loose paragraphs

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "loose paragraphs" is correct and usable in written English.
It refers to paragraphs that are not connected to surrounding paragraphs and contain unrelated ideas. For example, you could say, "The essay had many loose paragraphs, which made it difficult to decipher the main ideas."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

1 human-written examples

Ben Jonson may have dismissed the essay as "a few loose paragraphs and that's all", but its history shows it to have been the most elastic of forms, able to incorporate all sorts of prose – and indeed, in the case of Alexander Pope's Essay on Man, poetry.

The Guardian - Books

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

59 human-written examples

The real source of Evan's writing difficulty was his loose paragraph organization, not his awareness of the construction of the Qi-cheng-zhuan-he method.

Language Testing in Asia

Many paragraphs have loose statements and irrelevant information.

Biology Direct

It's useful to write long sentences, loose words, or entire paragraphs, because all can come in handy when you tackle the actual plot.

WikiHow

It is also why the A.P.A. has to begin its Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders with a loose and baggy four-paragraph definition of mental disorder that is no more satisfying than Jellinek's was.

The New Yorker

Open the Paragraph Designer.

WikiHow

Tie up any loose ends from the introduction or body paragraphs, but be careful not to outwardly repeat what you've written.

WikiHow

Young challenged each paragraph of the Treasury letter in his report, describing it as "loose analysis" with "inconsistent assumptions".

The Guardian

O'Donnell points out what I pointed out several paragraphs ago, about how surprising it was to hear that Walker "considered" and "rejected" the idea of turning troublemakers loose in the state capitol.

Huffington Post

Skip to next paragraph Related ArtsBeat: Five Questions for Donna Murphy Original Review: 'Anyone Can Whistle' (April 6 , 1964 [pdf] Enlarge This Image Chad Batka for The New York Times Chad Batka for The New York Times Sutton Foster letting loose with fellow pretender Raúl Esparza.

The New York Times

Just about every loose end appears to have been tied up now, for in the last memo there was hardly anything except a short paragraph that said: It is customary not to wear hats while Convention is in session.

The New Yorker

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When using the phrase "loose paragraphs", ensure that the context clearly indicates that the paragraphs lack cohesion or are poorly connected to the overall argument. Use it to critique writing that lacks a clear flow of ideas.

Common error

Avoid using "loose paragraphs" to describe paragraphs that are merely short in length. The phrase refers specifically to paragraphs that lack coherence and connection to the surrounding text, not just their size.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "loose paragraphs" functions as an adjective phrase modifying the noun "paragraphs". It describes a specific quality of the paragraphs, indicating that they lack cohesion or a strong connection to the surrounding text. Ludwig AI confirms its use in describing poorly structured writing.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

33%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Formal & Business

0%

Academia

0%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "loose paragraphs" is a grammatically correct phrase used to describe paragraphs that lack cohesion or are poorly connected within a text. While Ludwig AI confirms its validity, its occurrence is rare. It is most frequently encountered in news, scientific, and wiki contexts. The key is to use it accurately, referring to paragraphs that lack a clear connection and coherence rather than simply being short. When identifying or addressing "loose paragraphs", focus on rewriting for better flow and logical structure. Alternatives include "disconnected paragraphs" or "poorly connected paragraphs".

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

poorly connected paragraphs

Focuses on the weak transitions between paragraphs.

disconnected paragraphs

Emphasizes the lack of connection between paragraphs.

disjointed paragraphs

Indicates a lack of logical flow from one paragraph to another.

unrelated paragraphs

Highlights that the paragraphs do not share a common theme.

unstructured paragraphs

Highlights the absence of a clear organizational pattern within the paragraphs.

fragmented paragraphs

Suggests the paragraphs feel incomplete and disjointed.

incoherent paragraphs

Stresses the lack of clarity and logical structure within the paragraphs.

scattered paragraphs

Indicates a lack of central focus and organization.

rambling paragraphs

Implies the paragraphs wander off-topic.

digressive paragraphs

Suggests the paragraphs deviate from the main argument.

FAQs

How can I identify "loose paragraphs" in my writing?

Look for paragraphs that don't logically connect to the ones before or after them, that introduce unrelated ideas, or that lack a clear topic sentence. These are often characterized as "disconnected paragraphs".

What makes paragraphs "loose"?

Paragraphs become "loose" when they lack a clear connection to the central argument, introduce irrelevant information, or fail to transition smoothly from previous paragraphs. "Poorly connected paragraphs" disrupt the reader's understanding.

Is it acceptable to have "loose paragraphs" in creative writing?

While creative writing allows for more flexibility, even in that context, "loose paragraphs" can confuse the reader unless used intentionally to create a specific effect, such as stream of consciousness. Aim for coherence, even when experimenting with style.

What are some strategies for fixing "loose paragraphs"?

Try rewriting the paragraph with a clearer topic sentence, adding transition words to connect it to the surrounding paragraphs, or removing irrelevant information. Reorganizing the order of your paragraphs may also help. "Restructuring paragraphs" can improve flow.