article or essay

• Key Differences

Know the Differences & Comparisons

Difference Between Article and Essay

An article is nothing but a piece of writing commonly found in newspapers or websites which contain fact-based information on a specific topic. It is published with the aim of making the reader aware of something and keeping them up to date.

An essay is a literary work, which often discusses ideas, experiences and concepts in a clear and coherent way. It reflects the author’s personal view, knowledge and research on a specific topic.

Content: Article Vs Essay

Comparison chart, definition of article.

An ‘article’ can be described as any form of written information which is produced either in a printed or electronic form, in newspaper, magazine, journal or website. It aims at spreading news, results of surveys, academic analysis or debates.

An article targets a large group of people, in order to fascinate the readers and engage them. Hence, it should be such that to retain the interest of the readers.

It discusses stories, reports and describes news, present balanced argument, express opinion, provides facts, offers advice, compares and contrast etc. in a formal or informal manner, depending upon the type of audience.

For writing an article one needs to perform a thorough research on the matter, so as to provide original and authentic information to the readers.

Components of Article

• Title : An article contains a noticeable title which should be intriguing and should not be very long and descriptive. However, it should be such that which suggests the theme or issue of the information provided.
• Introduction : The introduction part must clearly define the topic, by giving a brief overview of the situation or event.
• Body : An introduction is followed by the main body which presents the complete information or news, in an elaborative way, to let the reader know about the exact situation.
• Conclusion : The article ends with a conclusion, which sums up the entire topic with a recommendation or comment.

Definition of Essay

An essay is just a formal and comprehensive piece of literature, in which a particular topic is discussed thoroughly. It usually highlights the writer’s outlook, knowledge and experiences on that particular topic. It is a short literary work, which elucidates, argues and analyzes a specific topic.

The word essay is originated from the Latin term ‘exagium’ which means ‘presentation of a case’. Hence, writing an essay means to state the reasons or causes of something, or why something should be done or should be the case, which validates a particular viewpoint, analysis, experience, stories, facts or interpretation.

An essay is written with the intent to convince or inform the reader about something. Further, for writing an essay one needs to have good knowledge of the subject to explain the concept, thoroughly. If not so, the writer will end up repeating the same points again and again.

Components of the Essay

• Title : It should be a succinct statement of the proposition.
• Introduction : The introduction section of the essay, should be so interesting which instantly grabs the attention of the reader and makes them read the essay further. Hence, one can start with a quote to make it more thought-provoking.
• Body : In the main body of the essay, evidence or reasons in support of the writer’s ideas or arguments are provided. One should make sure that there is a sync in the paragraphs of the main body, as well as they,  should maintain a logical flow.
• Conclusion : In this part, the writer wraps up all the points in a summarized and simplified manner.

Key Differences Between Article and Essay

Upcoming points will discuss the difference between article and essay:

• An article refers to a written work, published in newspapers, journals, website, magazines etc, containing news or information, in a specific format. On the other hand, an essay is a continuous piece of writing, written with the aim of convincing the reader with the argument or merely informing the reader about the fact.
• An article is objective in the sense that it is based on facts and evidence, and simply describes the topic or narrate the event. As against, an essay is subjective, because it is based on fact or research-based opinion or outlook of a person on a specific topic. It analyses, argues and criticizes the topic.
• The tone used in an article is conversational, so as to make the article easy to understand and also keeping the interest of the reader intact. On the contrary, an essay uses educational and analytical tone.
• An article may contain headings, which makes it attractive and readable. In contrast, an essay does not have any headings, sections or bullet points, however, it is a coherent and organized form of writing.
• An article is always written with a definite objective, which is to inform or make the readers aware of something. Further, it is written to cater to a specific niche of audience. Conversely, an essay is written in response to a particular assertion or question. Moreover, it is not written with a specific group of readers in mind.
• An article is often supported by photographs, charts, statistics, graphs and tables. As opposed, an essay is not supported by any photographs, charts, or graphs.
• Citations and references are a must in case of an essay, whereas there is no such requirement in case of an article.

By and large, an article is meant to inform the reader about something, through news, featured stories, product descriptions, reports, etc. On the flip side, an essay offers an analysis of a particular topic, while reflecting a detailed account of a person’s view on it.

You Might Also Like:

Anna H. Smith says

November 15, 2020 at 6:21 pm

Great! Thank you for explaining the difference between an article and an academic essay so eloquently. Your information is so detailed and very helpful. it’s very educative, Thanks for sharing.

Sunita Singh says

December 12, 2020 at 7:11 am

Thank you! That’s quite helpful.

Saba Zia says

March 8, 2021 at 12:33 am

Great job!! Thank u for sharing this explanation and detailed difference between essay and article. It is really helpful.

Khushi Chaudhary says

February 7, 2021 at 2:38 pm

Thank you so much! It is really very easy to understand & helpful for my test.

Dury Frizza says

July 25, 2022 at 8:18 pm

Thanks a lot for sharing such a clear and easily understood explanation!!!!.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Article vs. Essay

What's the difference.

Articles and essays are both forms of written communication, but they differ in their purpose and structure. An article is typically a piece of writing that provides information or reports on a specific topic. It is often found in newspapers, magazines, or online publications and aims to inform or entertain the reader. On the other hand, an essay is a more formal and structured piece of writing that presents an argument or analysis on a particular subject. It follows a specific structure, including an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, and is commonly used in academic settings. While both articles and essays convey information, articles are more focused on providing facts and details, while essays delve deeper into analysis and interpretation.

Further Detail

Introduction.

When it comes to academic writing, two common forms that often come to mind are articles and essays. While both serve as mediums for conveying information and ideas, they possess distinct attributes that set them apart. In this article, we will explore the characteristics of articles and essays, highlighting their similarities and differences.

Purpose and Audience

One of the primary distinctions between articles and essays lies in their purpose and intended audience. Articles are typically written for a broader audience, aiming to inform or entertain readers on a specific topic. They often appear in newspapers, magazines, or online platforms. On the other hand, essays are more commonly used in academic settings, where the primary purpose is to present an argument or analysis to a specific audience, such as professors or peers.

Structure and Organization

Another significant difference between articles and essays is their structure and organization. Articles tend to follow a more rigid structure, often consisting of an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion. The introduction provides a brief overview of the topic, while the body paragraphs delve into specific details or arguments. Finally, the conclusion summarizes the main points and may offer a closing thought or call to action.

Essays, on the other hand, offer more flexibility in terms of structure. While they generally include an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion, essays can vary in length and complexity. Depending on the type of essay, such as argumentative, descriptive, or narrative, the organization may differ. For instance, an argumentative essay typically presents a thesis statement in the introduction, followed by supporting arguments in the body paragraphs, and a counterargument or rebuttal in the conclusion.

Tone and Style

The tone and style of articles and essays also diverge. Articles often adopt a more neutral and objective tone, aiming to present information in a balanced manner. Journalistic articles, for example, strive to provide facts and multiple perspectives on a given topic. The style may vary depending on the publication, but clarity and conciseness are generally valued.

Essays, on the other hand, allow for a more subjective and personal tone. Depending on the purpose and audience, essays can be formal or informal, but they often reflect the author's voice and opinions. In academic essays, a more formal tone is usually expected, with a focus on critical thinking and evidence-based arguments. However, in creative or personal essays, a more informal and expressive style may be employed.

Research and Citations

Research and citations play a crucial role in both articles and essays, albeit with some differences. Articles, particularly those in academic journals or reputable publications, heavily rely on research to support their claims. They often include citations and references to back up the information presented. However, due to space limitations, articles may not delve deeply into the research process or provide extensive citations within the text.

Essays, on the other hand, typically require more extensive research and citations. Academic essays, in particular, demand a thorough examination of existing literature and scholarly sources to strengthen the arguments. Citations are essential to acknowledge the sources used and provide credibility to the author's claims. Essays often follow specific citation styles, such as APA, MLA, or Chicago, to ensure consistency and accuracy.

In conclusion, while articles and essays share the common goal of conveying information and ideas, they differ in several key attributes. Articles tend to have a broader audience, follow a more rigid structure, adopt a neutral tone, and rely on research to support their claims. On the other hand, essays are often written for academic purposes, offer more flexibility in structure, allow for a subjective tone, and require extensive research and citations. Understanding these distinctions can help writers choose the appropriate form for their intended purpose and audience.

Comparisons may contain inaccurate information about people, places, or facts. Please report any issues.

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. Take the first step today

Meet top uk universities from the comfort of your home, here’s your new year gift, one app for all your, study abroad needs, start your journey, track your progress, grow with the community and so much more.

Verification Code

An OTP has been sent to your registered mobile no. Please verify

Thanks for your comment !

Our team will review it before it's shown to our readers.

• School Education /

Difference Between Article and Essay: An Overview

• Updated on  
• Oct 16, 2024

Difference between article and essay: We all have written several articles and essays during our academic sessions. Many people consider these two terms synonymous. But this is not the truth. Both articles and essays are distinct terms with different formats. An article is meant to explain and persuade a larger audience and is generally more objective, whereas an essay is written on a particular topic and is more subjective. This blog will provide you with a thorough understanding of the difference between articles and essays, allowing you to write in a more effective way.

Table of Contents

• 1 Difference Between Article and Essay: Purpose
• 2 Difference Between Article and Essay: Structure
• 3 Difference Between Article and Essay: Tone and Style
• 4 Difference Between Article and Essay: Audience
• 5 Difference Between Article and Essay: Length
• 6 Difference Between Article and Essay: Content and Research

Difference Between Article and Essay: Purpose

Articles and Essays are written for different purposes. Here are the key differences between the intent of article and essay:

Also Read: Article Writing: Stepwise Guide, Format, Sample, & Tips

Difference Between Article and Essay: Structure

Articles are often organised into short sections with subheadings. This format makes them easier to read. An article is structured in the inverted pyramid format, which means that the most important information is presented first, followed by supporting details. The language is simple and direct, with the aim of presenting information in a quicker way.

Whereas, essays use a more formal and structured format. It begins with an introduction, then proceeds to a thorough analysis in the body paragraphs, and concludes with a summary of the points presented in the essay.

Let us take a look at the difference between article and essay based on structure:

Difference Between Article and Essay: Tone and Style

As an article and an essay are written for various purposes and audiences, each varies in tone and style of writing. The key differences between the tone and style of article and essay are discussed below:

Also Read: 10 Steps on How to Write an Essay in English

Difference Between Article and Essay: Audience

Articles are written for a general audience. Whereas, essays are written for a specific audience. Here, we will mention the difference between an essay and an article based on the audience.

Difference Between Article and Essay: Length

The length and word limit of an essay and an article differ depending on the purpose they serve. The difference between article and essay length is mentioned in the following table:

Difference Between Article and Essay: Content and Research

The articles and essays may be written on various common topics. However, the content may vary based on the intent and audience. Owing to this, the content of each writing form may vary. Also, the research methods vary depending on the content.

Here are some basic differences between articles and essays based on the content and research method:

Articles and Essays serve different purposes for different target audiences. Articles are published for a general audience, whereas essays are more formal and in-depth studies of a topic. Whether you are writing an essay or an article, you must understand the difference between the two so that you can structure your work correctly and efficiently.

The purpose of an essay is to go in-depth and allow the writer to investigate a topic from multiple perspectives. Essays are more formal in tone and involve a thorough examination of a subject. 

Articles are typically short, ranging from 300 to 1500 words. The length varies depending on the topic and publisher.

The four types of essays are argumentative, expository, narrative, and descriptive essays.

Related blogs:

This was all about the “ Difference between Article and Essay ”. For more such informative blogs, check out the school education section by Leverage Edu.

Bhumika Sharma

A writer with a fresh perspective on thoughts, I have an year of experience in writing the blogs on various topics. Here, you will find my blogs for the students and education purpose.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Save my name, email, and website in this browser for the next time I comment.

Contact no. *

Connect With Us

45,000+ students realised their study abroad dream with us. take the first step today..

Resend OTP in

Need help with?

Study abroad.

UK, Canada, US & More

IELTS, GRE, GMAT & More

Scholarship, Loans & Forex

Country Preference

New Zealand

Which English test are you planning to take?

Which academic test are you planning to take.

Not Sure yet

When are you planning to take the exam?

Already booked my exam slot

Within 2 Months

Want to learn about the test

Which Degree do you wish to pursue?

When do you want to start studying abroad.

January 2025

September 2025

What is your budget to study abroad?

How would you describe this article ?

Please rate this article

We would like to hear more.

Have something on your mind?

Make your study abroad dream a reality in January 2022 with

India's Biggest Virtual University Fair

Essex Direct Admission Day

Why attend .

Don't Miss Out

• Humanities ›
• English Grammar ›

The Difference Between an Article and an Essay

• An Introduction to Punctuation
• Ph.D., Rhetoric and English, University of Georgia
• M.A., Modern English and American Literature, University of Leicester
• B.A., English, State University of New York

In composition studies , an article is a short work of nonfiction that typically appears in a magazine or newspaper or on a website. Unlike essays , which often highlight the subjective impressions of the author (or narrator ), articles are commonly written from an objective point of view . Articles include news items, feature stories, reports , profiles , instructions, product descriptions, and other informative pieces of writing.

What Sets Articles Apart From Essays

Though both articles and essays are types of nonfiction writing, they differ in many ways. Here are some features and qualities of articles that differentiate them from essays.

Subject and Theme in Articles

"A useful exercise is to look at some good articles and name the broader subject and the particular aspect each treats. You will find that the subject always deals with a partial aspect examined from some viewpoint; it is never a crammed condensation of the whole.

"...Observe that there are two essential elements of an article: subject and theme . The subject is what the article is about: the issue, event, or person it deals with. (Again, an article must cover only an aspect of a whole.) The theme is what the author wants to say about the subject—what he brings to the subject." (Ayn Rand, The Art of Nonfiction: A Guide for Writers and Readers , ed. by Robert Mayhew. Plume, 2001)

"An article is not everything that's true. It's every important thing that's true." (Gary Provost, Beyond Style: Mastering the Finer Points of Writing . Writer's Digest Books, 1988)

Article Structure

"There are five ways to structure your article . They are:

- The inverted pyramid - The double helix - The chronological double-helix - The chronological report - The storytelling model

Think about how you read a newspaper: you scan the captions and then read the first paragraph or two to get the gist of the article and then read further if you want to know more of the details. That's the inverted pyramid style of writing used by journalists, in which what's important comes first. The double-helix also presents facts in order of importance but it alternates between two separate sets of information. For example, suppose you are writing an article about the two national political conventions. You'll first present Fact 1 about the Democratic convention, then Fact 2 about the Republicans, then Fact 2 about the Democrats, Fact 2 about the Republicans, and so on. The chronological double-helix begins like the double helix but once the important facts from each set of information have been presented, it then goes off to relay the events in chronological order...

"The chronological report is the most straightforward structure to follow since it is written in the order in which the events occurred. The final structure is the storytelling model, which utilizes some of the techniques of fiction writing, so you would want to bring the reader into the story right away even if it means beginning in the middle or even near the end and then filling in the facts as the story unfolds." (Richard D. Bank, The Everything Guide to Writing Nonfiction . Adams Media, 2010)

Opening Sentence of an Article

"The most important sentence in any article is the first one. If it doesn't induce the reader to proceed to the second sentence, your article is dead. And if the second sentence doesn't induce him to continue to the third sentence, it's equally dead. Of such a progression of sentences, each tugging the reader forward until he is hooked, a writer constructs that fateful unit, the ' lead .'" (William Zinsser, On Writing Well: The Classic Guide to Writing Nonfiction , 7th ed. HarperCollins, 2006)

Articles and Media

"More and more, article content written for printed media is also appearing on digital devices (often as an edited version of a longer article) for readers who have short attention spans due to time constraints or their device's small screen. As a result, digital publishers are seeking audio versions of content that is significantly condensed and written in conversational style. Often, content writers must now submit their articles with the understanding they will appear in several media formats." (Roger W. Nielsen, Writing Content: Mastering Magazine and Online Writing . R.W. Nielsen, 2009)

Writer's Voice in Articles and Essays

"Given the confusion of genre minglings and overlaps, what finally distinguishes an essay from an article may just be the author's gumption, the extent to which personal voice , vision, and style are the prime movers and shapers, even though the authorial 'I' may be only a remote energy, nowhere visible but everywhere present. ('We commonly do not remember,' Thoreau wrote in the opening paragraphs of Walden , 'that it is, after all, always the first person that is speaking.')" (Justin Kaplan, quoted by Robert Atwan in The Best American Essays, College Edition , 2nd ed. Houghton Mifflin, 1998)

• Definition and Examples of Formal Essays
• What Is a Critique in Composition?
• The Essay: History and Definition
• Cardinal Number
• What Are the Different Types and Characteristics of Essays?
• Francis Bacon on Youth and Age
• Principal vs. Principle: Commonly Confused Words
• Articles in Grammar: From "A" to "The" With "An" and "Some" Between
• Writing About Literature: Ten Sample Topics for Comparison & Contrast Essays
• What Is Tone In Writing?
• Secondary Sources in Research
• Further vs. Farther: How to Tell the Difference
• Afterward or Afterword: How to Choose the Right Word
• The Notion of Number in English Grammar
• Using Dependant vs. Dependent
• The Value of Analogies in Writing and Speech

Article vs. Essay: What's the Difference?

Key Differences

Comparison chart, primary goal, publication, article and essay definitions, are "essays" only academic, can an "article" be subjective, can an "essay" be a fictional narrative, what's the purpose of an "article", are there different types of "essays", is an "essay" always written in the first person, is every written piece in a newspaper an "article", how is an "essay" structured, what's a photo essay, where might i find an "article", can "article" refer to an item, are all "articles" short, what distinguishes a news "article" from a feature one, can an "article" be a primary source, do "articles" always present unbiased information, who writes essays, why might someone write an "essay", why are articles important in grammar, are "essays" only for students, is every "essay" personal.

Trending Comparisons

Popular Comparisons

New Comparisons