a headline that read

USAGE SUMMARY

The phrase "a headline that read" is correct and usable in written English.
It can be used when referring to a specific headline from a publication or article, often to introduce what the headline stated. Example: "As I flipped through the newspaper, I came across a headline that read, 'Local Heroes Save the Day.'"

✓ Grammatically correct

News & Media

Human-verified examples from authoritative sources

Exact Expressions

20 human-written examples

Townsend's girlfriend, Hazel O'Sullivan, obliged with a screengrab of a headline that read: "Andros Townsend accepts his fine".

The Guardian - Tech

It looks as if the chancellor couldn't bear a headline that read: "Government gives green light for mega bonuses at loss-making RBS".

The Guardian - Business

At the start of March, billboards across the UK were plastered with a gigantic wrecking ball smashing into a headline that read: "A recovering economy.

The Guardian

When Google released its Flu Trends service last week, the Drudge Report flashed a headline that read: "Sick Surveillance: Google Reports Flu Searches, Locations to Feds".

The New York Times

Instead, the Tory Eurosceptics are further inflamed and the response of Der Spiegel in Germany was a headline that read: "Cameron blackmails the EU".

The Guardian - Opinion

As the article noted, their photograph was on the front page with a headline that read "Four Directors of G.S.S. Warn: Israel in Grave Danger".

The New York Times

Human-verified similar examples from authoritative sources

Similar Expressions

40 human-written examples

For instance, one presents a photograph of the 2012 Beetle above a headline that reads, "Profile update".

The New York Times

"I can't imagine a headline that reads, 'Passengers charged with speeding, driver exonerated,' " said Rep. Trey Gowdy (R-S.C.).

The Washington Post

Next to a headline that reads "Fun in the Sun," the invitation says that volunteers "may be deputized if necessary".

The New York Times

Eight years after trading the original Patrick Ewing, no one wants to see a headline that reads "Knicks Cut Ewing".

The New York Times - Sports

The page is dated 9 April, 2017, and features a large photo of Trump below a headline that reads "Deportations to Begin".

The Guardian

Expert writing Tips

Best practice

When you want to emphasize the content of a headline, this phrase is more suitable than just mentioning the topic of the article.

Common error

Avoid using "a headline that read" in contexts unrelated to news or media. For other types of messages, use "a message that said" or "a sign that indicated".

Linguistic Context

The phrase "a headline that read" functions as an introductory phrase to directly quote or reference a specific headline. It sets the stage for presenting the actual text of the headline, as demonstrated in Ludwig's examples.

Expression frequency: Common

Frequent in

News & Media

95%

Wiki

2%

Science

1%

Less common in

Formal & Business

1%

Encyclopedias

0%

Reference

0%

Ludwig's WRAP-UP

In summary, "a headline that read" is a useful phrase for introducing and quoting headlines in news, media analysis, and other formal contexts. It is grammatically correct and commonly used, as confirmed by Ludwig AI, with the majority of examples found in news and media sources. While alternatives such as "a headline stating" or "the headline announced" exist, "a headline that read" provides a clear and effective way to present specific headlines to your audience. Make sure to restrict the use to media context and avoid using it for anything else to sound natural.

More alternative expressions

Phrases that express similar concepts, ordered by semantic similarity:

a headline stating

Replaces "read" with "stating", focusing on the headline's declaration.

a headline which said

Uses "which said" instead of "that read", offering a more conversational tone.

the headline announced

Replaces the entire phrase to simply state the action of the headline.

the headline proclaimed

Emphasizes the headline's forceful declaration.

the headline declared

Similar to "announced" but with a stronger emphasis on the headline's decisiveness.

the headline blared

Suggests a loud and attention-grabbing headline.

a headline that indicated

Focuses on the headline's suggestive nature rather than its explicit content.

the headline conveyed

Highlights the message communicated by the headline.

a headline with the message

This alternative focuses on the message contained within the headline.

the headline featured

Highlights that the headline showcased a particular piece of information.

FAQs

How can I use "a headline that read" in a sentence?

You can use "a headline that read" to introduce a specific headline. For example, "I saw "a headline that read", 'Storm to Hit Tomorrow'".

What's a synonym for "a headline that read"?

Alternatives include "a headline stating" or "the headline announced", depending on the nuance you want to convey.

Is it okay to use "a headline that read" in academic writing?

Yes, it's acceptable in academic writing, particularly when analyzing media or discussing news reports. Ensure the context is appropriate and the source is credible.

What is the difference between "a headline that read" and "a headline that said"?

While similar, "a headline that read" is more common in formal writing about media. "A headline that said" can be used, but it sounds slightly less formal.