* Paragraphs are about ideas, not sentence count: The goal of a paragraph is to develop a single idea, thought, or topic. The number of sentences needed to do this can vary greatly.
* Sentence length and complexity: A paragraph can be short with a few long, complex sentences, or it can be longer with many shorter, simpler sentences.
* Writing style and purpose: Different writing styles and purposes have different expectations. For example, a news article might have very short paragraphs, while a novel might have much longer ones.
Generally, good paragraphs:
* Have a clear topic sentence: This introduces the main idea of the paragraph.
* Develop the topic sentence: The rest of the paragraph should provide evidence, explanations, or examples to support the topic sentence.
* Flow smoothly: Sentences should connect logically and use transitions to guide the reader.
* Are concise and focused: Avoid including irrelevant information or straying too far from the main topic.
So, instead of focusing on sentence count, aim for paragraphs that are clear, focused, and well-developed.