paragraph
gb/pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/ us/pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
A2
English
~ 2500
Senses
0 senses
Noun
A2
entity
1
Section of writing on one topic
A group of sentences about one idea in writing, starting on a new line.
Usage pattern:
to write [a/an] paragraph about [something]
Common mistake:
Learners sometimes confuse 'paragraph' with 'sentence' or 'passage', using it to refer to any small piece of text.
Synonyms
section (A broader term that can refer to parts of any text, not just prose paragraphs.)
|
passage (Can refer to a part of text but often implies an excerpt rather than a structured unit.)
Antonyms
sentence (A smaller unit of writing than a paragraph.)
Collocations
write a paragraph
|first paragraph
|final paragraph
|topic paragraph
|short paragraph
Themes
writing
|education
|communication
|core_vocabulary
Examples
- The first paragraph introduces the main idea of the essay.
- Please write a short paragraph about your favorite hobby.
- Each paragraph should start with a topic sentence.
- She rewrote the final paragraph to make it clearer.
- The article's second paragraph contains important background information.
Learner examples
- I wrote one paragraph about my family.
- This paragraph is about my school.
- The first paragraph is very long.
- I read the last paragraph twice.
Grammar
Dictionary form
paragraph
IPA
GB/pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
US/pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
Syllables & stress
para - graph (2 syllables)
Stress on 1st syllable (para)
Word forms
Noun
- Base: paragraph
- Plural: paragraphs
Word family
Forms
paragraphs
noun
Related words
paragraphing
noun
Expressions
in the next paragraph
1/ˈɪn ðə nˈɛkst pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
fixed phrase
In the following section of text
In the part of the text that comes right after this one.
Examples
- The answer is explained in the next paragraph.
- More details are given in the next paragraph.
opening paragraph
1/ˈoʊpənɪŋ pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
fixed phrase
First paragraph in a text
The first paragraph at the start of writing.
Examples
- The opening paragraph grabbed my attention immediately.
- She rewrote the opening paragraph to make it more engaging.
topic paragraph
1/tˈɑpɪk pˈɛɹəɡɹˌæf/
fixed phrase
Paragraph introducing main idea
A paragraph that tells the main idea of a piece of writing.
Examples
- The topic paragraph clearly states the argument.
- Teachers often ask students to write a strong topic paragraph.