Blog vs. Article — What's the Difference?
By Fiza Rafique & Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
A blog is often informal, personalized, and updated regularly, focusing on opinion and interactivity, while an article is more formal, fact-based, and structured, aimed at delivering news or insights without personal bias.
Difference Between Blog and Article
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Blogs typically offer a personal touch, reflecting the author's individual voice and opinions, often aimed at fostering a connection with readers. On the other hand, articles tend to maintain a formal tone, focusing on providing well-researched information or news, and are less about personal expression.
While blogs are generally hosted on websites specifically designed for interactive content and are frequently updated to engage readers continually, articles are often found in traditional media like newspapers or magazines and are intended to be self-contained pieces that remain relevant over time.
Bloggers might use a conversational style, including personal anecdotes to illustrate points, which helps in creating a more relaxed and engaging reader experience. Conversely, articles are structured to present facts and support claims with evidence, aiming for clarity and authority without personal embellishment.
The interactivity of blogs allows for reader comments and discussions directly on the platform, encouraging a community atmosphere. Articles, while they may be discussed on social media, typically do not offer a direct mechanism for reader interaction within the text itself.
Blogs often serve as a tool for marketing or personal branding, providing insights into the writer's perspectives or expertise, which helps build a follower base. In contrast, articles aim to inform or persuade based on merits of the content rather than the personality of the writer.
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Comparison Chart
Tone
Informal, personal
Formal, impersonal
Content
Opinion-based, anecdotal
Fact-based, researched
Structure
Flexible, often conversational
Structured, follows journalistic standards
Purpose
Engage, share personal insights, entertain
Inform, report, provide analysis
Reader Interaction
High (comments, shares)
Limited (less emphasis on direct interaction)
Compare with Definitions
Blog
A regularly updated website or web page, typically run by an individual or small group, that is written in an informal or conversational style.
She maintains a popular blog where she discusses her life as an expat.
Article
A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication.
He wrote an article about the local election for the city newspaper.
Blog
A tool for digital marketing and personal branding.
The company uses its blog to update customers on upcoming products.
Article
Often used by professionals to present findings or summarize research.
The professor's article on neuroplasticity was cited in numerous studies.
Blog
Personal articles or posts on a variety of topics published on the internet.
His blog on vintage cars attracts thousands of readers each month.
Article
A particular item or object
Small household articles
Articles of clothing
Blog
Digital content that allows interaction through comments and sharing.
The recipe blog has a vibrant community of followers who share tips and modifications.
Article
A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication
An article about middle-aged executives
Blog
A platform for writers to express subjective opinions and share experiences directly with their audience.
Her blog became a go-to resource for tips on freelance writing.
Article
A separate clause or paragraph of a legal document or agreement, typically one outlining a single rule or regulation
It is an offence under Article 7 of the Treaty
Blog
A blog (a truncation of "weblog") is a discussion or informational website published on the World Wide Web consisting of discrete, often informal diary-style text entries (posts). Posts are typically displayed in reverse chronological order, so that the most recent post appears first, at the top of the web page.
Article
A period of training with a firm as a solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant
It may be worth taking articles in a specialized firm
He is already in articles
Blog
A website that displays postings by one or more individuals in chronological order and usually has links to comments on specific postings.
Article
The definite or indefinite article.
Blog
To write entries in, add material to, or maintain a blog.
Article
Bind (a trainee solicitor, architect, surveyor, or accountant) to undergo a period of training with a firm in order to become qualified
He was articled to a firm of solicitors in York
Blog
(Internet) A website that allows users to reflect, share opinions, and discuss various topics in the form of an online journal, sometimes letting readers comment on their posts. Most blogs are written in a slightly informal tone (personal journals, news, businesses, etc.)
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Blog
(Internet) An individual post to a blog.
This blog was originally posted on my personal site but is reproduced on the forums for greater visibility.
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Blog
To contribute to a blog.
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Blog
To blag, to steal something; to acquire something illegally.
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Blog
A shared on-line journal where people can post diary entries about their personal experiences and hobbies
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.
Article
A particular part or subject; a specific matter or point.
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Article
A piece of nonfictional writing such as a story, report, opinion piece, or entry in a newspaper, magazine, journal, dictionary, encyclopedia, etc.
Article
An object, a member of a group or class.
An article of clothing
A sales article
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).
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
Article
A genuine article.
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.
Article
A person; an individual.
A shrewd article
Article
(archaic) A wench.
She's a prime article (whip slang), she's a devilish good piece, a hell of a goer.
Article
(dated) Subject matter; concern.
Article
(dated) A distinct part.
Article
(obsolete) A precise point in time; a moment.
Article
(transitive) To bind by articles of apprenticeship.
To article an apprentice to a mechanic
Article
(obsolete) To accuse or charge by an exhibition of articles or accusations.
Article
To formulate in articles; to set forth in distinct particulars.
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.
Article
A literary composition, forming an independent portion of a magazine, newspaper, or cyclopedia.
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
Structured written work published in print or online, usually dealing with a particular matter in a concise way.
The journal published her article on climate change research.
Article
Non-fictional prose forming an independent part of a publication.
The latest issue features an article by a renowned historian.
Article
A detailed analysis or informative piece that is intended to educate its readers.
Her article on financial planning offers practical advice for young adults.
Common Curiosities
Why might someone choose to write a blog over an article?
Someone might choose to write a blog to express personal opinions, engage directly with an audience, and foster a more informal or conversational dialogue.
How does the style of writing in articles differ from that in blogs?
Articles are written with a formal tone and structure, focusing on delivering factual, concise, and well-researched content, whereas blogs are more conversational and personal.
What types of topics are suitable for articles?
Articles are suitable for a wide range of topics, especially those requiring in-depth analysis, research-based information, or news reporting.
What is the typical length of an article compared to a blog post?
Articles can vary greatly in length but are typically longer than blog posts, aiming to cover a topic in comprehensive detail.
Can an individual write both blogs and articles?
Yes, many writers are versatile in producing both blogs and articles, adapting their style to suit the medium and audience.
Can blogs be considered reliable sources of information?
While blogs can offer valuable insights and personal experiences, their reliability often depends on the author's expertise and the basis of their content, unlike articles that typically require rigorous fact-checking.
How does the target audience differ for blogs and articles?
Blogs often target specific interest groups or communities, while articles may target a broader audience with a focus on informational or educational content.
What role do editors play in the publication of articles?
Editors play a crucial role in refining the content of articles, ensuring that they meet publishing standards and are free of errors.
What is the main purpose of a blog?
The main purpose of a blog is to provide a personal perspective or opinion, engage with readers, and build a community around similar interests.
How do authors establish credibility in articles?
Authors establish credibility in articles through thorough research, referencing credible sources, and maintaining a formal tone that underlines the information's accuracy.
Are articles outdated with the rise of digital media?
Articles continue to be a vital part of digital and traditional media, offering detailed and reliable information necessary for informed public discourse.
Can businesses benefit from using blogs?
Yes, businesses can greatly benefit from using blogs for marketing, building brand personality, and engaging directly with customers.
How frequently are blogs updated compared to articles in publications?
Blogs are typically updated more frequently to engage readers continuously, while articles in publications may follow a set issue schedule.
How do blogs interact with their audience?
Blogs interact with their audience through comments, social media shares, and direct dialogues within the blog platform itself.
How do online platforms affect the popularity of blogs and articles?
Online platforms have increased the accessibility and popularity of both blogs and articles, allowing more people to publish and consume content than ever before.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.