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Paraghraphobia

Paraghraphobia

Paraghraphobia

(OP)
I am almost ashamed to admit this, but I don't really have a grasp on when to start a new paragraph. I remember from school days that it should be when a new thought is introduced, I think?? Sometimes, in my rambling style, I am not sure when a new thought begins. Sometimes while I am writing the paragraph just appears too long so I start a new one.
 
(Is this the right spot?)

I have the same problems with commas. Sometimes I just throw one in because I feel I wrote too much without one already and it should be time to add one.

Thoughts? Help??

RE: Paraghraphobia

(OP)
I can't believe I mis-spelled paragraph!

RE: Paraghraphobia

TwnB, I'm with you on paragraphs. As to commas, i just put one in when i think the reader might like to pause for a breath.

JMW
www.viscoanalyser.com

RE: Paraghraphobia

I once told one of the marketing trolls that he needed to "quit interrupting me in mid-sentence and learn to listen in paragraphs."

RE: Paraghraphobia

Yes and no.

A document will usually be laid out along the following lines;

Abstract/overview

Intro

Body

Summary

Conclusions

Recommendations

Each section has a specific purpose ranging from brief to in-depth.

An intro/summary for example, will be brief but may cover many points in one paragraph. The body, which may have sub parts, will usually have one point per paragraph.

That's the macro view of a doc. The para is the micro view and its structure follows similar principles to the main doc. The first sentence should introduce the subject/point/idea and the main part should explain it. The last sentence may if necessary draw a conclusion, summarise or recommend.

If a point/idea/subject has multiple parts then one para may be too long. You would then break it up logically with multiple paras for one point.

Other reasons for paras are to create white space in order to make it easier to read. Long paras are difficult to read and even more difficult to review when looking for a specific point. Paras generally cannot be too short but they can be too long.

Given the ubiquitous nature of computers, presentation is now seen as an additional and essential component of document writing/creation. Typewriters could only produce 'bold' and 'italic' as alternatives to standard type. Now we have colour, font options, tables, graphics, and charts to name but a few when compiling a doc. Digital docs are even more complex when animations, movies, slide shows and sound are included.

Cheers
Kerry



RE: Paraghraphobia

First off, you're definitely in the right place.

Regarding commas, there are several rules. One that has been shown in this thread is that commas should be used after introductory word groups. For example, "First off", "Regarding commas", and "As to commas."

I've no time for more at the moment but am looking forward to the evolution of this thread.

RE: Paraghraphobia

I remember something from grammar class way back in 8th grade.  We were taught that a paragraph had to have at least 5 sentences.  I have used this rule ever since, though now I question the validity of it. (only 2 here)

I find that as far as electronic communications go, a shorter paragraph is much easier to read than a long one.  I wonder what this is doing to the structure of the written language?  As far as presentations go, I have yet to see one that uses any paragraphs.  Most (if not all) only use the dreaded Bullet Statement.

Ray Reynolds
"There is no reason anyone would want a computer in their home."
Ken Olson, president, chairman and founder of Digital Equipment Corp., 1977
Have you read FAQ731-376 to make the best use of Eng-Tips Forums?

RE: Paraghraphobia

Paragraphs are an extension to the hierarchy listed above.  Each paragraph should essentially have an intro, a body and a conclusion.

Our general rule in proposal writing is to have theme sentence that leads each paragraph.  The remaining sentences in the paragraph expand on or support the theme sentence.

TTFN

RE: Paraghraphobia

As far as I know, commas are useful to break up a long sentence, but should be used only where the break is a natural one. Too many in one sentence can be confusing.

One frequent error is putting a comma before and at the end of a sequence of items unless one of the items includes another and.

Thus: main thermal insulators are asbestos, calcium silicate, glass fiber, polyurethane and vacuum. But: its main exports were tobacco, asbestos, meat and hides, and copper.

RE: Paraghraphobia

I would disagree with that 25362 as I belive you are supposed to put a comma before the and preceeding the last item in a series.

RE: Paraghraphobia

The issue with the terminal in lists is debatable. In high school I was taught use it; in college I was taught not to. The grammar reference I use says to use it but I've read others that say not to.

Like the apostrophe for acronym pluralization, it seems to depend on the "expert" rendering the opinion.

RE: Paraghraphobia

A, B, and C.
A, B and C.
Either one is acceptable.
Personally I prefer what is easier to read.
From my perspective "A, B, and C" seems to more clearly separate B and C and help us recognize there are 3 items in the list.

=====================================
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RE: Paraghraphobia

If you find yourself adding a comma just because you think your sentence is getting too long, you sentence is probably too long.  Use a period and break the thought into two or more sentences.  Your could also use a semicolon, as they are underutilized.

RE: Paraghraphobia

I was taught that either one or the other of the following is OK:
A, B, and C.
A, B and C.

Sometimes I will throw in the extra comma just to prove that I know it is OK.

If you can't have fun with it, why bother?

Jesus is THE life,
Leonard

RE: Paraghraphobia

Of course, if you are composing in MS Word, Bill will step in and politely instruct you "Long Sentence(consider revising)".
Why Bill capitalises Sentance, i don't know, but in any case, Bill is all the authority any of us need. Forget Webtser, the OED Dale Carnegie etc. Bill's the man.

JMW
www.viscoanalyser.com

RE: Paraghraphobia

"A, B, and C."
     ^
That's called the Oxford comma, in a list, at least in the UK. I'm a late convert, and find that it has a different emphasis to "A, B and C ". There is more emphasis on the C.


Cheers

Greg Locock

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