subheads

Subheads, or subheadings, are secondary headings that organize text beneath a main title. They signal topic shifts, help readers scan content, and structure arguments or narratives into digestible parts.

In digital text, subheads typically reflect a heading hierarchy (for example, levels such as H2 and H3) and are styled to distinguish them from the primary title. In print, typographic cues such as font size, weight, or spacing serve the same purpose. Subheads should describe the content that follows rather than merely tease it.

Wording and style: keep subheads concise and parallel in structure, use informative wording, and avoid vague or ambiguous phrasing. Use consistent capitalization and avoid excessive nesting or overuse. When possible, align subheads with the document’s logical segments: overview, methods, results, implications, or steps.

Practical considerations: subheads improve readability, navigation, and accessibility, particularly for screen readers that rely on headings. They can support search engine optimization by signaling topic relevance when they contain meaningful keywords, though stuffing should be avoided. Use them sparingly and ensure each subhead accurately reflects the content beneath it.

Examples include “Background,” “Key findings,” “Implementation steps,” “Limitations,” and “Future directions.”