Difference between Passage and Paragraph

Key Difference: A paragraph is a bunch of sentences that are grouped together as they are usually about a similar topic. A Passage, on the other hand, is an excerpt from a text. This excerpt is basically a section of the text, and can include part of a paragraph or one or more paragraphs from the original text.

The term passage and paragraph are confusing as they are both refer to strings of sentences that are grouped together, however, a passage and a paragraph serve different purposes.

A paragraph is a bunch of sentences that are grouped together as they are usually about a similar topic. These paragraphs are then bunched together to form a prose. In a prose, the paragraphs are used to organize similar ideas and topics, so as to give a more organized structure to the prose.

A paragraph contains one of more sentences that are usually about the same or at least similar topics. Paragraphs are commonly used as part of formal writing, and are expected, even if they are not actually required by the syntax of any language.

Passage A Passage, on the other hand, is an excerpt from a text. This excerpt is basically a section of the text, and can include part of a paragraph or one or more paragraphs from the original text. A passage may be from a piece to text, literature, speech, or a piece of music.

Comparison between Passage and Paragraph:

	Passage	Paragraph
Description	A Passage is an excerpt from a text.	A paragraph is a bunch of sentences that are grouped together as they are usually about a similar topic.
Length	A sentence, to one or more paragraphs.	One or more sentences.
Coherence	Not necessarily need to be coherent. Depends on the excerpt or excerpts. If the excerpts are from different texts then the passage will not be coherent.	A paragraph needs to be coherent. If the paragraph is not coherent, then the sentences should not be clubbed together within the paragraph.
Rule of thumb	A passage could consist of a single sentence.	A good rule of thumb is that a paragraph should have at least two (and preferably three) sentences.
Source	Another text, such as firsthand records of events, theories, opinions or actions.	The writer
Purpose	To cite another literature in your writing. To use another literature to support your writing.	To explain, persuade, give directions, relates story/events.