paragraph

Subdivision of a piece of writing, usually dealing with one particular main point or theme. A paragraph starts on a new line and is normally indented. In word processing, it is not always indented – instead, a line space between paragraphs may be used. A paragraph has no prescribed length; it can be a single sentence or over a page in length.

When a conversation is written down, a new paragraph starts each time a different person speaks:

‘Jo can come to dinner after all,’ said Richard.

‘Why did you ask her to come?’ asked Sarah.

‘I invited her, because I like her,’ replied Richard, ‘and she may be able to give us some advice on the decorating.’