What is the Difference Between Passage and Paragraph?

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The difference between a passage and a paragraph lies in their structure and purpose within a piece of writing:

  • Paragraph: A paragraph is a cluster of sentences that come under one theme, matter, or subject. It is a distinct subdivision of a text, usually separated from other paragraphs by a tabulator or indentation. Paragraphs are used in formal writing to organize similar ideas and topics, giving a more organized structure to the prose.
  • Passage: A passage is an excerpt from a text, which can include part of a paragraph, one or more paragraphs, or even an entire piece of literature. It is a section of text, particularly of medium length, and may be taken from a piece of literature, speech, or a piece of music.

In summary:

  • A paragraph is a group of sentences within a text that are related by theme or subject.
  • A passage is an extract from a text, which can be part of a paragraph or an entire piece of literature.

Comparative Table: Passage vs Paragraph

The main difference between a passage and a paragraph lies in their structure and purpose. Here is a table summarizing their differences:

Feature Passage Paragraph
Definition A passage is a segment of text extracted for a specific purpose, which may include multiple paragraphs or sentences. A paragraph is a distinct section of writing that deals with one topic, usually consisting of multiple sentences.
Structure A passage may consist of several paragraphs or sentences. A paragraph is oftenstarts with a topic sentence and is part of the original structure of a text.
Purpose A passage is chosen for specific analysis or citation. Each paragraph in a text has a specific function and contributes to the overall structure of the writing.
Content A passage may include multiple paragraphs or sentences, and it is usually extracted for a specific purpose. A paragraph deals with one topic and usually consists of multiple sentences.

In summary, a passage is a broader section of text that may include several paragraphs and is often used for specific analysis or citation, while a paragraph is a distinct section of writing that deals with one topic and is part of the original structure of a text.