Literature vs. English — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on September 20, 2023
Literature refers to written artistic works, while English pertains to the language or its related subjects.
Difference Between Literature and English
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Literature and English are terms commonly used in academic contexts. Literature typically refers to written works, especially those considered to have artistic or intellectual value. English, on the other hand, primarily pertains to the language itself, its grammar, composition, and related studies.
Delving into the specifics, literature encompasses novels, poetry, plays, essays, and more. These works, often recognized for their artistic merit, reflect cultures, societies, and human experiences. English, as a subject, explores not just literature but also language skills, linguistics, and the historical evolution of the language.
It's notable that when students major in English at academic institutions, they study both the language and its literature. They learn about grammar, syntax, and composition, while also analyzing literary works. Thus, English becomes an umbrella term, under which literature is one of the many areas of study.
One can find literature in various languages, such as French literature or Russian literature. English literature, then, pertains to literary works written in the English language, encompassing authors from Shakespeare to contemporary novelists. However, when someone mentions studying English, it implies a broader study that includes more than just literature.
In non-academic contexts, the term literature can also signify any written information on a specific subject, like 'medical literature.' English, outside of educational settings, universally refers to the language spoken predominantly in countries like the USA, UK, Canada, and Australia.
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Comparison Chart
Definition
Written works with artistic or intellectual value.
A language or subjects related to it.
Scope
Novels, poetry, plays, essays.
Language skills, linguistics, literature, composition.
Study Focus
Analysis of texts and their cultural contexts.
Broader, includes grammar, literature, and language use.
Language Dependence
Exists in many languages (e.g., French literature).
Specifically refers to the English language.
Non-Academic Reference
Written information on specific subjects (e.g., medical literature).
Spoken and written form of the language.
Compare with Definitions
Literature
The body of written or printed works of a particular type or on a particular subject.
The library has an extensive collection of scientific literature.
English
Relating to the language, especially its study or use.
She teaches English at the university.
Literature
Printed matter that accompanies a product or service.
The literature provided clear instructions for assembly.
English
Pertaining to England or its people.
The English countryside is beautiful.
Literature
Written works valued for artistic merit.
Shakespeare contributed significantly to world literature.
English
Used to describe something translated or written in the English language.
Do you have an English version of this book?
Literature
The writings of a particular country or period.
Victorian literature reflects the era's societal norms.
English
Relating to England or its people or language.
Literature
Written material that provides information or knowledge.
The doctor referred to the latest literature on the topic.
English
The language of England, widely used in many varieties throughout the world.
Literature
Literature broadly is any collection of written work, but it is also used more narrowly for writings specifically considered to be an art form, especially prose fiction, drama, and poetry. In recent centuries, the definition has expanded to include oral literature, much of which has been transcribed.
English
The people of England.
Literature
Written works, especially those considered of superior or lasting artistic merit
A great work of literature
English
Spin or side given to a ball, especially in pool or billiards
Put more English on the ball
Literature
The body of written works of a language, period, or culture.
English
Of, relating to, or characteristic of England or its people or culture.
Literature
Imaginative or creative writing, especially of recognized artistic value
"Literature must be an analysis of experience and a synthesis of the findings into a unity" (Rebecca West).
English
Of or relating to the English language.
Literature
The art or occupation of a literary writer.
English
(used with a pl. verb) The people of England.
Literature
The body of written work produced by scholars or researchers in a given field
Medical literature.
English
The West Germanic language of England, the United States, and other countries that are or have been under English influence or control.
Literature
Printed material
Collected all the available literature on the subject.
English
The English language of a particular time, region, person, or group of persons
American English.
Literature
(Music) All the compositions of a certain kind or for a specific instrument or ensemble
The symphonic literature.
English
A translation into or an equivalent in the English language.
Literature
The body of all written works.
English
A course or individual class in the study of English language, literature, or composition.
Literature
The collected creative writing of a nation, people, group, or culture.
English
The spin given to a propelled ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist.
Literature
(usually preceded by the) All the papers, treatises, etc. published in academic journals on a particular subject.
English
Bodily movement in an effort to influence the movement of a propelled object; body English.
Literature
Written fiction of a high standard.
However, even “literary” science fiction rarely qualifies as literature, because it treats characters as sets of traits rather than as fully realized human beings with unique life stories. —Adam Cadre, 2008
English
To translate into English.
Literature
Learning; acquaintance with letters or books.
English
To adapt into English; Anglicize.
Literature
The collective body of literary productions, embracing the entire results of knowledge and fancy preserved in writing; also, the whole body of literary productions or writings upon a given subject, or in reference to a particular science or branch of knowledge, or of a given country or period; as, the literature of Biblical criticism; the literature of chemistry.
English
Spinning or rotary motion given to a ball around the vertical axis, as in billiards or bowling.
You can't hit it directly, but maybe if you give it some english.
Literature
The class of writings distinguished for beauty of style or expression, as poetry, essays, or history, in distinction from scientific treatises and works which contain positive knowledge; belles-lettres.
English
An unusual or unexpected interpretation of a text or idea, a spin, a nuance.
Literature
The occupation, profession, or business of doing literary work.
The origin of all positive science and philosophy, as well as of all literature and art, in the forms in which they exist in civilized Europe, must be traced to the Greeks.
Learning thy talent is, but mine is sense.
Some gentlemen, abounding in their university erudition, fill their sermons with philosophical terms.
English
Of or pertaining to England, or to its inhabitants, or to the present so-called Anglo-Saxon race.
Literature
Creative writing of recognized artistic value
English
Collectively, the people of England; English people or persons.
Literature
The humanistic study of a body of literature;
He took a course in Russian lit
English
The language of England or of the English nation, and of their descendants in America, India, and other countries.
Literature
Published writings in a particular style on a particular subject;
The technical literature
One aspect of Waterloo has not yet been treated in the literature
English
A kind of printing type, in size between Pica and Great Primer. See Type.
Literature
The profession or art of a writer;
Her place in literature is secure
English
A twist or spinning motion given to a ball in striking it that influences the direction it will take after touching a cushion or another ball.
English
To translate into the English language; to Anglicize; hence, to interpret; to explain.
Those gracious acts . . . may be Englished more properly, acts of fear and dissimulation.
Caxton does not care to alter the French forms and words in the book which he was Englishing.
English
To strike (the cue ball) in such a manner as to give it in addition to its forward motion a spinning motion, that influences its direction after impact on another ball or the cushion.
English
An Indo-European language belonging to the West Germanic branch; the official language of Britain and the United States and most of the Commonwealth countries
English
The people of England
English
The discipline that studies the English language and literature
English
(sports) the spin given to a ball by striking it on one side or releasing it with a sharp twist
English
Of or relating to or characteristic of England or its culture;
English history
The English landed aristocracy
English literature
English
The West Germanic language spoken in England and several other countries.
English is spoken as a first language by many countries worldwide.
English
The literature, history, and culture of England.
She studied English literature from the Renaissance period.
Common Curiosities
Can literature exist in other languages besides English?
Absolutely, every language has its own rich literature.
Is studying grammar a part of English or literature?
Grammar is a part of studying English.
Is every written work considered literature?
Not necessarily. Literature typically has artistic or intellectual value.
Does English literature only include works from England?
No, English literature refers to works written in English, not just from England.
How is the English language different from English literature?
The English language encompasses grammar, syntax, and linguistics, while English literature studies written works in English.
Do English studies include only literature from the UK and US?
No, English studies can encompass literature from any region where English is spoken or written.
How has literature influenced the English language?
Literature has introduced new words, phrases, and stylistic elements to the language.
What's the primary difference between literature and English?
Literature focuses on artistic written works, while English relates to the language and its associated studies.
Can literature be non-fiction?
Yes, literature includes both fiction and non-fiction works.
Can someone learn English solely by reading literature?
While literature can enhance language skills, learning English also requires studying its grammar, pronunciation, and other facets.
Is modern literature different from classical literature in English?
Yes, modern literature reflects contemporary themes, styles, and societal changes, differing from classical works.
Can a work be considered literature if it's not in written form?
Traditionally, literature is written, but oral narratives can also be deemed literary in some cultural contexts.
Why is English considered a global language?
Due to historical, economic, and cultural factors, English has become widely spoken and recognized globally.
How essential is literature in an English curriculum?
Literature is vital as it offers insights into culture, history, and human experiences, enriching the understanding of the language.
Does every English-speaking country have its own distinct literature?
Yes, regions often produce literature reflecting their unique cultures, histories, and experiences.
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Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
