Subheadline vs Headline: When To Use Each One In Writing

When it comes to writing an article, there are two crucial elements that determine its success – the headline and the subheadline. But what exactly do these terms mean and how do they differ from each other?

We should define these terms. The headline is the main title of the article, usually written in bold and larger font size. Its purpose is to grab the reader’s attention and entice them to read further. On the other hand, the subheadline is a secondary title that appears below the headline. It provides additional information about the article and supports the headline by elaborating on its message.

So, which one is the proper word to use? The answer is both. Although they serve different purposes, both the headline and subheadline are equally important in conveying the message of the article. The headline is the first thing that catches the reader’s eye, while the subheadline provides more context and encourages them to keep reading.

In this article, we will delve deeper into the differences between subheadlines and headlines and explore how to use them effectively to create engaging content.

Define Subheadline

A subheadline, also known as a subhead or sub-title, is a secondary headline that appears below the main headline of an article or webpage. It provides additional context or information about the main headline and helps to break up the content into smaller, more digestible sections.

Subheadlines are typically smaller in font size than the main headline, but larger than the body text. They are often used in news articles, blog posts, and marketing copy to grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief summary of the content that follows.

Define Headline

A headline, also known as a title or main heading, is the primary text that appears at the top of an article or webpage. It is the first thing that readers see and is used to grab their attention and entice them to read further.

Headlines are typically larger in font size than the body text and are often bolded or underlined to make them stand out. They should be concise and informative, providing a clear idea of what the content is about. In journalism, headlines are often written in a way that summarizes the main point of the article in just a few words.

Comparison of Subheadline vs Headline

Subheadline	Headline
Secondary headline	Primary headline
Appears below the main headline	Appears at the top of the content
Provides additional context or information	Grabs the reader’s attention and entices them to read further
Smaller font size than the main headline	Larger font size than the body text

How To Properly Use The Words In A Sentence

In writing, it is essential to use the right words in the right context. Two words that are often confused are subheadline and headline. While they may seem interchangeable, they have distinct differences. In this section, we will discuss how to use subheadline and headline correctly in a sentence.

How To Use Subheadline In A Sentence

A subheadline is a secondary headline that appears below the main headline. It provides additional information about the topic and helps to break up the text. When using a subheadline in a sentence, it should be a brief summary of the main headline. It should also be in a smaller font size and less bold than the main headline.

For example, if the main headline is “10 Best Restaurants In New York City,” a subheadline could be “From Michelin-starred fine dining to hole-in-the-wall gems.” This subheadline gives the reader a preview of what to expect from the article without giving away too much information.

It’s important to note that not all articles need a subheadline. If the main headline is clear and concise, a subheadline may not be necessary. However, if the article is long or complex, a subheadline can be a helpful tool to guide the reader through the content.

How To Use Headline In A Sentence

A headline is the main title of an article or piece of content. It should be attention-grabbing and accurately reflect the content of the article. When using a headline in a sentence, it should be capitalized and in bold font.

For example, if the article is about the benefits of meditation, a suitable headline could be “5 Surprising Benefits Of Daily Meditation.” This headline is attention-grabbing and accurately reflects the content of the article.

It’s important to avoid clickbait headlines that mislead the reader or oversell the content. This can lead to a loss of trust and credibility with the audience. A headline should accurately represent the content and provide value to the reader.

In conclusion, subheadlines and headlines are essential components of effective writing. When used correctly, they can help to guide the reader and make the content more engaging. Remember to keep the subheadline brief and informative, and the headline attention-grabbing and accurate.

More Examples Of Subheadline & Headline Used In Sentences

When it comes to crafting effective headlines and subheadlines, it’s important to understand how they are used in sentences. Here are some examples of how subheadlines and headlines can be used in various contexts:

Examples Of Using Subheadline In A Sentence

• After reading the subheadline, I knew I had to read the rest of the article.
• The subheadline provided a clear summary of what the article was about.
• Without a subheadline, the article would have been difficult to understand.
• The subheadline was so compelling that I immediately clicked on the article.
• The subheadline hinted at a surprising twist in the story.
• The subheadline posed a thought-provoking question that made me want to read more.
• The subheadline used humor to grab my attention.
• The subheadline was concise and to the point.
• The subheadline was written in a way that made me feel like I was missing out if I didn’t read the article.
• The subheadline was so intriguing that I shared the article with my friends.

Examples Of Using Headline In A Sentence

• The headline was so attention-grabbing that it made me read the article.
• The headline accurately conveyed what the article was about.
• The headline was written in a way that made me feel like I needed to read the article.
• The headline used strong language to create a sense of urgency.
• The headline was clear and concise.
• The headline was written in a way that made me curious about the topic.
• The headline made me want to learn more about the subject.
• The headline was written in a way that made me feel like I was missing out if I didn’t read the article.
• The headline was so intriguing that I shared the article with my friends.
• The headline was written in a way that made me want to take action.

Common Mistakes To Avoid

In the world of copywriting, subheadlines and headlines are often used interchangeably. However, this is a common mistake that can negatively impact the effectiveness of your content. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make when using subheadline and headline interchangeably, along with explanations of why they are incorrect:

Using The Same Wording For Both

One of the most common mistakes people make is using the same wording for both the subheadline and the headline. While the two are related, they serve different purposes. The headline should be attention-grabbing and concise, while the subheadline provides additional context and information. Using the same wording for both can make your content appear redundant and uninteresting.

Not Utilizing The Hierarchy

Another mistake people make is not utilizing the hierarchy between the headline and subheadline. The headline should be the most prominent and attention-grabbing element, while the subheadline should be slightly smaller and provide additional information. If the two are the same size or the subheadline is larger, it can confuse readers and make it difficult to understand the main point of the article.

Using A Subheadline As A Secondary Headline

Some people also make the mistake of using a subheadline as a secondary headline. While the subheadline can provide additional information, it should not be used as a replacement for a secondary headline. The secondary headline should be a smaller, but still attention-grabbing, element that provides additional context to the main headline.

Offering Tips On How To Avoid These Mistakes

To avoid making these common mistakes, it’s important to understand the differences between subheadlines and headlines. Remember that the headline should be attention-grabbing and concise, while the subheadline provides additional context and information. Use the hierarchy between the two elements to your advantage, and make sure to utilize a secondary headline when necessary. By following these tips, you can ensure that your content is engaging, informative, and effective.

Context Matters

When it comes to choosing between subheadlines and headlines, context plays a crucial role in determining which one to use. The context in which these headings are used can significantly impact their effectiveness in conveying the intended message to the reader.

Examples Of Different Contexts

Let’s take a look at some different contexts and how the choice between subheadline and headline might change:

1. News Articles

In news articles, the headline is often used to grab the reader’s attention and provide a brief summary of the article’s content. Subheadlines, on the other hand, are used to provide additional information and context to the reader. For example, a headline might read “Local School Wins National Science Competition,” while the subheadline could provide more details about the competition and the school’s achievement.

2. Marketing Materials

In marketing materials, the headline is typically the main message that the company wants to convey to the reader. It should be attention-grabbing, concise, and persuasive. Subheadlines can be used to provide additional information about the product or service being offered, or to highlight a particular feature or benefit. For example, a headline for a new smartphone might read “Experience the Ultimate Mobile Device,” while the subheadline could provide details about the phone’s camera, battery life, and processing power.

3. Academic Papers

In academic papers, the headline is often used to provide a brief summary of the paper’s main topic or argument. Subheadlines can be used to break down the paper into sections and provide more detailed information about each section. For example, a headline for a research paper on climate change might read “The Impact of Global Warming on Biodiversity,” while the subheadlines could provide more details about the research methods, data analysis, and conclusions.

Overall, the choice between subheadlines and headlines depends on the context in which they are used. By understanding the purpose and audience of the content, writers can make informed decisions about which type of heading to use to effectively convey their message to the reader.

Exceptions To The Rules

While the use of subheadlines and headlines is generally accepted as a standard practice in writing, there are some exceptions where the rules may not apply. Here are a few examples:

1. Single-topic Articles

In the case of a single-topic article, a subheadline may not be necessary. This is because the headline itself is sufficient in conveying the primary message of the article. For instance, if the article is about “The Benefits of Yoga,” the headline alone is enough to communicate the main idea. In such cases, adding a subheadline may only serve to clutter the page and distract the reader.

2. Breaking News Stories

When it comes to breaking news stories, the rules for using subheadlines and headlines may not apply. This is because the primary objective in such cases is to convey the news as quickly and accurately as possible. In such situations, the headline itself often serves as the subheadline, providing readers with all the necessary information in a concise and clear manner.

3. Creative Writing

In creative writing, the rules for using subheadlines and headlines may not always apply. This is because creative writing is often more focused on the artistic expression of ideas rather than conveying information. In such cases, the use of subheadlines and headlines may be seen as unnecessary and even distracting. Instead, writers may choose to use other techniques, such as imagery or metaphors, to convey their message.

4. Marketing Copy

When it comes to marketing copy, the rules for using subheadlines and headlines may be more flexible. This is because marketing copy is often designed to capture the reader’s attention and persuade them to take action. In such cases, the use of subheadlines and headlines may be more creative and attention-grabbing, using techniques such as puns, humor, or emotional appeals to engage the reader.

5. Long-form Content

In the case of long-form content, such as whitepapers or research reports, the rules for using subheadlines and headlines may be more flexible. This is because such content often requires more organization and structure to effectively convey complex ideas. In such cases, the use of subheadlines and headlines may be more extensive, with multiple layers of subheadlines used to break up the content into more manageable sections.

Practice Exercises

Now that you have a better understanding of the differences between subheadlines and headlines, it’s time to put your knowledge into practice. Here are some exercises to help you improve your understanding and use of subheadlines and headlines in sentences:

Exercise 1: Identify The Subheadline And Headline

Read the following article excerpt and identify the subheadline and headline:

Subheadline: A study finds that coffee may reduce the risk of heart disease

Headline: Coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of heart disease, study suggests

Answer: The subheadline is “A study finds that coffee may reduce the risk of heart disease” and the headline is “Coffee drinkers may have a lower risk of heart disease, study suggests”.

Exercise 2: Write A Subheadline And Headline

Write a subheadline and headline for the following article topic:

Topic: The benefits of regular exercise for mental health

Answer:

• Subheadline: Regular exercise may improve mental health, study shows
• Headline: Get moving: The mental health benefits of exercise

Exercise 3: Rewrite The Headline As A Subheadline

Rewrite the following headline as a subheadline:

Headline: New study reveals the dangers of sitting for too long

Answer: The dangers of sitting for too long revealed in new study

Remember, a subheadline is a secondary headline that provides additional information about the article’s topic. It should be shorter and less attention-grabbing than the headline. Use these exercises to practice your subheadline and headline writing skills and improve your overall writing abilities.

Conclusion

After exploring the differences between subheadlines and headlines, it is clear that both play important roles in effective communication. Headlines are the attention-grabbing statements that draw readers in, while subheadlines provide additional context and information.

It is important to use both subheadlines and headlines effectively in order to create engaging and informative content. Headlines should be concise and attention-grabbing, while subheadlines should provide more detail and support the main point of the article.

Remember that the headline is the first thing readers will see, so it is important to make it count. Use strong verbs, numbers, and interesting adjectives to make your headline stand out. But don’t forget about the subheadline – it can be just as important in keeping readers engaged and informed.

Key Takeaways:

• Headlines are attention-grabbing statements that draw readers in.
• Subheadlines provide additional context and information.
• Both are important in effective communication.
• Headlines should be concise and attention-grabbing.
• Subheadlines should provide more detail and support the main point of the article.

Overall, effective use of subheadlines and headlines can make a significant difference in the success of your content. Keep learning about grammar and language use to continue improving your writing skills.