When to Start a New Paragraph in an Essay

You will be able to keep on track during the composition and editing stages of your writing if you learn how to compose effective paragraphs. Additionally, effective paragraphing substantially aids readers in tracking a piece of writing. Even if you have brilliant ideas, you will lose readers if you don’t systematically convey them.

Even if you are aware of the basic elements of a paragraph, such as a topic sentence, coherence, unity, and adequate development, when to start a paragraph in an essay is pretty vital too. Therefore, this article discusses this pertinent issue and others related to effective ways of starting paragraphs in essays.

When to Start a New Paragraph in an Essay

A fresh paragraph signals the reader a change in subject, setting, tense, or speaker. Additionally, they aid in breaking up long paragraphs of material on a page. This makes sure readers aren’t put off by your writing. When do you begin a new paragraph, then? Here are some situations in which you ought to begin a new paragraph.

• When Writing the Introduction or Conclusion.

Always start a fresh paragraph for your introduction and conclusion in an essay. Based on their length, substance, and intended audience, introductions and conclusions can frequently have many paragraphs.

• When introducing a new idea, focus, or point.

A new concept must always begin with a fresh paragraph. Each new point within a lengthy thought or focus that spans several paragraphs should be assigned a separate paragraph. Some transition words to introduce such paragraphs include furthermore, next, in addition, first, second, third, and more, similarly, etc.

Also see: How to write a good 5 paragraph opinion essay 

• When Contrasting ideas or information.

You can employ different paragraphs to contrast opposing viewpoints in an essay, especially argumentative essays or other writing pieces. Some of the transitions that introduce such paragraphs are, however, in contrast, nevertheless, on the contrary, on the other hand, etc.

• When giving your readers a break.

Adding paragraph breaks will make your work more legible because they serve as brief “breaks” for your audience. If a paragraph becomes too long or the subject matter is complicated, inserting a break is a good idea.

How to Start Your First Body Paragraph in an Essay

It is worth noting that the first body paragraph offers your essay’s strongest argument and, therefore, is extremely essential. Therefore, a ponent needs to start the paragraph in the best way possible. There are several effective methods to begin the first body paragraph, and each one aims to support the paper’s main thesis. These methods include;

• A Transition Sentence

Transitional phrases create logical connections between various ideas. Using such a phrase develops a transition between the introduction and the first body paragraph, making it flow naturally from the thesis statement.

• A Key Example

You could utilize the first body paragraph of an essay based on a case study to provide a summary of the particular situation. For instance, if your essay is based on a crime report, you would outline the case’s details in the opening paragraph.

• A Definition

A decent location to define important words used in the article is in the first body paragraph. If your article, for instance, is on a technical subject like economics, you could begin the first body paragraph by defining the term.

How to Start the Second Body Paragraph in an Essay

The second body paragraph in an essay helps to prove your thesis further, like the first and the other body paragraphs. You can start the paragraph with a topic sentence that introduces the main point in the paragraph or one that relates to the thesis statement. After this, you can fill the paragraph with supporting evidence of well-organized examples and facts.

Similarly, if the second body paragraph is a continuation of the first, you can start the paragraph with a transition phrase to connect the two. Such a paragraph should end by concluding the first main idea of the essay.

Can You Start a Paragraph with However?

You can start a fresh paragraph with, however. This is a transitional word that you can employ to start a paragraph that differs from the preceding paragraphs or offers choices at the very least. Moreover, you can use however when shifting focus from one idea or point to another.

However, keep in mind to use a semicolon if it starts a new independent paragraph while still being connected to the preceding paragraph. Nevertheless, it is worth noting that you cannot start a fresh paragraph with a however when there is no preceding paragraph.

Can You Start a Body Paragraph with a Question?

You can definitely start a body paragraph with a question. You can draw readers in and establish your thesis by posing a question in the first sentence of a body paragraph. Making your argument with a quick, concise response that emphasizes your confidence in your position shows that you are adamant in your thoughts. They are best used in an informative, persuasive, or descriptive essay.

Questions engage readers in the writing by allowing them to feel like they are a part of the discussion, whether you answer the question directly or indirectly. However, there is a thin line on the appropriate questions to start with because some may make your paragraph appear disconnected.

Can You Start a Paragraph with Although?

You can start a sentence or a paragraph with although without breaking any grammar rules. This is mainly a matter of presentational style, and how you want to frame the language or narrative you’re utilizing.

The subordinate clause “although” at the start of a paragraph or a sentence indicates that something contradictory is occurring despite other information. It is used as a part of a dependent clause to discuss how two items or ideas appear to conflict or counteract one another.

Can You Start a Paragraph with Because?

Using because at the beginning of a paragraph is okay if done correctly. This is as long as the sentence it is used in is a whole sentence that represents a complete notion. If you want to make a point, it can make the initial line a little more powerful.

One of the main objections to the use of because at the start of a sentence is that it is not “correct” grammar. It is frequently misused by writers, leading to unfinished sentences and awkward reading flow. Normally, the word should be used to join two paragraphs dependent on one another.

Can You Start a Paragraph with “For Example?”

You can definitely start a paragraph with “for example.” It is a transitional phrase that connects paragraphs in your writing to make it easier to read and flow more naturally. You can use the phrase anywhere in your work unless writing your introduction or introducing a new topic.

When introducing and emphasizing a point that demonstrates something is true, you use “for example” at the beginning of a paragraph. You can also use the phrase when you want to make a detailed illustration of the points in your previous paragraph.

Can You Start a Paragraph with I?

You can start a paragraph with the word I. This is unavoidable when you are writing a paper in the first person. The word is mostly used when giving one’s opinion or describing events that involve them.

However, you should avoid excessive use of the word at the beginning of every paragraph. Starting too many paragraphs or sentences with the word I will make you seem egotistical, which is a turn-off for many readers.

Do You Start a Paragraph after a Quote?

It is not advisable to start a paragraph after a quote. Remember, a paragraph, in many instances, represent a single concept. Therefore, it is necessary to include all related information in a single paragraph, even if the information follows the quote directly.

However, you can start a fresh paragraph after a quote if the quotation signifies the end of a particular idea and, therefore, the end of that paragraph. In addition, you can start a new paragraph after a quote if the quote represents the end of a dialogue.

Conclusion

After reading this article, there is no doubt that you are better positioned to know when to start a new paragraph in an essay. Furthermore, you are better placed to introduce fresh paragraphs and transitional words and phrases to employ.

Therefore, please use the information to better your writing skills, whether writing academic papers or articles on the internet.