Are you confused about the difference between subhead and subheading? You’re not alone. These terms are often used interchangeably, but there are some important distinctions to be aware of.
We should clarify which of the two is the proper word to use. The answer is that both subhead and subheading are correct, depending on the context. However, there is a subtle difference in their meanings.
A subhead is a secondary headline that appears below the main headline of an article or section. It is usually shorter than the main headline and provides more detail about the content that follows. Think of it as a mini-summary of what’s to come.
A subheading, on the other hand, is a title or heading that appears within the body of an article or section. It is used to break up the text into smaller, more manageable chunks and to provide structure and organization. Subheadings are usually longer than subheads and provide more detailed information about the content that follows.
Now that we’ve established the difference between these two terms, let’s dive deeper into why they are important and how to use them effectively in your writing.
Define Subhead
A subhead, also known as a subheadline, is a secondary headline that appears below the main headline of an article or webpage. It provides additional information to the reader about the content of the article or webpage and helps to break up the text into smaller, more digestible sections.
Subheads are typically smaller in font size than the main headline but larger than the body text. They are often written in bold or italicized font to make them stand out from the rest of the text.
Subheads can serve several purposes, including:
- Providing a summary of the main points of the article or webpage
- Breaking up long sections of text into smaller, more manageable sections
- Highlighting important information or key takeaways
- Guiding the reader through the content of the article or webpage
Define Subheading
A subheading, also known as a subtitle, is a secondary heading that appears below the main title of a section within an article or webpage. It provides additional context or information about the content that follows and helps to organize the text into smaller, more focused sections.
Subheadings are typically smaller in font size than the main title but larger than the body text. They are often written in bold or italicized font to make them stand out from the rest of the text.
Subheadings can serve several purposes, including:
- Breaking up long sections of text into smaller, more manageable sections
- Organizing the content into logical subsections
- Providing context or additional information about the content that follows
- Helping the reader to navigate the article or webpage more easily
How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence
Using the right words in a sentence is crucial to ensure that your writing is clear and concise. In this section, we will discuss how to properly use the words “subhead” and “subheading” in a sentence.
How To Use “Subhead” In A Sentence
“Subhead” is a term used in journalism and publishing to refer to a secondary headline that appears below the main headline. It is typically used to break up long articles and make them easier to read.
Here are a few examples of how to use “subhead” in a sentence:
- The article was divided into several sections, each with its own subhead.
- The subhead provided additional information about the topic of the article.
- The subhead was written in a smaller font than the main headline.
How To Use “Subheading” In A Sentence
“Subheading” is a term used in writing to refer to a secondary heading that appears below the main heading. It is typically used to break up long sections of text and make them easier to read.
Here are a few examples of how to use “subheading” in a sentence:
- The chapter was divided into several sections, each with its own subheading.
- The subheading provided more detail about the topic discussed in the main heading.
- The subheading was written in a smaller font than the main heading.
Overall, it is important to use these terms correctly to ensure that your writing is clear and easy to understand. By following these guidelines, you can effectively use “subhead” and “subheading” in your writing.
More Examples Of Subhead & Subheading Used In Sentences
In order to better understand the difference between subhead and subheading, it’s important to see how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples:
Examples Of Using Subhead In A Sentence
- The subhead read “Breaking News” in bold letters.
- He used a subhead to introduce the next section of the report.
- The article had a subhead that summarized the main point of the piece.
- She added a subhead to make the text easier to read.
- The subhead gave a hint about what was coming up in the article.
- He used a subhead to break up the text and make it more visually appealing.
- The subhead was in a larger font size than the rest of the text.
- She used a subhead to emphasize the importance of the next section.
- The subhead acted as a mini title for the section.
- He added a subhead to help the reader navigate the article more easily.
Examples Of Using Subheading In A Sentence
- The document had several subheadings to organize the information.
- She used subheadings to break up the text and make it more readable.
- The subheadings acted as a table of contents for the report.
- He added subheadings to make the text easier to scan.
- She used subheadings to highlight the main points of each section.
- The subheadings were in bold to make them stand out from the rest of the text.
- He used subheadings to create a logical flow for the article.
- The subheadings helped the reader to quickly find the information they were looking for.
- She added subheadings to give structure to the document.
- The subheadings were numbered to show the hierarchy of information.
Common Mistakes To Avoid
When it comes to formatting written content, subhead and subheading are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can lead to confusion and misinterpretation. In this section, we will highlight some of the common mistakes people make when using subhead and subheading interchangeably, and explain why they are incorrect.
Using Subhead And Subheading Interchangeably
One of the most common mistakes people make is using subhead and subheading interchangeably. While they may seem similar, there are distinct differences between the two. Subheadings are typically used to break up longer sections of text, while subheads are used to introduce new topics or sections.
Another common mistake is using subheads and subheadings inconsistently throughout a piece of content. This can make it difficult for readers to follow along and understand the structure of the content.
Not Using Subheads Or Subheadings At All
Another mistake people make is not using subheads or subheadings at all. This can make the content appear dense and overwhelming, and can make it difficult for readers to find the information they are looking for.
Offering Tips On How To Avoid Making These Mistakes
To avoid these common mistakes, it is important to understand the differences between subheads and subheadings, and to use them consistently throughout your content. Here are some tips to help you avoid making these mistakes:
- Use subheadings to break up longer sections of text, and use subheads to introduce new topics or sections
- Be consistent in your use of subheads and subheadings throughout your content
- Use subheads and subheadings to help guide readers through your content and make it easier to find the information they are looking for
Context Matters
When it comes to writing, choosing the right word or phrase to convey your message is crucial. This is especially true when it comes to subhead and subheading, two terms that are often used interchangeably but have subtle differences that can affect the effectiveness of your writing. The choice between subhead and subheading can depend on the context in which they are used.
Examples Of Different Contexts
Let’s take a look at some examples of different contexts and how the choice between subhead and subheading might change:
1. News Articles
In news articles, subheads are often used to break up long blocks of text and provide a brief summary of the upcoming section. For example, a subhead might read:
- “New York City Announces Plans to Build More Affordable Housing”
On the other hand, subheadings might be used to provide more detailed information within a section. For example:
- “The Challenges of Building Affordable Housing in New York City”
2. Academic Papers
In academic papers, subheads are often used to organize the content and provide a clear structure for the reader. For example, a subhead might read:
- “Methodology”
Subheadings might be used to provide more specific information within a section. For example:
- “Participant Selection Criteria”
3. Marketing Materials
In marketing materials, subheads are often used to grab the reader’s attention and highlight key benefits or features. For example, a subhead might read:
- “Revolutionary New Product Helps You Sleep Better Than Ever”
Subheadings might be used to provide more detailed information about a specific feature or benefit. For example:
- “Advanced Sleep Tracking Technology”
As you can see, the choice between subhead and subheading can depend on the context in which they are used. Consider the purpose of your writing and the needs of your audience when making this decision.
Exceptions To The Rules
While subhead and subheading rules are generally straightforward, there are some exceptions where these rules may not apply. Below are explanations and examples for each case:
1. Creative Writing
In creative writing, such as poetry or fiction, the use of subheadings may not be necessary or appropriate. In these cases, the author may choose to use line breaks, spacing, or other formatting techniques to indicate a shift in thought or scene. For example, in a poem, the author may use line breaks to create pauses and emphasize certain words or phrases.
2. Lengthy Texts
When dealing with lengthy texts, such as academic papers or technical documents, the use of subheadings may be necessary to break up the content and make it more accessible to readers. However, in some cases, such as when dealing with short sections or paragraphs, the use of subheadings may not be necessary. In these cases, the author may choose to use bold or italicized text to emphasize important points.
3. Branding And Marketing
In branding and marketing, the use of subheadings may be less important than the overall message and branding of the content. In some cases, the use of subheadings may detract from the overall message or tone of the content. For example, in a brand slogan or tagline, the use of subheadings may not be necessary or appropriate.
4. Personal Style
Finally, personal style can also play a role in the use of subheadings. Some authors may prefer to use subheadings sparingly, while others may use them more frequently. In some cases, an author may choose to use subheadings as a stylistic choice, rather than for organizational purposes. Ultimately, the decision to use subheadings should be based on the needs of the content and the preferences of the author.
Practice Exercises
Now that we have discussed the differences between subheads and subheadings, it’s time to put that knowledge into practice. Below are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of these two terms in sentences.
Exercise 1: Identifying Subheads And Subheadings
Read the following paragraphs and identify which sentences are subheads and which are subheadings:
- Paragraph 1: The Benefits of Exercise
- Sentence 1: Exercise can improve your physical health.
- Sentence 2: Exercise can also improve your mental well-being.
- Sentence 3: In addition, exercise can help you sleep better at night.
- Sentence 4: Finally, exercise can boost your self-confidence.
Answer: Subhead: The Benefits of Exercise; Subheadings: Sentence 1, Sentence 2, Sentence 3, Sentence 4.
Exercise 2: Writing Subheads And Subheadings
Using the information provided, write a paragraph with appropriate subheads and subheadings:
| Topic: | The Importance of Sleep |
|---|---|
| Subhead 1: | Physical Health Benefits |
| Subheading 1: | Sleep helps repair and restore your body. |
| Subheading 2: | Sleep can boost your immune system. |
| Subhead 2: | Mental Health Benefits |
| Subheading 1: | Sleep can improve your mood and reduce stress. |
| Subheading 2: | Sleep can enhance your cognitive abilities. |
Answer:
The Importance of Sleep
Physical Health Benefits
- Sleep helps repair and restore your body.
- Sleep can boost your immune system.
Mental Health Benefits
- Sleep can improve your mood and reduce stress.
- Sleep can enhance your cognitive abilities.
By completing these exercises, you should have a better understanding of the differences between subheads and subheadings, as well as how to use them effectively in your writing.
Conclusion
After exploring the differences between subheads and subheadings, it is clear that these two terms have distinct meanings and should be used appropriately in writing. Subheads are larger, more prominent headings that divide a piece of writing into major sections, while subheadings are smaller, more specific headings that break down those major sections into smaller parts.
It is crucial to use subheads and subheadings effectively to guide readers through a piece of writing and help them understand its structure and content. Using the wrong term can be confusing and detract from the overall clarity of the writing.
Key Takeaways
- Subheads are larger, more prominent headings that divide a piece of writing into major sections.
- Subheadings are smaller, more specific headings that break down those major sections into smaller parts.
- Using subheads and subheadings effectively can guide readers through a piece of writing and help them understand its structure and content.
- Using the wrong term can be confusing and detract from the overall clarity of the writing.
Overall, understanding the nuances of grammar and language use is essential for effective communication. By continuing to learn and improve our writing skills, we can create more engaging, informative, and impactful content.
Shawn Manaher is the founder and CEO of The Content Authority. He’s one part content manager, one part writing ninja organizer, and two parts leader of top content creators. You don’t even want to know what he calls pancakes.