The Paragraph

Sentences are the building blocks of a paragraph, and each paragraph works with the others in a novel, an article, or any copy to tell the story you’ve chosen to write. Treat each sentence as a vital part of your creation, and every paragraph will come alive.

• Read each paragraph aloud and “listen” for the hiccup you will feel if the logic is amiss.

• Don’t use pronouns without a clear antecedent.

• Don’t let your sentence structure minimize important points.

• Eliminate wordiness: repeated words/phrases, long-winded phrases, vague expressions.

• Use active verbs whenever possible.

• If a list will achieve greater clarity, then use one.

• Check for smooth transitions or segues from one paragraph to the next. Don’t leave the reader wondering what they missed!
   

Punctuation

• Always put your period inside a quotation mark if it ends the sentence.

• Question marks are inside quotation marks only if the quoted material is a question. Otherwise, it is placed outside the quotation marks.

• Do not combine question marks, exclamation points, periods or commas.

• When a modifying clause begins a sentence, place a comma after it.

• When listing items, you have the option of using a comma before the coordinate conjunction and or not using a comma.

• A comma is placed after explanatory remarks introducing quoted material or dialogue.

• If your sentence uses a form of direct address, set it off with commas. Example: Dannye, I tried to call you last night.
   

Words

• Tautologies: commonly called baby puppies. Using adjectives or phrases that repeat what another word means or implies is redundant.
   

• Abbreviations/acronyms/
  colloquialisms/Jargon: If your audience will recognize them, use these devices to cut down on wordiness and possibly gain rapport with your listeners/readers.
   

• Connotations: Be careful of words that carry implications, associations or nuances of meaning that conflict with your message. Connotations are subjective and are usually culturally or emotionally based.