Diaries and journals are often thought of as synonymous, but there are differences between the two. This article explains the similarities and differences between the two to help you decide which one best suits your needs.
The Differences Between a Diary and a Journal
A diary is a book used to record daily experiences and events while they are happening.
On the other hand, a journal is a personal and intimate record of one’s thoughts, observations, ideas, etc.
Both are books for writing about experiences and events, but they differ when it comes to use and format.
Comparing Diaries and Journals
Diaries are usually written in chronological order and hand-written, with an introduction and date for each entry.
Most diary entries are written in the past tense and first person, and are usually descriptive and detailed.
Journals, on the other hand, are more personal, containing a person’s thoughts and feelings.
Entries in journals do not follow a specific pattern or order, as they are written whenever something comes to mind.
Choosing the Right Type of Book
Diaries can be used to record events as they happen or plan future events, while journals are better for recording observations, experiences, thoughts and other related things.
When choosing a diary or journal, it’s important to consider what you want to achieve – if you want to write every day, a diary is your best bet; if you want more creativity in your writing go for a journal.
