What context can I use each word in?
Learn when and how to use these words with these examples!
subtopic
Example
The subtopic of the essay is the impact of social media on mental health. [subtopic: noun]
Example
Let's discuss the subtopics we want to cover in our presentation. [subtopics: plural noun]
subsection
Example
Please refer to subsection 2.3 for more detailed information. [subsection: noun]
Example
The report includes several subsections that cover different aspects of the topic. [subsections: plural noun]
Good things to know
Which word is more common?
Subtopic is less common than subsection in academic or technical writing, but it is more versatile and can be used in a wider range of contexts.
What’s the difference in the tone of formality between subtopic and subsection?
Subsection is more formal than subtopic and is typically used in academic or technical writing to organize and structure information in a hierarchical manner.
