The spelling of the word "paragraph" can be tricky for non-native speakers, as the "ph" combination doesn't follow the typical sound associated with "p". In IPA phonetics, "paragraph" can be transcribed as /ˈpær.ə.ɡræf/. The "ph" is pronounced as an "f" sound, while each syllable has a distinct vowel sound. Proper spelling is important for effective communication and clarity in writing, so familiarizing oneself with commonly misspelled words can be beneficial.
A paragraph is a distinct unit of written text, typically consisting of a group of related sentences that convey a single main idea or topic. It is a structural element found within longer written works such as essays, articles, or books, aiming to organize and present information or arguments systematically.
Paragraphs act as building blocks of written discourse, facilitating clarity, coherence, and logical progression of ideas. They are generally composed of a topic sentence, supporting sentences, and a concluding sentence. The topic sentence serves as the introductory statement, explicitly stating the main idea or central theme that the paragraph will discuss or explore. The supporting sentences provide further details, evidence, or examples to develop and reinforce the main idea, ensuring coherence and continuity within the paragraph. Lastly, the concluding sentence summarizes the main point or offers a transition to the next paragraph, enhancing the overall flow of the text.
The length of a paragraph varies depending on the purpose, style, and medium of the writing. While traditional guidelines suggest a minimum of three to five sentences per paragraph, paragraphs can consist of a single sentence or even span several pages in certain cases, such as in literary works. However, the primary objective remains the same - to convey a clear and cohesive message to the reader, ensuring effective communication and comprehension of the text.
A distinct part of a connected discourse or writing; the section of a chapter relating to a particular point; a short piece of news or notice in a newspaper; a mark of reference.
Etymological and pronouncing dictionary of the English language. By Stormonth, James, Phelp, P. H. Published 1874.
* The statistics data for these misspellings percentages are collected from over 15,411,110 spell check sessions on www.spellchecker.net from Jan 2010 - Jun 2012.
The word "paragraph" has its roots in the late Middle English period. It comes from the Old French word "paragrafe", which was derived from the Latin word "paragraphus". In Latin, "paragraphus" referred to a sign or a stroke that marked a break in a text. The Latin term was further derived from the Greek word "paragraphos", which was a combination of "para" (meaning "beside" or "beyond") and "graphein" (meaning "to write"). Therefore, the etymology of the word "paragraph" can be traced back to its meaning of a mark or sign indicating a break in writing.