How (not) to write headlines

Thursday, 11 March 2010

It's all too easy to write a headline that has a second meaning, or only makes sense after you've read the story. Or one that is just plain bizarre – as some of these examples prove.

Part 1: This is (nearly) the news

A headline needs to explain why a story is important, something this group of headline writers didn't quite achieve.

almost-524

anxiety-524

child-524

church-524

Part 2: I know what you mean, but...

Headlines that make you think twice about the story – and not always in a good way.

brains-524

applaud

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city-524

Part 3: I don't know what you mean...

Sometimes the headline just doesn't explain the story at all

Part 4: Look, then look again

Check and check again. Everything seems fine with these stories – until you look carefully

Part 5: Subs were asleep

Occasionally the grey cardigan brigade drop the ball and a disaster happens – the writer's own words get into print. And sometimes we wish they hadn't.

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bucksairambo-524

airport-524

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With grateful thanks to Holdthefrontpage.co.uk, which regularly features funny headlines and from which many of these have been culled (well, pinched). Thanks also to everyone who has sent me additions. If you have a clipping to add to this page, This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it .