The anatomy of a strong paragraph
A paragraph is one idea, fully explained. Most good paragraphs have three parts:
- Topic sentence. States the idea. A reader should be able to skim only the first sentences of your paragraphs and still follow the argument.
- Support. Facts, examples, reasons or steps that explain or prove the idea, in a logical order.
- Closing sentence. Wraps up the point or links to the next paragraph.
Example
Topic sentence: Automating invoices gives a small business back hours every month. Support: Instead of typing each invoice by hand, the accounting system sends them on schedule, fills in the right details and follows up when a payment is late. Close: That time can go into work that brings in revenue instead of chasing it.
How long should a paragraph be?
It depends on where it will be read. On websites and in emails, short paragraphs of two to four sentences are easier to scan, especially on phones. Academic and long-form writing allows longer paragraphs, because readers expect to follow a detailed argument. A useful test: if a paragraph covers two ideas, split it.
Tips for better paragraphs
- Give the generator real points. Specific facts from you produce a specific paragraph. Without them, you get general statements.
- Use transitions with care. Words like "however", "for example" and "as a result" show how sentences relate, but one or two per paragraph is plenty.
- Mix sentence lengths. A short sentence after two long ones adds emphasis.
- Cut the throat-clearing. Delete openers such as "It is worth noting that" and start with the point.
- Read it in context. A paragraph that works alone may repeat the one before it. Edit for flow once it sits in your draft.