self contained paragraph

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "self contained paragraph" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used to describe a paragraph that expresses a complete thought or idea independently, without needing additional context or information. Example: "Each section of the report should include a self contained paragraph that summarizes the key findings."

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Science

Wiki

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

60 human-written examples

As a self contained Isle, they have ceased all immigration.

The Guardian - Tech

The Conductor: A "Self contained wireless music system".

TechCrunch

Also, the device is fairly small and self contained.

TechCrunch

Beyond neighborhoods, we were a self contained ecosystem.

Huffington Post

Whereas the Singular Self excludes, the Plural Self contains multitudes.The Singular Self prioritizes agency; the Plural Self, harmony.

Huffington Post

Although the law contains paragraphs relevant to freight delivery, it does not consider delivery situations directly.

European Transport Research Review

Text can contain paragraphs and these can be in the form of bulleted or numbered lists.

WikiHow

His style, clear, emphatic, and insensitive, with short sentences forming a self-contained paragraph, came to be for half a century the characteristic English style in higher journalism and exposition of all kinds.

Encyclopedia Britannica

Islands are self-contained.

The New Yorker

Our PCs are no longer self- contained devices.

The Guardian - Tech

Exxon's corporate release contained a paragraph that the White House would later use, verbatim, in its own release.

Huffington Post

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

Use topic sentences to clearly introduce the main point of each "self contained paragraph", making the paragraph's purpose immediately evident.

Common error

Avoid including multiple unrelated ideas in a single "self contained paragraph". Each paragraph should have a distinct focus to maintain clarity and coherence.

Linguistic Context

The phrase "self contained paragraph" functions as a descriptive term, primarily used to characterize a unit of writing that expresses a complete idea independently. This description aligns with Ludwig's assessment of grammatical correctness.

Expression frequency: Rare

Frequent in

News & Media

34%

Science

33%

Wiki

33%

Less common in

Encyclopedias

0%

Formal & Business

0%

Social Media

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "self contained paragraph" is a grammatically correct and understandable phrase used to describe a paragraph that presents a complete idea without relying on external context. While its usage is relatively rare, Ludwig indicates it’s applicable across diverse writing registers. To ensure clarity in writing, each paragraph should ideally be self-contained, focusing on a single, well-developed idea. Alternatives such as "independent paragraph" or "complete paragraph" offer similar meanings. Using "self contained paragraphs" enhances readability and comprehension, especially in academic and professional contexts.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

Independent paragraph

Emphasizes the paragraph's ability to stand alone without relying on surrounding text.

Complete paragraph

Highlights the paragraph's thoroughness in covering a specific topic or idea.

Self-sufficient paragraph

Similar to self-contained, stressing the paragraph's ability to provide all necessary information.

Standalone paragraph

Focuses on the paragraph's isolation and lack of dependence on other sections.

Autonomous paragraph

Highlights the paragraph's independence and self-governing nature in terms of content.

Self-explanatory paragraph

Suggests the paragraph is clear and easily understood without external context.

Entire paragraph

Emphasizes the wholeness and completeness of the paragraph.

Unitary paragraph

Highlights the paragraph's function as a single, cohesive unit of thought.

Discrete paragraph

Focuses on the paragraph's distinctness and separation from other paragraphs.

Comprehensive paragraph

Indicates that the paragraph covers all essential aspects of its topic.

FAQs

What does "self contained paragraph" mean in academic writing?

In academic writing, a "self contained paragraph" is a paragraph that fully develops a single idea or argument without relying heavily on surrounding paragraphs for context. It should include a clear topic sentence, supporting evidence, and a concluding statement.

How can I ensure my paragraph is self-contained?

To ensure your paragraph is self-contained, start with a clear topic sentence, provide sufficient supporting evidence and explanation, and conclude with a sentence that summarizes the main point or transitions to the next idea. Avoid leaving any loose ends or unanswered questions within the paragraph.

What are some alternatives to calling a paragraph "self contained"?

You can use alternatives like "independent paragraph", "complete paragraph", or "self-sufficient paragraph" to describe a paragraph that conveys a full idea on its own.

Why is it important for a paragraph to be self-contained?

A self-contained paragraph enhances clarity and readability. It allows readers to understand each idea fully without having to piece together information from different sections of the text, improving comprehension and engagement.