Is Acknowledgement and Dedication the Same?

Although both are optional, one-page sections in academic papers, acknowledgement and dedication are not the same.

Acknowledgment is used to formally show thanks to people or institutions who have helped in the writing project. Dedication is where a writer honors a particular group of people for their inspiration or motivation during the writing.

Let’s take a closer look at the main differences in acknowledgment and dedication when it comes to academic writing.

Acknowledgments

In acknowledgments, you formally express your gratitude for the advice, editorial assistance, and resources (e.g. grants or funding) to institutions or individuals. 

These parties have involved or supported you in the course of your research and writing, and directly play a role in your academic career. 

Here, you disclose as much academic-related information as possible.

Dedication

A dedication is where you honor a particular group of people for inspiring or motivating you to complete the project or paper, who may or may not be involved in the work itself.

Dedications can be personal, emotional, or even spiritual. It is often made to God, family members, spouses, friends, or community groups.

Acknowledgement vs dedication: The similarities

These sections, usually optional, should be no longer than one page. Depending on the requirements set forth by your school or academic department, they can appear before or after the table of contents in your paper.

Acknowledgement vs dedication: The differences

The main difference is that acknowledgements are more formal and dedications are more personal.

Also, the people who appear in the dedications may or may not involve in the research work itself. Rather, they have made a great impact in the writer’s life or work. You pay tribute to the inspiration or emotional support you get.

For example, it’s not uncommon for people to dedicate their work to God, who they regard as spiritual support when it comes to writing a paper or even a book. 

Here’s a brief comparison table showing the main differences between the two:

	Dedication	Acknowledgements
Whom/what to thank?	God, spouse, partner, family, friends or community members.	• Grants and other funding assistance • Copyrighted materials used in your writing • Citation of the previously published materials • People who have support or contribute to your work: ◦ Professors, supervisors, and teachers ◦ Lab assistants, or academic staff ◦ College/school/faculty/departments ◦ Classmates, colleagues, friends, family or God
Where to put it? (Check your school’s requirements.)	Before the abstract and after the acknowledgement page.	Before the abstract.
Tone	Informal or formal. Can also be personal or sentimental.	Formal and factual.
Length	Can be as short as one sentence, if not usually in a few short paragraphs.	Within 1 page with longer paragraphs with the resources received cited explicitly.

What comes first acknowledgement or dedication?

Acknowledgements usually appear before the dedication page.

Can acknowledgement and dedication be on the same page?

While these are two separate sections, they should appear on different pages, with acknowledgements before a dedication. Depending on the requirements set forth by your school or academic department, they can appear before or after the table of contents in your paper.

Do you need permission to name people in your acknowledgements or dedications?

Technically, you do not need to get permission to name people in your acknowledgements or dedications, regardless of whether they are alive or deceased. 

But in acknowledgements where you formally address individuals and institutions, it’s professional to make sure the names, titles, or salutations are used correctly. If in doubt, you should check with the person or institution for accuracy and clarity.

More Definitions on Acknowledgement

• Acknowledgement vs Empathy
  What is the Difference Between Acknowledgement and Empathy?
• Acknowledgement vs Acceptance
  Does Acknowledgement Mean Acceptance? Lessons From History and the Bible
• Acknowledgement vs Agreement
  Is Acknowledgement the Same as Agreement?
• Acknowledgement Receipts vs Official Receipts
  What’s the Difference Between Acknowledgement Receipts and Official Receipts?