Cool MateParagraph vs Passage vs Section
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Paragraph
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Passage
Top 1,000 (very common)B2noun
Section
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Paragraph | Passage | Section | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpærəɡrɑːf/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpærəɡræf/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpæsɪdʒ/","/ˈpæsɪdʒweɪ/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpæsɪdʒ/","/ˈpæsɪdʒweɪ/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of sentences about one main idea. | A part of a written work or a narrow space to go through. | A part of something, like a piece of a whole. |
| Example | an **opening/introductory paragraph** | The passage from the book really captured the essence of the character. | Please complete the form and sign in the designated section. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | B2 | A1 |
| Part of speech | noun | noun | noun |
| Collocations | new, introductory, opening, begin, start, read, describe something, explain something, say something, in a/the paragraph, in accordance with paragraph 3, etc., under paragraph 9, etc. | long, short, narrow, clear, force, lead, along a/the passage, down a/the passage, through a/the passage, the end of a passage, a maze of passages, nasal, air, back, block, obstruct, clear, lengthy, long, brief, play, in a/the passage, passage from, smooth, stormy, speedy, begin, complete, block, during the passage, passage through, long, short, rough, have, book, secure, during a/the passage, on somebody’s/the passage, passage across, rapid, speedy, slow, deny somebody, refuse (somebody), block, passage across, passage down, passage from… to…, the passage of time, a rite of passage, rapid, speedy, slow, deny somebody, refuse (somebody), block, passage across, passage down, passage from… to…, the passage of time, a rite of passage, rapid, speedy, slow, deny somebody, refuse (somebody), block, passage across, passage down, passage from… to…, the passage of time, a rite of passage | opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society, opening, concluding, final, dedicate, devote, add, leader, manager, in a/the section, in sections, under section, a section of society |
| Antonyms | sentence, fragment | closure, stop | whole, entirety |
| Common mistakes | Confusing with 'sentence' - a paragraph is made up of multiple sentences., Using 'paragraphed' as a verb form incorrectly., Not indenting the first line in written paragraphs. | Confused with 'passport' — they sound similar but have different meanings., Misusing 'passage' when 'pass' would be appropriate — understand the context., Using 'passage' to mean 'trip' or 'journey' incorrectly. | Using 'section' instead of 'segment' in the context of a physical object., Confusing 'section' with 'sectional' when describing furniture., Adding unnecessary plural forms like 'sections' when referring to a single part. |
| Usage notes | Used in writing to separate ideas. Appropriate in essays, reports, and articles. Avoid using in casual conversation unless discussing writing. | Use 'passage' in formal writing or when discussing literature. Avoid using it in casual conversations unless referring to a specific text. | Use 'section' when referring to a distinct part of a whole, such as a chapter in a book or a part of a document. Avoid using it in contexts where a more specific term could be clearer. |
Frequently asked questions: Paragraph vs Passage vs Section
What's the difference between Paragraph, Passage, and Section?
Paragraph: A group of sentences about one main idea. Passage: A part of a written work or a narrow space to go through. Section: A part of something, like a piece of a whole.
Which is more advanced: Paragraph, Passage, and Section?
Passage is the highest level, at B2, on the CEFR scale.
Are Paragraph, Passage, and Section the same CEFR level?
Paragraph: A1, Passage: B2, Section: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Paragraph, Passage, and Section?
Paragraph: noun, Passage: noun, Section: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Paragraph: an **opening/introductory paragraph** Passage: The passage from the book really captured the essence of the character. Section: Please complete the form and sign in the designated section.
Can I use Paragraph, Passage, and Section interchangeably?
Not always. Paragraph, Passage, and Section are related and overlap in some contexts, but they differ in register, how common they are, and usage, so swapping one for another can change the meaning or tone. Check the differences above before substituting.