opening paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

"opening paragraph" is a correct and usable phrase in written English.
You can use it to refer to something at the beginning of a longer written work, such as an essay, text, or article. For example: "The opening paragraph of the essay laid out the author's argument clearly."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Wiki

Science

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

59 human-written examples

Her opening paragraph sets the scene.

The Guardian - Opinion

Was that too much information for an opening paragraph?

The New York Times

So is the opening paragraph just a tease?

The Guardian - Arts

I already mentioned some of them in the opening paragraph.

The Guardian

I used it in my opening paragraph!" "Two.

The Guardian - Opinion

The opening paragraph seems to contain a howler about a non-existent "newly elected Spanish government".

The Economist

What about the visually potent opening paragraph from his short story "A Clean, Well-Lighted Place"?

The New Yorker

I translate an abridged version of the opening paragraph from her first British interview.

Independent

"How should nigger be defined?" he asks in his opening paragraph.

The New Yorker

Cassandra in his opening paragraph was a touch too dismissive of the Academy's voting habits.

The Economist

Just quoting her makes me realise I should have modified that statement in my opening paragraph.

Independent

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Ensure the "opening paragraph" clearly states the main topic or argument of your writing to immediately engage the reader.

Common error

Avoid cramming too many ideas into the "opening paragraph". Focus on a clear, concise introduction to prevent overwhelming the reader.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "opening paragraph" functions primarily as a noun phrase, specifically identifying the first paragraph of a written text. It serves to name and locate a specific section within a document, as demonstrated by Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Very common

Frequent in

News & Media

47%

Wiki

22%

Science

12%

Less common in

Formal & Business

8%

Academia

3%

Encyclopedias

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

The phrase "opening paragraph" is a common and grammatically sound way to refer to the introductory section of a text. Ludwig's AI confirms its correct usage. It is frequently found in News & Media and Wiki contexts, demonstrating its versatility. When crafting your own "opening paragraph", ensure it is clear, concise, and engaging. Common errors include overloading it with too much information. Alternatives include "introductory paragraph" and "initial paragraph". Therefore, understanding the function and purpose of the "opening paragraph" is key to effective writing.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

introductory paragraph

Replaces 'opening' with 'introductory', emphasizing the paragraph's role in introducing the topic.

initial paragraph

Substitutes 'opening' with 'initial', highlighting the paragraph's position as the first one.

first paragraph

Uses 'first' instead of 'opening', directly indicating the paragraph's order.

leading paragraph

Replaces 'opening' with 'leading', suggesting the paragraph's role in guiding the reader.

preliminary paragraph

Substitutes 'opening' with 'preliminary', emphasizing the paragraph's introductory nature.

starting paragraph

Uses 'starting' instead of 'opening', focusing on the act of beginning the text.

introductory section

Broadens 'paragraph' to 'section', indicating a possibly longer introduction.

initial section

Replaces 'opening' with 'initial' and 'paragraph' with 'section', signifying the start of a longer part.

beginning portion

Uses more general terms for both 'opening' and 'paragraph', indicating the initial part of the text.

preface paragraph

Emphasizes the paragraph as a preface to the main content.

FAQs

What makes an effective "opening paragraph"?

An effective "opening paragraph" should capture the reader's attention, clearly introduce the topic, and often present the main argument or thesis statement.

How long should the "opening paragraph" be?

The length of the "opening paragraph" can vary, but it's generally best to keep it concise, usually between three to five sentences, depending on the complexity of the topic.

What are some alternatives to calling it the "opening paragraph"?

You can use terms like "introductory paragraph", "initial paragraph", or "first paragraph" to refer to the same concept.

What should I avoid in the "opening paragraph"?

Avoid unnecessary jargon, overly broad generalizations, and introducing too many unrelated ideas. The "opening paragraph" should be focused and engaging.