Sections and Paragraphs

Sections and paragraphs define a program. They are subdivided into clauses and statements. Unless the associated rules explicitly state otherwise, each required clause or statement must be written in the sequence shown in its format. If optional clauses or statements are used, they must be written in the sequence shown in their formats. These rules are true even for clauses and statements treated as comments.

The grammatical hierarchy follows this form:
  • Identification Division
            Paragraphs
             Entries
               Clauses
  • Environment Division
           Sections
             Paragraphs
               Entries
                 Clauses
                    Phrases
  • Data Division
           Sections
               Entries
                 Clauses
                    Phrases
  • Procedure Division
           Sections
             Paragraphs
               Sentences
                  Statements
                     Phrases