contain three to five sentences. The number of sentences in a paragraph is based on the style of the writer. Some authors prefer long, descriptive paragraphs, while others prefer short, fast-paced paragraphs.

How many sentences in a paragraph

<ul><li>Ideally, you’ll already have an outline for whatever you’re writing. If not , decide on the paragraph topic and which facts to include.</li><li>Keep all related paragraphs together and in a logical sequence.</li><li>Set out the parts of your paragraph: topic sentence, development and support, and conclusion.</li></ul>

How to plan a paragraph

Learn how to structure and write strong paragraphs from beginning to end, with answers to frequently asked questions and examples from literature.

How/when to end a paragraph

Similar ideas to How/when to end a paragraph

Steps to becoming a critical reader