Article vs. Essay: What's the Difference?
By Janet White || Published on November 9, 2023
An "Article" is a brief work addressing a particular topic, often in periodicals, while an "Essay" is a longer, detailed examination of a subject, showcasing the author's perspective.
Key Differences
An "Article" is generally a concise piece of writing, often found in newspapers, magazines, and other periodicals. Its main goal is to inform readers. An "Essay," on the other hand, delves deeper into a topic, offering an analytical or argumentative perspective, often expressing the author's personal views.
While both "Article" and "Essay" can be factual, articles primarily aim to provide information or report on news, events, or findings. Essays, conversely, focus on exploring ideas, arguments, and often integrate personal insights or interpretations.
The structure of an "Article" usually adheres to journalistic standards, including headings, subheadings, and possibly bullet points. It's direct and to the point. An "Essay," in contrast, flows more organically, often starting with an introduction, followed by body paragraphs, and concluding with a summary or final thought.
The tone of an "Article" is typically neutral, aiming to present facts without bias. However, opinion articles or editorials are exceptions. An "Essay" can adopt a more personal tone, allowing the author's voice, style, and emotions to shine through.
In terms of publication, "Articles" are predominantly found in newspapers, magazines, and online platforms catering to news or specific topics. "Essays," however, are more versatile in their publishing avenues, appearing in magazines, academic journals, books, or standalone publications.
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Comparison Chart
Primary Goal
Inform or report.
Analyze or argue.
Tone
Neutral (except opinion articles).
Personal or academic.
Structure
Headings, subheadings, bullet points.
Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion.
Length
Typically shorter.
Often longer with detailed examination.
Publication
Newspapers, magazines, online platforms.
Magazines, academic journals, books.
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Article and Essay Definitions
Article
A piece of writing in a publication.
She wrote an article about climate change for the magazine.
Essay
A short piece of writing on a specific subject.
He penned an essay on Renaissance art.
Article
A particular provision or stipulation.
The treaty's articles were meticulously reviewed.
Essay
An attempt or trial at something.
She made an essay at solving the complex problem.
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Essay
A literary work reflecting personal views or observations.
Her essay shed light on societal norms.
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Essay
A formal piece examining and discussing a topic.
The philosophical essay challenged conventional beliefs.
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Essay
A written composition by a student on a given topic.
The teacher assigned an essay on Shakespeare's works.
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Essay
A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.
Article
Any of the words belonging to this part of speech. In English, the indefinite articles are a and an and the definite article is the.
Essay
Something resembling such a composition
A photojournalistic essay.
Article
A particular part or subject; a specific matter or point.
Essay
A testing or trial of the value or nature of a thing
An essay of the students' capabilities.
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Essay
An initial attempt or endeavor, especially a tentative attempt.
Article
A piece of nonfictional writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.
Essay
To make an attempt at; try.
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
Essay
To subject to a test.
Article
(grammar) A part of speech that indicates, specifies and limits a noun (a, an, or the in English). In some languages the article may appear as an ending (e.g. definite article in Swedish) or there may be none (e.g. Russian, Pashto).
Essay
(authorship) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
Article
A section of a legal document, bylaws, etc. or, in the plural, the entire document seen as a collection of these.
The Articles of War are a set of regulations...to govern the conduct of...military...forces
Essay
(obsolete) A test, experiment; an assay.
Article
A genuine article.
Essay
An attempt.
Article
A part or segment of something joined to other parts, or, in combination, forming a structured set.
Each of the chelicerae is composed of two articles, forming a powerful pincer.
Essay
A proposed design for a postage stamp or a banknote.
Article
A person; an individual.
A shrewd article
Essay
To try.
Article
(archaic) A wench.
She's a prime article (whip slang), she's a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
Essay
(intransitive) To move forth, as into battle.
Article
(dated) Subject matter; concern.
Essay
An effort made, or exertion of body or mind, for the performance of anything; a trial; attempt; as, to make an essay to benefit a friend.
Article
(dated) A distinct part.
Essay
A composition treating of any particular subject; - usually shorter and less methodical than a formal, finished treatise; as, an essay on the life and writings of Homer; an essay on fossils, or on commerce.
Article
(obsolete) A precise point in time; a moment.
Essay
To exert one's power or faculties upon; to make an effort to perform; to attempt; to endeavor; to make experiment or trial of; to try.
What marvel if I thus essay to sing?
Essaying nothing she can not perform.
A danger lest the young enthusiast . . . should essay the impossible.
Article
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
To article an apprentice to a mechanic
Essay
To test the value and purity of (metals); to assay. See Assay.
Article
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
Essay
An analytic or interpretive literary composition
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
Essay
A tentative attempt
Article
A distinct portion of an instrument, discourse, literary work, or any other writing, consisting of two or more particulars, or treating of various topics; as, an article in the Constitution. Hence: A clause in a contract, system of regulations, treaty, or the like; a term, condition, or stipulation in a contract; a concise statement; as, articles of agreement.
Essay
Make an effort or attempt;
He tried to shake off his fears
The infant had essayed a few wobbly steps
The police attempted to stop the thief
He sought to improve himself
She always seeks to do good in the world
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Essay
Put to the test, as for its quality, or give experimental use to;
This approach has been tried with good results
Test this recipe
Article
Subject; matter; concern; distinct.
A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding.
This last article will hardly be believed.
Article
A distinct part.
The articles which compose the blood.
Article
A particular one of various things; as, an article of merchandise; salt is a necessary article.
They would fight not for articles of faith, but for articles of food.
Article
Precise point of time; moment.
This fatal news coming to Hick's Hall upon the article of my Lord Russell's trial, was said to have had no little influence on the jury and all the bench to his prejudice.
Article
One of the three words, a, an, the, used before nouns to limit or define their application. A (or an) is called the indefinite article, the the definite article.
Article
One of the segments of an articulated appendage.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
If all his errors and follies were articled against him, the man would seem vicious and miserable.
Article
To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles.
He shall be articled against in the high court of admiralty.
Article
To bind by articles of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic.
Article
To agree by articles; to stipulate; to bargain; to covenant.
Then he articled with her that he should go away when he pleased.
Article
Nonfictional prose forming an independent part of a publication
Article
One of a class of artifacts;
An article of clothing
Article
A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
Article
(grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
Article
Bind by a contract; especially for a training period
Article
A specific item or object.
The shopkeeper showed me several articles of clothing.
Article
A distinct section in a written document.
Refer to article 5 of the contract.
Article
A grammar term referring to 'a,' 'an,' and 'the.'
The is a definite article in English.
FAQs
Are "Essays" only academic?
No, essays can be personal, narrative, argumentative, or academic.
Can an "Article" be subjective?
While articles are mostly factual, opinion articles can be subjective.
Can an "Essay" be a fictional narrative?
While most essays are non-fiction, some blend facts with creative storytelling.
What's the purpose of an "Article"?
Primarily to inform, update, or report on a specific topic or event.
Are there different types of "Essays"?
Yes, including persuasive, descriptive, expository, and narrative essays.
Is an "Essay" always written in the first person?
No, essays can be written in first, second, or third person depending on the context.
Is every written piece in a newspaper an "Article"?
Most likely, but editorials, op-eds, and letters to the editor are specific types.
How is an "Essay" structured?
Typically, it has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
What's a photo essay?
An "Essay" told primarily through photographs, often with captions or small amounts of text.
Where might I find an "Article"?
Newspapers, magazines, and online platforms commonly feature articles.
Can "Article" refer to an item?
Yes, as in "articles of clothing" or "personal articles."
Are all "Articles" short?
No, while many are concise, feature articles can be longer.
What distinguishes a news "Article" from a feature one?
News articles focus on recent events, while feature articles provide in-depth analysis.
Can an "Article" be a primary source?
Yes, if it's a firsthand account or original research.
Do "Articles" always present unbiased information?
Ideally, yes, but editorials and opinion pieces may show bias.
Who writes essays?
Students, writers, journalists, academics, and many others.
Why might someone write an "Essay"?
To explore, explain, persuade, describe, or narrate about a topic.
Why are articles important in grammar?
As determiners, "Articles" ('a,' 'an,' 'the') define the specificity of nouns.
Are "Essays" only for students?
No, many professionals and writers produce essays for various audiences.
Is every "Essay" personal?
No, many essays explore topics without delving into personal experiences.
About Author
Written by
Janet WhiteJanet White has been an esteemed writer and blogger for Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Science and Medical Journalism from the prestigious Boston University, she has consistently demonstrated her expertise and passion for her field. When she's not immersed in her work, Janet relishes her time exercising, delving into a good book, and cherishing moments with friends and family.
