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Writing a Paragraph in APA Style: Length and Formatting

Sentence and Paragraph Length

There is no minimum or maximum sentence or paragraph length. Vary sentence and paragraph length, and avoid sentences and paragraphs that are too long. Paragraphs longer than one double-spaced page should be reorganized or broken up. Paragraphs with one sentence should be kept to a minimum as they seem abrupt.

Formatting

Align the paragraph text to the left only, leaving the right jagged. Do not use full justification. Do not manually divide words or use hyphenation. Also, do not manually divide long DOIs or URLs. The first line of the paragraph should be indented 0.5 inches.

Exceptions to indenting exist for the title page, section labels, abstract, block quotations, Level 1 headings, table and figure numbers, reference list entries and appendices. Details are covered in the APA Manual.