Editorial vs. Article — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on March 21, 2024
An editorial expresses opinions and perspectives, often of the editorial board, while an article provides factual information or reports on events.
Difference Between Editorial and Article
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
An editorial is a piece of writing that represents the opinions and viewpoints of the editorial board or an individual editor of a publication. It aims to influence public opinion, provoke thought, and prompt action. On the other hand, an article is a written work that presents facts, information, or news on various subjects, often in a more neutral and objective manner.
Editorials are characterized by their persuasive nature, as they seek to convince readers of a particular stance or viewpoint on an issue. They are often subjective, containing arguments and reasoning to support the presented opinion. Articles, whereas, focus on delivering factual content, covering a wide range of topics from news events and research findings to general information, without the explicit intent to persuade.
The writing style of an editorial is typically more argumentative or advocative, using strong, compelling language to make a case. Editorials may also comment on policies, events, or societal issues, reflecting the publication's ideological stance. In contrast, articles strive for a balanced and unbiased presentation, even when covering contentious subjects, allowing readers to form their own opinions based on the presented facts.
Editorials do not usually carry bylines, as they represent the collective voice of the editorial board or the publication rather than an individual author. Conversely, articles are often attributed to specific authors or reporters, acknowledging their role in the research and writing process.
The purpose of an editorial goes beyond mere information dissemination, aiming to shape public opinion and sometimes to advocate for change. Articles, however, primarily serve to inform, educate, or entertain the readers, depending on their content and the publication's focus.
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Comparison Chart
Purpose
To express opinions and influence public opinion.
To present facts, information, or news.
Nature
Subjective and persuasive.
Objective and informative.
Writing Style
Argumentative, advocative, and often uses compelling language.
Balanced, neutral, and aims for clarity and comprehensiveness.
Authorship
Often lacks a byline, representing the editorial board's view.
Typically includes a byline, identifying the author or reporter.
Intent
To provoke thought, persuade, and prompt action on specific issues.
To inform, educate, or entertain without explicitly persuading.
Compare with Definitions
Editorial
No Byline.
The editorial on tax reforms represented the collective viewpoint of the editorial board.
Article
Fact-Based Reporting.
The article detailed the recent advancements in renewable energy technologies.
Editorial
Opinion-Based.
The newspaper's editorial criticized the new city policy, arguing it would hinder economic growth.
Article
Covers a Wide Range of Topics.
The magazine featured an article on the cultural significance of traditional cuisines.
Editorial
Reflects Publication's Stance.
The editorial echoed the magazine's long-standing commitment to environmental conservation.
Article
Informative Purpose.
The article provided comprehensive information on how to adopt sustainable living practices.
Editorial
Seeks to Influence.
The editorial urged readers to support the proposed legislation on healthcare reform.
Article
Author Identified.
The investigative article on corporate fraud was written by a well-known journalist.
Editorial
Argumentative Style.
The editorial compellingly argued against the deregulation of financial markets.
Article
Neutral Presentation.
The article on the election presented the policies of all candidates impartially.
Editorial
An editorial (US), leading article or leader (UK) is an article written by the senior editorial people or publisher of a newspaper, magazine, or any other written document, often unsigned. Australian and major United States newspapers, such as The New York Times and The Boston Globe, often classify editorials under the heading "opinion".
Article
A particular item or object
Small household articles
Articles of clothing
Editorial
An article in a publication expressing the opinion of its editors or publishers.
Article
A piece of writing included with others in a newspaper, magazine, or other publication
An article about middle-aged executives
Editorial
A commentary on television or radio expressing the opinion of the station or network.
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
Editorial
Of or relating to an editor or editing
An editorial position with a publishing company.
An editorial policy prohibiting the use of unnamed sources.
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
Editorial
Of or resembling an editorial, especially in expressing an opinion
An editorial comment.
Article
The definite or indefinite article.
Editorial
Of or relating to an editor, editing or an editorial.
Editorial labours; editorial remarks
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
Editorial
(fashion) Appropriate for high fashion magazines.
Article
An individual thing or element of a class; a particular object or item
An article of clothing.
Articles of food.
Editorial
An article in a publication giving the opinion of its editors on a given topic or current event.
Article
A particular section or item of a series in a written document, as in a contract, constitution, or treaty.
Editorial
A similar commentary on radio or television.
Article
A nonfictional literary composition that forms an independent part of a publication, as of a newspaper or magazine.
Editorial
Of or pertaining to an editor; written or sanctioned by an editor; as, editorial labors; editorial remarks.
Article
The part of speech used to indicate nouns and to specify their application.
Editorial
A leading article in a newspaper or magazine; an editorial article; an article published as an expression of the views of the editor.
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.
Editorial
An article giving opinions or perspectives
Article
A particular part or subject; a specific matter or point.
Editorial
Of or relating to an article stating opinions or giving perspectives;
Editorial column
Article
To bind by articles set forth in a contract, such as one of apprenticeship.
Editorial
Relating to or characteristic of an editor;
Editorial duties
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 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
Common Curiosities
How does an article differ in purpose from an editorial?
An article aims to inform, educate, or entertain by presenting facts and information, without seeking to persuade the reader.
Are articles always unbiased?
Articles strive for objectivity, but complete neutrality can be challenging; reputable publications adhere to strict journalistic standards to maintain impartiality.
How important is the source of an editorial or article?
The source's credibility is crucial in determining the reliability and objectivity of the content, whether an editorial or an article.
Why do editorials not have bylines?
Editorials represent the collective voice of the editorial board or publication, rather than an individual author's opinion.
What defines an editorial?
An editorial is defined by its opinionated nature, aiming to express viewpoints and influence public opinion on various issues.
How do readers typically use editorials and articles?
Readers might use editorials to understand opinions on issues and articles for factual information or news.
Can editorials be considered as reliable sources of information?
While editorials provide insights into opinions, they may not always present a balanced view of facts, focusing instead on persuasion.
Can editorials impact public policy or opinion?
Yes, well-argued editorials can influence public opinion and sometimes policy decisions, especially in widely-read publications.
Can an article contain opinions?
While articles can include expert opinions, they should be clearly marked and not dominate the factual content.
Do online platforms follow the same distinctions?
Yes, online platforms maintain the distinction, but the lines can blur in blogs and opinion pieces.
Are there different types of articles?
Yes, articles can vary widely, including news reports, feature stories, research articles, and more, each with its own style and purpose.
How do publications ensure the objectivity of their articles?
Publications enforce editorial standards, fact-checking, and peer reviews to ensure articles' accuracy and objectivity.
Can the same writer contribute both articles and editorials?
Yes, writers can contribute both, but the nature and intent of their writing will differ between articles and editorials.
Is the audience different for editorials and articles?
The audience can overlap, but those seeking expert opinions or viewpoints might gravitate towards editorials, while those looking for information might prefer articles.
How do digital media platforms present editorials and articles?
Digital platforms often categorize content clearly, but the interactive nature allows for more blending of styles, like embedded opinions in news articles.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
