Cool MateParagraph vs Section
When to use each in English, with meaning, register, and examples.
Paragraph
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
Section
Top 1,000 (very common)A1noun
| Paragraph | Section | |
|---|---|---|
| Pronunciation | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈpærəɡrɑːf/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈpærəɡræf/"]/ | 🇬🇧 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/🇺🇸 /["/ˈsekʃn/"]/ |
| Meaning | A group of sentences about one main idea. | A part of something, like a piece of a whole. |
| Example | an **opening/introductory paragraph** | Please complete the form and sign in the designated section. |
| Register | Neutral | Neutral |
| How common | Top 1,000 (very common) | Top 1,000 (very common) |
| CEFR level | A1 | A1 |
| Part of speech | 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. | 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 | 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. | 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 '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 Section
What's the difference between Paragraph and Section?
Paragraph: A group of sentences about one main idea. Section: A part of something, like a piece of a whole.
Are Paragraph and Section the same CEFR level?
Paragraph: A1, Section: A1 on the CEFR scale.
What part of speech are Paragraph and Section?
Paragraph: noun, Section: noun.
Can you show an example of each?
Paragraph: an **opening/introductory paragraph** Section: Please complete the form and sign in the designated section.
Can I use Paragraph and Section interchangeably?
Not always. Paragraph 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.