The inverted pyramid is a metaphor used by journalists and other writers to illustrate how information should be prioritised and structured in prose (e.g., a news report).

These resources provide an overview of journalistic writing with explanations of the most important and most often used elements of journalism and the Associated Press style.

In general, news stories are organized using the inverted pyramid style, in which information is presented in descending order of importance. This allows the audience to read the most …

Also known as the upside-down pyramid, inverted pyramid style, or “that thing your editor keeps asking for,” this style of writing is still the backbone of modern news writing—whether you’re …

Discover the inverted pyramid used in journalistic writing through examples and tips for using this structured lead.

Most journalists structure their articles using a method called the inverted pyramid, which places the most important information first and then trickles down to the least important.

Though a pyramid by definition is a three-dimensional figure, the inverted pyramid structure in journalism is illustrated as a triangle balanced on one point. The shape signifies the unfolding …

In this article, we'll take a deep dive into the Five Ws — and the occasional H — of writing, explaining what they are, who uses them, why they matter and where they come from.

Feb 23, 2023 · Sometimes, authors follow the inverted pyramid formula to review journal articles in analyzing the findings and accuracy of the study. Many journalists follow this way to write …

Jun 23, 2025 · Learn how the inverted pyramid in journalism helps you write faster, clearer news stories by placing key facts first. Perfect for digital and print media.