There Are 9 Basic Types of Tone in Writing


A curious tone is often found at different points in mysteries. In fact, one of the reasons readers love is because they're curious about whodunit or how the cop will catch the killer. To see a curious tone done well, read any Sherlock Holmes story. As a stand-in for the audience, John Watson is always a step or two behind Holmes, and he expresses his curiosity through his narration.


There are several , and not every reader will find the same things funny. That said, striking an irreverent tone is often good for romantic comedies, cozy mysteries, and even to lighten the mood in many other types of stories. Offhand remarks, corny jokes, and breaking the fourth wall can all be considered characteristics of a comedic tone.

In fiction, writing suspense is a very useful skill to have. But it's not just the words the author uses here, but also the words he or she doesn't use. Suspense is dulled when the writing is bogged down in unimportant details. Like an aggressive tone, a suspenseful tone can be characterized by limited details, powerful words, and short sentences.

Here is a typical example of content developed in a formal tone.

Here, the stark contrast between what you associate with an early summer sky (beauty, serenity, etc.) and upchuck from your least favorite cat leaves you with a feeling that the speaker in the novel doesn’t care much for the sunrise at all. Associating the sunrise with vomit gives the opening of the novel a cynical and uncaring tone.

An irreverent tone shows that the writer does not take themselves too seriously. It’s casual and conversational, often humorous. It uses slang words, and sometimes even swear words.Â

In business emails, letters, or memos, a formal tone is vital to maintain professionalism. Address recipients by their titles (e.g., “Dear Dr. Smith”) and use appropriate salutations and signatures. Avoid using slang, emojis, or overly casual language.

We've all heard the phrase "It's not what you say, it's how you say it". Well, that's precisely where the assertive tone comes into play. This tone is like a firm handshake—it communicates strength, confidence, and credibility without being overly aggressive or intimidating.


Here are two examples of tense tones in writing.

A respectful tone of voice is difficult to define. It is subtle and nuanced, but clearly demonstrates the respect the writer has for their audience.

Here is an example of a type of pessimistic tome in writing:

Here comes an intriguing nugget! Just like how a skilled chef blends various ingredients to whip up a delectable gourmet dish, you too can blend different tones to weave together a compelling narrative.

Here are some examples of friendly tone.

The formal tone is ideal for occasions where professionalism, respect, and clarity are paramount. Here are some instances when to use a formal tone of writing.

A humorous tone might look like this: "Trying to write an essay?

In this sentence, the writer doesn't simply inform the reader about their relief upon finding their lost pet. Instead, they artistically use language to make the reader experience their intense relief and overwhelming calmness. This sensory journey is precisely what sets emotional tone apart—it invites readers to step into the writer's shoes and experience emotions first-hand.

Here is an example of a type of pessimistic tome in writing:

When determining your desired tone, keep your genre in mind. While tone can shift depending on what's happening from scene to scene, there should be a clear overall tone throughout the story. For example, a horror book wouldn't have a predominantly enthusiastic and happy tone because that's not what readers are looking for when they pick up a horror novel.

Find here, some examples of worried tone.

At times, this tone of voice may seem somewhat distant; however, it doesn’t have to be. For example, it’s possible to be both formal and warm, or formal and empathetic.

Listed below are some examples of encouraging tone in writing.

Controlling the tone of an essay has a lot to do with using similar types of words that all contribute to the overall feeling a reader gets from the writing.