Article vs. Essay: What's the Difference?
Edited by Sara Rehman || By Sawaira Riaz || 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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
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.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
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.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
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Comparison Chart
Structure
Headings, subheadings, bullet points.
Introduction, body paragraphs, conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Publication
Newspapers, magazines, online platforms.
Magazines, academic journals, books.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
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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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Essay
A short piece of writing on a specific subject.
He penned an essay on Renaissance art.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Article
A particular provision or stipulation.
The treaty's articles were meticulously reviewed.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Essay
An attempt or trial at something.
She made an essay at solving the complex problem.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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Essay
A literary work reflecting personal views or observations.
Her essay shed light on societal norms.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Essay
A formal piece examining and discussing a topic.
The philosophical essay challenged conventional beliefs.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 20, 2023
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Essay
A written composition by a student on a given topic.
The teacher assigned an essay on Shakespeare's works.
Sara Rehman
Oct 20, 2023
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Essay
A short literary composition on a single subject, usually presenting the personal view of the author.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Essay
A testing or trial of the value or nature of a thing
An essay of the students' capabilities.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
A piece of nonfictional writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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).
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Essay
(authorship) A written composition of moderate length, exploring a particular issue or subject.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
(archaic) A wench.
She's a prime article (whip slang), she's a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
To article an apprentice to a mechanic
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
Subject; matter; concern; distinct.
A very great revolution that happened in this article of good breeding.
This last article will hardly be believed.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
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.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles.
He shall be articled against in the high court of admiralty.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
To bind by articles of covenant or stipulation; as, to article an apprentice to a mechanic.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
To agree by articles; to stipulate; to bargain; to covenant.
Then he articled with her that he should go away when he pleased.
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
A separate section of a legal document (as a statute or contract or will)
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
(grammar) a determiner that may indicate the specificity of reference of a noun phrase
Sawaira Riaz
Oct 13, 2023
Article
A specific item or object.
The shopkeeper showed me several articles of clothing.
Janet White
Oct 20, 2023
Article
A distinct section in a written document.
Refer to article 5 of the contract.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
Article
A grammar term referring to 'a,' 'an,' and 'the.'
The is a definite article in English.
Aimie Carlson
Oct 20, 2023
FAQs
Are "Essays" only academic?
No, essays can be personal, narrative, argumentative, or academic.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Can an "Article" be subjective?
While articles are mostly factual, opinion articles can be subjective.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can an "Essay" be a fictional narrative?
While most essays are non-fiction, some blend facts with creative storytelling.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What's the purpose of an "Article"?
Primarily to inform, update, or report on a specific topic or event.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Are there different types of "Essays"?
Yes, including persuasive, descriptive, expository, and narrative essays.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is an "Essay" always written in the first person?
No, essays can be written in first, second, or third person depending on the context.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Is every written piece in a newspaper an "Article"?
Most likely, but editorials, op-eds, and letters to the editor are specific types.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
How is an "Essay" structured?
Typically, it has an introduction, body paragraphs, and a conclusion.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
What's a photo essay?
An "Essay" told primarily through photographs, often with captions or small amounts of text.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Where might I find an "Article"?
Newspapers, magazines, and online platforms commonly feature articles.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Can "Article" refer to an item?
Yes, as in "articles of clothing" or "personal articles."
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Are all "Articles" short?
No, while many are concise, feature articles can be longer.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
What distinguishes a news "Article" from a feature one?
News articles focus on recent events, while feature articles provide in-depth analysis.
Sara Rehman
Nov 09, 2023
Can an "Article" be a primary source?
Yes, if it's a firsthand account or original research.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Do "Articles" always present unbiased information?
Ideally, yes, but editorials and opinion pieces may show bias.
Janet White
Nov 09, 2023
Who writes essays?
Students, writers, journalists, academics, and many others.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Why might someone write an "Essay"?
To explore, explain, persuade, describe, or narrate about a topic.
Harlon Moss
Nov 09, 2023
Why are articles important in grammar?
As determiners, "Articles" ('a,' 'an,' 'the') define the specificity of nouns.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
Are "Essays" only for students?
No, many professionals and writers produce essays for various audiences.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 09, 2023
Is every "Essay" personal?
No, many essays explore topics without delving into personal experiences.
Sawaira Riaz
Nov 09, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sawaira RiazSawaira is a dedicated content editor at difference.wiki, where she meticulously refines articles to ensure clarity and accuracy. With a keen eye for detail, she upholds the site's commitment to delivering insightful and precise content.
Edited by
Sara RehmanSara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
