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HTML Markup: Paragraph Tags

Originally Published: 2005-02-21
Updated: 2006
You will want to structure the contents of the Web page for ease in reading. Most commonly used HTML elements for this structuring is paragraphs, line breaks, and horizontal rules. This article will share about the markup used for making paragraphs.

Paragraph Markup

<p>Block of TEXT</p>
Paired tag; no shortcut.
Block Element.
p is short for Paragraph
Use: Encloses, or encases, a block of text to provide visual structure when rendered by a browser.
Suggestions: #1: In the mid-1990's it was regarded optional on sharing the closing tag. Times, and technology available, have changed. Nowadays it is strongly advised to use the complete set.
#2: If using empty paragraphs as a quick work-around to provide additional spacing between elements, use CSS to share padding or adding margins between those elements instead if & when possible. CSS will allow you more control over the spacing and, therefore, final appearance.

Example of markup:
<p>Blocks of text are enclosed between the paragraph tags. This helps to provide structure in the contents of the Web page.</p>
<p>The paragraph element helps to provide reading ease. Not only by containing the blocks of contents but also sharing separation of thoughts presented in those blocks, or paragraphs.</p>

Appearance on the Web (will appear as dark green text):

Blocks of text are enclosed between the paragraph tags. This helps to provide structure in the contents of the Web page.

The paragraph element helps to provide reading ease. Not only by containing the blocks of contents but also sharing separation of thoughts presented in those blocks, or paragraphs.


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