Have you ever asked yourself what is the difference between <b> and <strong>? Or between <i> and <em>? As a matter of fact, I do!
Perhaps you are familiar with Microsoft Word and know some shortcuts for that, such as selecting text and then CTRL+B or CTRL+I to make text bold or italic. Then this is very obvious. <b> and <i> refer, as in Word, namely to a format (in English styles).
Only then when you use <strong> – the name may say it all – is it to emphasize something. It is an important piece of writing that deserves attention.
Both look the same on the Internet yet they have different meanings.
The difference is in the text-to-speech programs, which are often used by the visually impaired. When they view a website then the text will be spoken. Then when you use <b> there will be no difference in how the speech program reads that text – after all, the <b> is just for formatting. However when you use <strong> that word or section of text will be spoken differently – perhaps with a certain emphasis or different tone. This is to ensure that a visually impaired person understands the text in the way you wrote it. The same goes for <em>.
If you use <strong> or <em> you are applying Semantic Markup. This is also preferred these days so that’s nice.
Let me give an example:
I really like sushi but only when it’s freshly made.
Maybe a separate example, haha, but that’s what you get when you’re in between feasting on super delicious sushi.
The emphasis is on only because then I like it, otherwise not. So that’s where the emphasis is and I apply <em>. I hope this makes some sense. If not, feel free to ask in the comments.
