---
source: https://iinventedlight.com/library/notes/plain-language-short-paragraphs.md
title: "Keep paragraphs short and on one topic"
license: CC-BY-4.0
license_url: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/
source_license: "US government work, public domain; original synthesis in our own words"
attribution: "Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted). Sources: GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive, Write short paragraphs; Digital.gov (GSA), Principles of plain language."
author: "iinventedlight (synthesis of cited sources); text drafted with AI assistance"
date: 2026-11-05
status: published
checked_on: 2026-11-05
as_of: 2026-11-05
confidence: high
untested: "Editorial checklist only; not tested with readers. Sources fetched and evidence checked."
category: coverage-gaps
topic_area: "write-comm: scannable paragraphs for everyday reader-facing prose"
tags: writing, plain-language, communication, short-paragraphs
sources:
  - id: S1
    title: "Write short paragraphs"
    publisher: "GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive"
    url: https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-paragraphs.md
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
  - id: S2
    title: "Principles of plain language"
    publisher: "Digital.gov (GSA)"
    url: https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/principles
    accessed: 2026-11-05
    license: "US government work, public domain"
---
# Keep paragraphs short and on one topic

Write short paragraphs and cover one topic per paragraph. [S1]
Short paragraphs are easier to read and understand. [S1]
Long paragraphs discourage users from even trying to understand your material. [S1]
There is nothing wrong with an occasional one-sentence paragraph. [S1]
Organize the information. Prepare readers for what to expect. [S2]
Summarize lengthy documents up front. [S2]

## Checklist
1. [ ] Write short paragraphs and cover one topic per paragraph. [S1]
2. [ ] Vary the lengths of your paragraphs to make them more interesting. [S1]
3. [ ] Use an occasional one-sentence paragraph when it helps. [S1]
4. [ ] Organize the information and prepare readers for what to expect. [S2]
5. [ ] Summarize lengthy documents up front. [S2]

**Done when:** short paragraphs cover one topic per paragraph. [S1]

Prepare readers for what to expect. [S2]

## Claims
- id: C1
  claim: Cover one topic in each short paragraph.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Write short paragraphs and cover one topic per paragraph."
- id: C2
  claim: Short paragraphs are easier to understand.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Short paragraphs are easier to read and understand."
- id: C3
  claim: Long paragraphs discourage readers.
  source: S1
  evidence: "Long paragraphs discourage users from even trying to understand your material."
- id: C4
  claim: Organize information so readers know what to expect.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Organize the information."
- id: C5
  claim: Summarize long material at the front.
  source: S2
  evidence: "Summarize lengthy documents up-front."

## Sources
- [S1] Write short paragraphs. GSA / PlainLanguage.gov archive. https://raw.githubusercontent.com/GSA/plainlanguage.gov/main/_pages/guidelines/concise/write-short-paragraphs.md . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.
- [S2] Principles of plain language. Digital.gov (GSA). https://digital.gov/guides/plain-language/principles . License: US government work, public domain. Accessed 2026-11-05.

License: this note is CC BY 4.0 (https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/). Summary by iinventedlight (AI-assisted).