Subheadline vs. Subheading — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Maham Liaqat — Updated on May 6, 2024
Subheadline often serves as a secondary title within a document, providing additional details, whereas subheading acts as a smaller heading that introduces new sections or topics.
Difference Between Subheadline and Subheading
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
A subheadline typically complements the main headline by offering supplementary information or summarizing the content that follows, while a subheading is used to organize content into manageable sections or topics, enhancing readability.
In newspapers and online articles, a subheadline may provide context or highlight key points of the story to draw in the reader, whereas subheadings divide an article into smaller, topic-specific segments, making it easier for readers to scan.
Subheadlines are generally found directly beneath the main headline, often in a smaller font but still prominent, on the other hand, subheadings are distributed throughout the text and are less prominent than main headings or subheadlines.
While a subheadline can occasionally serve a decorative or engaging purpose, subheadings primarily function to guide the reader through the structure of the text, indicating different themes or discussions.
Subheadlines are designed to work in conjunction with headlines to capture the reader's interest, whereas subheadings help to clarify and specify the information presented, acting as signposts within the document.
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Comparison Chart
Location
Typically directly under the main headline
Throughout the article or document
Purpose
Summarize or complement the headline
Introduce new sections and organize content
Font Size
Smaller than the headline but still prominent
Generally smaller than headlines and subheadline
Usage
Newspapers, magazines, online articles
Academic papers, reports, books, articles
Primary Function
Engage and provide additional context
Guide the reader and clarify structure
Compare with Definitions
Subheadline
Used to enhance the main headline’s message.
The subheadline under the main title emphasized the urgency of the environmental issue.
Subheading
A title that precedes sections within a document.
Each subheading in the document introduced a new topic of discussion.
Subheadline
A secondary title that provides more detail or context.
The news article had a subheadline that clarified the event's time and location.
Subheading
Helps organize complex information into readable parts.
The manual was easy to follow thanks to clear subheadings.
Subheadline
Often more detailed than the headline.
The subheadline elaborated on the economic implications mentioned briefly in the headline.
Subheading
Often found in educational and professional writing.
The textbook chapter was divided by several well-placed subheadings.
Subheadline
A follow-up to the main headline, often in smaller font.
The subheadline added an intriguing detail that the main headline omitted.
Subheading
Used throughout a piece to guide readers.
The researcher used descriptive subheadings to outline the study’s methodology.
Subheadline
Can be used to draw readers into the story.
The article's subheadline promised exclusive insights into the celebrity's life.
Subheading
Can be thematic or descriptive.
The subheading ‘Early Life’ introduced the biography’s first chapter.
Subheadline
A smaller, secondary headline that usually elaborates on the main headline above it.
Subheading
A heading given to a subsection of a piece of writing
The page is broken up into short paragraphs with subheadings
This project falls under the subheading of ‘Skills and the Workforce’
Subheading
See subhead.
Subheading
Any of the headings under which each of the main divisions of a subject may be subdivided
Subheading
A heading or caption subordinate to a main headline, heading, or title especially when inserted as a divider between sections (as of a newspaper or periodical article or story or text of a book)
Subheading
A heading of a subdivision of a text
Common Curiosities
What is a subheadline?
A subheadline is a secondary headline that provides additional details or context to the main headline.
Where are subheadlines commonly used?
Subheadlines are commonly used in news articles, magazines, and online content.
Where are subheadings commonly found?
Subheadings are commonly found throughout academic papers, detailed reports, and structured documents.
How does a subheadline enhance a main headline?
It provides more detail, context, or a teaser to further capture the reader’s interest.
Is a subheading necessary?
In detailed or long documents, subheadings are essential for organization and readability.
What is a subheading?
A subheading is a heading that comes under the main heading and is used to introduce new sections in a document.
Can subheadlines contain complete sentences?
Yes, subheadlines can be complete sentences if they provide clear and concise information.
How do subheadings help in reading a document?
Subheadings break down the document into smaller, manageable parts, making it easier to scan and understand.
What are the design considerations for subheadlines?
Subheadlines should be visually distinct but complementary to the main headline, usually in a smaller font.
Can a subheadline and a subheading be used interchangeably?
While they both help organize content, they are not typically interchangeable due to their different purposes in a text.
How do subheadlines differ in newspapers and online articles?
In newspapers, subheadlines are succinct due to space constraints, while online articles might have longer subheadlines for SEO purposes.
Is a subheadline necessary?
It is not always necessary, but it can enhance understanding and interest in the content.
Can subheadings contain complete sentences?
Yes, especially in cases where detailed explanations are necessary within sections.
What are the design considerations for subheadings?
Subheadings should be clear and functional, helping to visually divide the text into sections.
How does the strategic use of subheadlines and subheadings affect readership?
Strategic use can significantly enhance readability and keep the reader engaged by organizing content and providing key insights.
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Written by
Maham Liaqat
Edited 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.
