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Prepositions with nouns

Using in paragraph and of paragraph

In paragraph is common for location within text. Of paragraph usually appears in larger noun phrases such as the end of the paragraph.

Quick answer

Basic usage

Use in the paragraph to refer to content location. Use of the paragraph when paragraph is part of a larger phrase.

The answer appears in the paragraph
the final sentence of the paragraph
Details mentioned in paragraph 3 were incorrect

Choose the pattern by meaning

These forms are not interchangeable. Choose the construction by meaning, not by which preposition appears most often.

1
in paragraph + number

Location in a text

Use in paragraph to identify where information appears.

The term is defined in paragraph 2
2
of the paragraph

Part belonging to a paragraph

Use of for parts or features of a paragraph.

the topic sentence of the paragraph
3
paragraph about + topic

Topic of writing

Use about to introduce the subject.

She wrote a paragraph about climate change

See the difference in context

The same subject can take different constructions because each sentence answers a different question.

Construction
Example
Meaning
in the paragraph
The key point is in the paragraph below.
location within text
of the paragraph
The structure of the paragraph is clear.
a feature or part of the paragraph
in paragraph 4
The rule appears in paragraph 4.
specific numbered section
of paragraph
Of paragraph alone is incomplete.
normally needs a larger phrase

Common mistakes

Some combinations appear in real text but do not mean what learners often assume.

Using of paragraph without context

The phrase usually needs another noun before it.

✕ of paragraph ✓ the end of the paragraph

Missing the article

Use the before paragraph in many references.

✕ in paragraph below ✓ in the paragraph below

Using at paragraph

English uses in for textual location.

✕ at paragraph 5 ✓ in paragraph 5

Confusing paragraph and section

Paragraph refers to a smaller text unit.

✓ The example is in the paragraph above.

Quick practice

Choose the expression that matches the intended meaning.

1. The explanation appears ___ paragraph 6.
2. The first sentence ___ the paragraph is too long.
3. She wrote a paragraph ___ travel.

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Frequently asked questions

Is in paragraph correct?

Yes. It is common when referring to information inside a paragraph or numbered paragraph.

Can I say of paragraph alone?

Usually no. It normally appears in phrases like structure of the paragraph.

Which preposition is used for text location?

In is the standard choice for location within written text.

"in act" or "of act"? "in agreement" or "of agreement"? "in appearance" or "of appearance"? "in area" or "of area"? in, at, on, of or to hand? "in attempt" or "of attempt"? "in battle" or "of battle"? "in celebration", "of celebration" or "for celebration"? "in chain" or "of chain"? "in chapter" or "of chapter"? "in charge" or "of charge"? "in check" or "of check"?

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