Academic vs Professional Writing: Difference and Comparison

Writing is divided into different types. The two important writing that is done in study place and in the workplace are Academic and Professional Writing.

They use different tones and styles, and their way of explaining things will be different. Academic writing is mainly done for study-related or during assignments and college work.

Professional writing is mainly done in the workplace to explain the topic and ideas to your colleagues.

Key Takeaways

1. Academic writing focuses on presenting research findings, theories, and ideas formally structured manner, while professional writing is geared towards communicating effectively in a workplace setting.
2. Academic writing follows strict formatting guidelines and uses specialized terminology, whereas professional writing emphasizes clarity, conciseness, and accessibility.
3. Academic writing aims to contribute to scholarly discourse, while professional writing has more practical applications, such as informing, persuading, or instructing.

Academic vs Professional Writing

The difference between Academic and Professional Writing is that in academic writing, formal styles will be used that are accepted in universities and colleges. Professional writing is a writing style that is used in a workplace environment that uses written communication. Academic writing is divided into four main types. Whereas professional writing is two main types. 

Academic writing is a process where people will develop ideas in connection with other ideas. It is being a part of the academic writer’s community and engaging yourself in the ongoing conversation.

In academic writing, cautious language is frequently used. Its structure will vary according to the particular type.

It is important because it acts as a tool for conveying knowledge in a specific field of study. 

Professional writing involves three general natures called action-oriented, user-centred, and rhetorical. It can be defined using different terms called business, communication, or technical.

In professional writing, the writing style should be clear. The information and ideas should be quickly conveyed in a professional setting.

It is geared toward persuading the audience in the world of commerce and work. 

Comparison Table

Parameters of Comparison	Academic Writing	Professional Writing
Definition	It is a formal writing style used in universities and colleges.	It is a written communication used in a workplace environment.
Example	Research and conference papers	Business letters and progress reports
Types	4	2
Targeted to	Professors and fellow students	Business people and managers
Focused on	Form and execution	Content and expertise

What is Academic Writing?

It is a part of academic work. Some of the characteristics of academic writing include using a formal tone while writing, using a third person instead of using a first-person perspective, mainly focusing on the issue or topic than focusing on the author’s opinion, using precise word choice.

It is used in many different forms. This form of writing is used for publication which is read by professors or teachers and is sometimes presented at conferences.

One of the broad definitions of academic writing is it is a writing assignment given in an academic setting. Some of the lists of documents where academic writing is used are research articles or research papers, book reports, books, essays, conference papers, translations, and academic journals.

The three important skills required for academic writing are strong writing, excellent grammar, and a consistent styling approach. 

The structure of academic writing should have 3 distinct parts such as introduction, body, and conclusion. While writing the introduction part, the reader’s attention should be grabbed, and the thesis of the paper should be identified.

In the body part, the main work of the topic should be explained. In the conclusion part, they should summarize the main points.

The writing should be in a way such that the information sounds authoritative and credible. It involves complicated sentences with colons and semicolons. 

What is Professional Writing?

It is a writing style that is mainly used in a workplace environment. It is written for a specific audience in a profession for achieving something specific.

It helps your peers, colleagues, and friends to understand your message. While writing, you should not betray your reader’s trust.

You should do thorough research on the topic and not just refer to Wikipedia. Be consistent and concise.

Your writing should visually appeal to the audience. 

Some of the characteristics that are important for professional writing are having a passion for writing, motivation to write, having basic knowledge of marketing skills, good research skills, knowledge of grammar, good imagination, should being able to improve based on others’ opinions.

One of the interesting diversities of professional writing is creative writing.

Professional writing is applying the learned lessons to real-life scenarios. The word choices should be economical and easy to understand. 

The four important components of professional writing are checking your grammar and spelling, readers like when the content is short and sweet, using best SEO practices, and a call to action.

Professional non-fiction writers are called engineering or technical writers.

Professional writers write for four to eight hours a day. Some of the tips to improve professional writing are knowing the facts, being detailed and consistent, editing and proofreading, and taking an expert’s advice. 

Main Differences Between Academic and Professional Writing

1. The definition of academic writing is it uses a formal style that is used in colleges and universities. On the other hand, the definition of professional writing is it uses written communication for the workplace environment. 
2. Examples of academic writing are research and conference papers. On the other hand, examples of professional writing are business letters and progress reports. 
3. Academic writing is mainly targeted at professors and fellow students. On the other hand, professional writing is mainly targeted at business people and managers. 
4. Academic Writing is divided into 4 main types called descriptive, persuasive, analytical, and critical. On the other hand, professional writing is divided into 2 main types called technical writing and academic writing.
5. The main areas focused on academic writing are form and execution. On the other hand, the main areas focused on professional writing are content and expertise.

References

1. https://openresearch-repository.anu.edu.au/bitstream/1885/153812/2/01_Knoch_Transitioning_from_university_2016.pdf
2. https://econtent.hogrefe.com/doi/full/10.1027/1016-9040/a000001

Last Updated : 13 July, 2023