types of literature tones

Definition of Tone

Tone is a literary device that reflects the writer’s attitude toward the subject matter or audience of a literary work. By conveying this attitude through tone, the writer creates a particular relationship with the reader that, in turn, influences the intention and meaning of the written words. However, though the writer’s tone may reflect their personal attitude or opinion, this literary device may also strictly apply to convey the attitudes and feelings of a certain character or narrator . Therefore, it’s essential for readers to look closely at the literary choices made by the writer so as not to unfairly assign a tone to them and to interpret tone judiciously.

Writers use several techniques to convey tone, including word choice, figurative language , punctuation , and even sentence structure. This helps to establish a narrative voice so that the reader not only understands the words as they are presented in a work but also their meanings, as intended by the writer, character, or narrator. A defined tone allows readers to connect with the writer and/or their narrators and characters.

For example, in his short story “The Tell-Tale Heart,” Edgar Allan Poe utilizes tone as a literary device to convey the way the narrator feels about the old man and his eye.

His eye was like the eye of a vulture, the eye of one of those terrible birds that watch and wait while an animal dies, and then fall upon the dead body and pull it to pieces to eat it.

The tone of this passage reveals that the narrator fears and is distressed by the old man’s eye. This is conveyed by Poe’s use of a vulture as a figurative comparison and the violent imagery associated with the remaining wording. As a result of this defined tone in describing the old man’s eye, the reader understands the narrator’s simultaneous feelings of revulsion and fascination. This establishes the narrator’s attitude and motive for the reader, which helps to reinforce the actions and events of the story .

Common Examples of Tone Used by Writers

Just as tone of voice can express sentiment and emotion in speaking, tone can do the same in writing. Here are some common examples of tone used by writers to convey feeling:

• pessimistic
• inspirational
• sympathetic
• anticipating

Famous Examples of Tone in Movie Lines

One of the challenges that writers face regarding tone as a literary device is how to ensure that the reader “hears” the narrative voice properly. Without the natural inflection, emphasis, etc., of the human voice, tone can be difficult to convey in writing. In contrast , movie lines allow actors to utilize tone to an extent that it sometimes overshadows the words being spoken. Here are some examples of tone in lines from famous movies:

• “Go ahead, make my day.”  Sudden Impac t
• “That is so fetch.”  Mean Girls
• “May the Force be with you.”  Star Wars
• “Just keep swimming.”  Finding Nemo
• “I still believe in heroes .”  Avengers
• “There’s no place like home.”  The Wizard of Oz
• “You can’t handle the truth!”  A Few Good Men
• “I’m the king of the world!”  Titanic
• “To infinity and beyond!”  Toy Story
• “What’s the most you ever lost on a coin toss?”  No Country for Old Men

Difference Between Tone and Mood

As literary devices , tone and mood may seem interchangeable. Though they are similar, they are independent of each other and serve different purposes in a literary work. Tone signifies the point of view of the writer, whereas mood serves to convey the atmosphere of a written work and its overall feeling or vibe. Writers rely on figurative language and other literary devices to evoke mood in the reader, whereas dialogue and descriptors are typically used to convey tone.

Many of the words used to describe a literary work’s tone can also be used to describe mood, such as passionate, wistful, nostalgic, etc. In narrative work, a character’s tone is conveyed to the reader through specific dialogue and descriptions of the character’s body language, facial expression, and so on. Mood, however, does not always align with the tone expressed by a writer, narrator, or character. For example, a writer may set a mournful mood through a work’s genre , setting , context clues, and plot details; yet, certain characters may be unaware of the sad circumstances and their dialogue may reflect a completely different tone.

Three Types of Tone: Non-assertive, Aggressive, and Assertive

When a literary piece just presents facts and does not show any information using persuasive or convincing word choice, it is a nonassertive tone. However, when it attacks the position of the other party or persons, using words, showing aggression and anger, it means the tone is aggressive. And if there is no sign of anger, and the expression is calm, peaceful, and somewhat pacifist, it means the tone is assertive. Even such tones could be non-assertive aggressive, confused, assertive aggressive, and so on. In short, it depends on the word choice and the readers’ perception.

Use of Tone in Sentences

• You are a terrible liar! (Aggressive tone)
• If you don’t do what I say, I’ll beat you to the pulp. (Aggressive tone)
• You have to pick your legos from the floor and put them in the basket. So, when I come back, I don’t want to see anything lying around. (Assertive tone)
• I don’t really like the way you talk to me. I’ll thank you for your manners. (Assertive tone)
• I’m sorry you lost your ticket. Kindly get off the bus and get another one. (Non-assertive tone)
• Thanks for not answering my call. I was at the hospital for your sister and she needed you. A great brother you are! (non-assertive tone)

Examples of Tone in Literature

As a literary device, tone is an important aspect of the narrative voice of a literary work. This allows the writer to inform the reader and communicate attitudes and feelings that might otherwise be limited in conveying with just words. Here are some examples of tone in literature:

Example 1: A Modest Proposal  by Jonathan Swift

A child will make two dishes at an entertainment for friends; and when the family dines alone , the fore or hind quarter will make a reasonable dish, and seasoned with a little pepper or salt will be very good boiled on the fourth day, especially in winter .

Swift’s “proposal” that poverty in early 18th century Ireland could be mitigated by butchering the children of poor Irish families and selling them as food to wealthy English citizens is intended as satire , and the narrator’s tone reflects this. Swift presents his satire as an economic treatise with the appearance of a formal, distant, and systematic tone. However, the underlying tone of Swift’s writing reflects that of disillusionment, irony , and even provocation toward the reader.

In this literary work, the emotionally distant and acerbic wording of Swift serves to enhance the writer’s intense criticism regarding the legal and economic exploitation of Ireland by England. In this way, Swift’s “proposal” is meant to evoke strong emotion among readers and thereby invoke a call to action as a result. As a literary device, the tone is effective in this work in its impact on the reader of shock and discomfort as a means of bringing about societal awareness and change.

Example 2: The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

We are travelers on a cosmic journey, stardust, swirling and dancing in the eddies and whirlpools of infinity. Life is eternal. We have stopped for a moment to encounter each other, to meet, to love, to share. This is a precious moment. It is a little parenthesis in eternity.

In this passage from  The Alchemist , Coelho utilizes descriptive and figurative language to establish a tone of wonder and awe at the metaphysical relationships in the universe. By asserting to the reader that “we” are metaphorical travelers that are all part of the infinite cosmos, Coelho is able to convey the connection humans have to all that has existed and all that will exist. This allows the reader to feel connections with the writer’s words, their meanings, and the universe itself through the literary work. In addition, the inclusion of the image that human interaction is a momentary and temporary encounter “to meet, to love, to share” implies that people’s lives are brief and precious against the scope of the universe and a parenthetical interruption of a larger narrative. This calls for the reader to reflect on how they choose to impact, even briefly, the people and world around them.

Writers often find it challenging to express universal meaning in a literary work with denotative and connotative wording. In this passage, Coelho utilizes tone as a literary device to convey a universality to human existence as it relates to time and space. This is appealing to the reader in the sense that it conveys belonging and connection to all things while also acknowledging the existence and importance of the individual at momentary points along the continuum.

Example 3: Beloved by Toni Morrison

And in all those escapes he could not help being astonished by the beauty of this land that was not his. He hid in its breast, fingered its earth for food, clung to its banks to lap water and tried not to love it. On nights when the sky was personal, weak with the weight of its own stars, he made himself not love it. Its graveyards and its low-lying rivers. Or just a house – solitary under a chinaberry tree; maybe a mule tethered and the light hitting its hide just so. Anything could stir him and he tried hard not to love it.

In this passage of Morrison’s novel , the narrator’s description of Paul D’s conflicting feelings towards the American landscape in which he lives sets a significant tone for the reader that reflects his inner pain. Paul D is a former slave, and readers of the novel would not expect his character to feel anything but animosity towards the people and land that have enslaved him. However, as the narrator informs the reader, Paul D internally struggles to “not love” America for its beauty and, essentially, its broken promises of freedom, liberty, and equality .

By incorporating a maternal image in this passage of Paul D hiding, fingering, and clinging to America for survival, Morrison evokes in the reader the feeling that America has “birthed” Paul D and wants to care for him. However, the reason he can’t embrace and love America as a motherland is because of the hypocrisy in its treatment and rejection of him. The tone of Morrison’s words conveys Paul D’s deep conflict and struggle between his simultaneous attachment to the American landscape and what it claims to represent and resentment of the reality and hypocrisy of slavery. By using this literary device, Morrison is able to connect through the narrative voice with readers who may not be able to otherwise understand the complexity and anguish of Paul D’s feelings.

 Example 4: The Kite Runner by Khalid Hosseini

“She would have suffered. My family would have never accepted her as an equal. You don’t order someone to polish your shoes one day and call them ‘sister’ the next.” He looked at me. “You know, you can tell me anything you want, Amir jan. Anytime.”

These lines from the novel of Khalid Hosseini, an Afghani, show its tone serious yet biased. The narrator is clear that his family is biased toward the Hazara, a minority Shia community in Afghanistan.

Example 5: The Modest Proposal by Jonathan Swift

Some persons of a desponding spirit are in great concern about that vast number of poor people, who are aged, diseased, or maimed; and I have been desired to employ my thoughts what course may be taken, to ease the nation of so grievous an incumbrance. But I am not in the least pain upon that matter, because it is very well known, that they are every day dying, and rotting, by cold and famine, and filth, and vermin, as fast as can be reasonably expected.

These lines show the satiric tone of Jonathan Swift . Although it seems a simple suggestion, the choice of the word shows that he thinks that the aged, diseased, and the maimed are just an “incumbrance.”

Synonyms of Tone

  Tone does not have close synonyms used in literature. However, generally, mood, quality, feel, style , air, note, attitude, spirit, character, temper, flavor, and tenor could be interchangeably used.

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Tone Definition

What is tone? Here’s a quick and simple definition:

The tone of a piece of writing is its general character or attitude, which might be cheerful or depressive, sarcastic or sincere, comical or mournful, praising or critical, and so on. For instance, an editorial in a newspaper that described its subject as "not even having the guts to do the job himself," has a tone that is both informal and critical.

Some additional key details about tone:

• All pieces of writing, even letters and official documents, have a tone. A neutral, official tone is still a tone.
• The tone of a piece of writing may change over the course of a text to produce different effects.
• Tone and mood are not the same. Tone has to do with the attitude of the author or the person speaking, whereas mood is how the work makes the reader feel.
• The author's intentions, emotions, and personal ideas about the theme or subject matter often reveal themselves in the piece's tone.

How to Pronounce Tone

Here's how to pronounce tone:  tohn

Tone Explained

It is always possible to describe the way that a writer uses language. Therefore, every piece of writing has a tone. Even when a writer's aim is to use completely neutral language—as is often the case in scientific papers or investigative journalism—the language still sounds a certain way, whether it's "scientific," "journalistic," "formal," "professional," or even "mechanical." The way a writer makes use of tone can tell you a lot about the writer's attitude or relationship toward their subject matter and what they are trying to say about it, as well as the effect they are trying to create for their reader.

Here's just a partial list of words that are commonly used to talk about tone, with examples of the types of writing they might be used to describe:

• A particularly stirring campaign speech
• The Declaration of Independence
• Maya Angelou's famous poem, "Still I Rise"
• A sappy love poem
• An over-the-top television sermon
• A wordy letter of apology
• A know-it-all at a cocktail party
• The comments section of almost any YouTube video
• A speech made by a boastful or proud character
• A speech at a funeral
• A murder mystery
• A novel about someone's struggles with depression
• An article in the newspaper The Onion
• A work of  parody  like Don Quixote
• A  satire , like many skits on SNL
• A stand-up comedy routine
• A play like Shakespeare's As You Like It
• A TV show like Seinfeld or Friends
• A Dr. Seuss Book
• A wedding speech
• A friendly joke
• An essay you'd write for school
• A dense work of political theory
• An article analyzing a political event
• A letter from the IRS
• A scientific paper
• Instructions on how to assemble furniture

The tone of a piece of writing depends on a confluence of different factors, including:

• The connotation  of the words used: Are they positive or negative? What associations do the words bring to mind?
• The diction , or word choice: Are there lots of thou's and thine's? Does the writer use slang? Are the words long and technical, or short and childish?
• The use of figurative language :  Is there a lot of metaphor, hyperbole, or alliteration? Does the language sound lofty and poetic?
• The mood : How does the language make you feel as the reader? This can reveal a lot about the tone of the piece.

All of these things work together to determine the tone of a piece of writing.

The Difference Between Tone and Mood

The words "tone" and " mood " are often used interchangeably, but the two terms actually have different meanings.

• Tone is the attitude or general character of a piece of writing and is often related to the attitude of the writer or speaker.
• Mood refers specifically to the effect a piece of writing has on the reader .  Mood is how a piece of writing makes you feel. 

While tone and mood are distinct literary devices, they are often closely related. For example, it wouldn't be unusual for a poem with a somber tone to also have a somber mood—i.e., to make the reader feel somber as well. And as we explained above, a journalist who makes a jab at a politician might be conveying how they feel about their subject (using a critical tone) while also trying to influence their readers to feel similarly—i.e., to create a  mood of anger or outrage.

Tone Examples

Since every text has a tone, there are essentially endless examples of tone. The examples below illustrate different types of tone. 

Tone in U.A. Fanthorpe's "Not my Best Side"

The poem "Not my Best Side" by U.A. Fanthorpe has a lighthearted and ironic   tone. The poem concerns the painting  Saint George and the Dragon  by Paolo Uccello, and pokes fun at the way the various characters are portrayed in the painting—the dragon, the maiden, and the knight who is supposedly rescuing her. Fanthorpe creates a contrast between her modern, colloquial way of speaking and the medieval subject matter of her poem. Using colloquial words like "sexy" and phrases like "if you know what I mean," Fanthorpe creates a lighthearted, conversational tone. But this conversational tone also has the effect of imbuing the poem with a tone of  irony  because it is used to describe the unlikely scenario of a maiden falling in love with a dragon.

It's hard for a girl to be sure if She wants to be rescued. I mean, I quite Took to the dragon. It's nice to be Liked, if you know what I mean. He was So nicely physical, with his claws And lovely green skin, and that sexy tail

Tone in Milton's "Lycidas"

The poem "Lycidas" by John Milton has a mournful   tone. The poem was inspired by the untimely death of Milton's friend, who drowned. To express his grief, and set the sorrowful and mournful tone, Milton uses words and phrases with negative  connotations , like, "watery bier" (or "tomb"), "parching wind" and "melodious tear."

For Lycidas is dead, dead ere his prime, Young lycidas, and hath not left his peer. Who would not sing for Lycidas? he knew Himself to sing, and build the lofty rhyme He must not float upon his watery bier Unwept, and welter to the parching wind, Without the meed of some melodious tear.

Tone in Flaubert's  Madame Bovary

In many passages in Gustave Flaubert's  Madame Bovary , Flaubert's own cynicism about romance shines through the third-person narration to imbue the work with a tone of cynicism. Bored by her husband and desperate for a passionate love affair like the sort she reads about in romance novels, Emma Bovary gets involved with a notorious womanizer. Flaubert highlights Emma's foolishness for falling for such an obvious hack, who sees her as no different from any other mistress:

Emma was just like any other mistress; and the charm of novelty, falling down slowly like a dress, exposed only the eternal monotony of passion, always the same forms and the same language. He did not distinguish, this man of such great expertise, the differences of sentiment beneath the sameness of their expression.

Flaubert sets the cynical tone in part by describing, using figurative language , how the charm of novelty, for Madame Bovary's lover, fell down "slowly like a dress," suggesting that what she experiences as romance, her lover experiences only as an extended prelude to sex.

What's the Function of Tone in Literature?

First and foremost, tone clues readers into the essence and the purpose of what they're reading. It wouldn't make sense to use a wordy, poetic tone to write a simple set of directions, just like it wouldn't make sense to use a dry, unfeeling tone when writing a love poem. Rather, writers set the tone of their work to match not only the content of their writing, but also to suit the purpose they intend for it to serve, whether that is to convey information clearly, to make people laugh, to lavish praises on someone, or something else. Additionally, tone can serve the following purposes:

• For example, a biography of Bill Clinton might have a critical tone if the author has critical views of the former president and what he stood for, or it might have an admiring tone if the author was a staunch Clinton supporter.
• If a writer wants their readers to feel upset, he or she might use words with certain connotations to create a gloomy tone.
• Likewise, if a writer wants to create an informal tone, he or she might make use of colloquialisms , slang terms, and everyday language to make the reader feel like their familiar or their equal.

Simply put, establishing the tone of a work is important because it helps writers show readers what the work is trying to accomplish, and what attitude the work takes toward its own subject matter.

Other Helpful Tone Resources

• Wikipedia Page on Tone in Literature : A helpful overview of tone and its usage.
• A Definition of Tone : A definition of tone that includes a short overview of the difference between tone and mood.
• List of Poetic Tones : A handy chart listing a slew of tones commonly found in poetry, and all other types of literature.

• PDFs for all 136 Lit Terms we cover
• Downloads of 1934 LitCharts Lit Guides
• Teacher Editions for every Lit Guide
• Explanations and citation info for 40,762 quotes across 1934 books
• Downloadable (PDF) line-by-line translations of every Shakespeare play
• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Figurative Language
• Dramatic Irony
• Antimetabole
• Verbal Irony
• Protagonist
• Climax (Plot)
• Blank Verse
• Bildungsroman

Tone in Writing: 42 Examples of Tone For All Types of Writing

by Joe Bunting | 0 comments

What is tone in writing and why does it matter?

Tone is key for all communication. Think of the mother telling her disrespectful child, “Watch your tone, young man.” Or the sarcastic, humorous tone of a comedian performing stand up. Or the awe filled way people speak about their favorite musician, author, or actor. Or the careful, soft tones that people use with each other when they first fall in love.

Tone  is  communication, sometimes more than the words being used themselves.

So then how do you use tone in writing, and how does tone influence the meaning of a writing piece?

In this article, you'll learn everything you need to know about how to use tone in all types of writing, from creative writing to academic and even business writing. You'll learn what tone actually  is  in writing and how it's conveyed. You'll learn the forty-two types of tone in writing, plus even have a chance to test your tone recognition with a practice exercise. 

Ready to become a tone master? Let's get started.

Why You Should Listen To Me?

I've been a professional writer for more than a decade, writing in various different formats and styles. I've written formal nonfiction books, descriptive novels, humorous memoir chapters, and conversational but informative online articles (like this one!).

Which is all to say, I earn a living in part by matching the right tone to each type of writing I work on. I hope you find the tips on tone below useful!

Table of Contents

Definition of Tone in Writing Why Tone Matters in Writing 42 Types of Tone Plus Tone Examples How to Choose the Right Tone for Your Writing Piece Tone Writing Identification Exercise Tone Vs. Voice in Writing The Role of Tone in Different Types of Writing

Tone in Creative Writing Tone in Academic Writing Tone in Business Writing Tone in Online Writing

Conclusion: How to Master Tone Practice Exercise

Definition of Tone in Writing

Examples of tone can be formal, informal, serious, humorous, sarcastic, optimistic, pessimistic, and many more (see below for all forty-two examples)

Why Does Tone Matter in Writing

I once saw a version of Shakespeare's  A Midsummer Night's Dream in which the dialogue had been completely translated into various Indian dialects, including Hindi, Urdu, Bengali, and more. And yet, despite not knowing any of those languages, I was amazed to find that I could follow the story perfectly, infinitely better than the average Shakespeare in the park play.

How could I understand the story so well despite the fact that it was in another language? In part, it was the skill of the actors and their body language. But one of the biggest ways that the actors communicated meaning was one thing.

Their tone of voice.

Tone is one of the most important ways we grasp the meaning of what someone is saying. If someone says, “I love you,” in an angry, sneering way, it doesn't matter what their words are saying, the meaning will be completely changed by their tone.

In the same way, tone is crucial in writing because it significantly influences how readers interpret and react to the text. Here are a few reasons why tone is important:

• Tone conveys feeling. The tone reflects the writer's attitude toward the subject and the audience, helping to shape readers' perceptions and emotional responses.
• Tone can help readers understand the meaning of the text. A well-chosen tone can clarify meaning, making it easier for readers to understand the writer's intent and message.
• Tone is engaging! As humans, we are designed to respond to emotion and feeling! Tone can help to engage or disengage readers. A relatable or compelling tone can draw readers in, while an off-putting tone can push them away.
• Tone sets the mood. Tone can set the mood or atmosphere of a piece of writing, influencing how readers feel as they go through the text.
• Tone persuades. In persuasive writing, tone plays a significant role in influencing how convincing or compelling your arguments are.
• Tone reflects professionalism. In professional or academic contexts, maintaining an appropriate tone is crucial to uphold the writer's authority.

42 Types of Tone in Writing Plus Examples of Tone

Tone is about feeling—the feeling of a writer toward the topic and audience. Which means that nearly any attitude or feeling can be a type of tone, not just the forty-two listed below.

However, you have to start somewhere, so here a list of common tones that can be used in writing, with an example for each type:

• Example : “Upon analysis of the data, it's evident that the proposed hypothesis is substantiated.”
• Example : “Hey folks, today we'll be chatting about the latest trends in tech.”
• Example : “The implications of climate change on our future generations cannot be overstated.”
• Example : “Why don't scientists trust atoms? Because they make up everything!”
• Example : “Oh great, another diet plan. Just what I needed!”
• Example : “Despite the setbacks, we remain confident in our ability to achieve our goals.”
• Example : “Given the declining economy, it's doubtful if small businesses can survive.”
• Example : “We must act now! Every moment we waste increases the danger.”
• Example : “The experiment concluded with the subject showing a 25% increase in performance.”
• Example : “I've always found the taste of coffee absolutely heavenly.”
• Example : “We owe our success to the ceaseless efforts of our esteemed team.”
• Example : “So much for their ‘revolutionary' product. It's as exciting as watching paint dry.”
• Example : “The film's plot was so predictable it felt like a tiresome déjà vu.”
• Example : “Every setback is a setup for a comeback. Believe in your potential.”
• Example : “A politician making promises? Now there's something new.”
• Example : “We must fight to protect our planet—it's the only home we have.”
• Example : “Whether it rains or shines tomorrow, it makes little difference to me.”
• Example : “As the doors creaked open, a chilling wind swept through the abandoned mansion.”
• Example : “She gazed at the fading photograph, lost in the echoes of a time long past.”
• Example : “The fire station caught on fire—it's almost poetic, isn't it?”
• Example : “I can understand how challenging this period has been for you.”
• Example : “His excuse for being late was as pathetic as it was predictable.”
• Example : “Our feline companion has gone to pursue interests in a different locale” (meaning: the cat ran away).
• Example : “Your report is due by 5 PM tomorrow, no exceptions.”
• Example : “So, you've got a hankering to learn about star constellations—well, you're in the right place!”
• Example : “She tiptoed down the dim hallway, every shadow pulsating with the mysteries of her childhood home.”
• Example : “With the approaching footsteps echoing in his ears, he quickly hid in the dark alcove, heart pounding.”
• Example : “His eyes were a stormy sea, and in their depths, she found an anchor for her love.”
• Example : “In the heart of the mystical forest, nestled between radiant will-o'-the-wisps, was a castle spun from dreams and starlight.”
• Example : “The quantum mechanical model posits that electrons reside in orbitals, probabilistic regions around the nucleus, rather than fixed paths.”
• Example : “When constructing a thesis statement, it's crucial to present a clear, concise argument that your paper will substantiate.”
• Example : “The juxtaposition of light and dark imagery in the novel serves to illustrate the dichotomy between knowledge and ignorance.”
• Example : “Upon deconstructing the narrative, one can discern the recurrent themes of loss and redemption.”
• Example : “One must remember, however, that the epistemological underpinnings of such an argument necessitate a comprehensive understanding of Kantian philosophy.”
• Example : “The ephemeral nature of existence prompts us to contemplate the purpose of our pursuits and the value of our accomplishments.”
• Example : “She left the room.”
• Example : “Global warming is a major issue that needs immediate attention.”
• Example : “Maybe she’ll come tomorrow, I thought, watching the cars pass by, headlights blurring in the rain—oh, to be somewhere else, anywhere, the beach maybe, sand between my toes, the smell of the sea…”
• Example : “In the quiet solitude of the night, I grappled with my fears, my hopes, my dreams—how little I understood myself.”
• Example : “The autumn leaves crunched underfoot, their vibrant hues of scarlet and gold painting a brilliant tapestry against the crisp, cerulean sky.”
• Example : “Looking back on my childhood, I see a time of joy and innocence, a time when the world was a playground of endless possibilities.”
• Example : “Gazing up at the star-studded sky, I was struck by a sense of awe; the universe's vast expanse dwarfed my existence, reducing me to a speck in the cosmic canvas.”
• Example : “His unwavering determination in the face of adversity serves as a shining beacon for us all, inspiring us to strive for our dreams, no matter the obstacles.”

Any others that we forgot? Leave a comment and let us know!

Remember, tone can shift within a piece of writing, and a writer can use more than one tone in a piece depending on their intent and the effect they want to create.

The tones used in storytelling are particularly broad and flexible, as they can shift and evolve according to the plot's developments and the characters' arcs.

​​How do you choose the right tone for your writing piece?

The tone of a piece of writing is significantly determined by its purpose, genre, and audience. Here's how these three factors play a role:

• Purpose: The main goal of your writing guides your tone. If you're trying to persuade someone, you might adopt a passionate, urgent, or even a formal tone, depending on the subject matter. If you're trying to entertain, a humorous, dramatic, or suspenseful tone could be suitable. For educating or informing, an objective, scholarly, or didactic tone may be appropriate.
• Genre: The type of writing also influences the tone. For instance, academic papers often require a formal, objective, or scholarly tone, while a personal blog post might be more informal and conversational. Similarly, a mystery novel would have a suspenseful tone, a romance novel a romantic or passionate tone, and a satirical essay might adopt an ironic or sarcastic tone.
• Audience: Understanding your audience is crucial in setting the right tone. Professional audiences may expect a formal or respectful tone, while a younger audience might appreciate a more conversational or even irreverent tone. Furthermore, if your audience is familiar with the topic, you can use a more specialized or cerebral tone. In contrast, for a general audience, a clear and straightforward tone might be better.

It's also worth mentioning that the tone can shift within a piece of writing. For example, a novel might mostly maintain a dramatic tone, but could have moments of humor or melancholy. Similarly, an academic paper could be mainly objective but might adopt a more urgent tone in the conclusion to emphasize the importance of the research findings.

In conclusion, to choose the right tone for your writing, consider the intent of your piece, the expectations of the genre, and the needs and preferences of your audience. And don't forget, maintaining a consistent tone is key to ensuring your message is received as intended.

How to Identify Tone in Writing

How do you identify the tone in various texts (or even in your own writing)? What are the key indicators that help you figure out what tone a writing piece is?

Identifying the tone in a piece of writing can be done by focusing on a few key elements:

• Word Choice (Diction): The language an author uses can give you strong clues about the tone. For instance, formal language with lots of technical terms suggests a formal or scholarly tone, while casual language with slang or contractions suggests an informal or conversational tone.
• Sentence Structure (Syntax): Longer, complex sentences often indicate a formal, scholarly, or descriptive tone. Shorter, simpler sentences can suggest a more direct, informal, or urgent tone.
• Punctuation: The use of punctuation can also impact tone. Exclamation marks may suggest excitement, urgency, or even anger. Question marks might indicate confusion, curiosity, or sarcasm. Ellipsis (…) can suggest suspense, uncertainty, or thoughtfulness.
• Figurative Language: The use of metaphors, similes, personification, and other literary devices can help set the tone. For instance, an abundance of colorful metaphors and similes could suggest a dramatic, romantic, or fantastical tone.
• Mood: The emotional atmosphere of the text can give clues to the tone. If the text creates a serious, somber mood, the tone is likely serious or melancholic. If the mood is light-hearted or amusing, the tone could be humorous or whimsical.
• Perspective or Point of View: First-person narratives often adopt a subjective, personal, or reflective tone. Third-person narratives can have a range of tones, but they might lean towards being more objective, descriptive, or dramatic.
• Content: The subject matter itself can often indicate the tone. A text about a tragic event is likely to have a serious, melancholic, or respectful tone. A text about a funny incident will probably have a humorous or light-hearted tone.

By carefully analyzing these elements, you can determine the tone of a text. In your own writing, you can use these indicators to check if you're maintaining the desired tone consistently throughout your work.

Tone Writing Exercise: Identify the tone in each of the following sentences

Let’s do a little writing exercise by identifying the tones of the following example sentences.

• “The participants in the study displayed a significant improvement in their cognitive abilities post intervention.”
• “Hey guys, just popping in to share some cool updates from our team!”
• “The consequences of climate change are dire and demand immediate attention from world leaders.”
• “I told my wife she should embrace her mistakes. She gave me a hug.”
• “Despite the challenges we've faced this year, I'm confident that brighter days are just around the corner.”
• “Given the state of the economy, it seems unlikely that we'll see any significant improvements in the near future.”
• “No mountain is too high to climb if you believe in your ability to reach the summit.”
• “As she stepped onto the cobblestone streets of the ancient city, the echoes of its rich history whispered in her ears.”
• “Oh, you're late again? What a surprise.”
• “The methodology of this research hinges upon a quantitative approach, using statistical analysis to derive meaningful insights from the collected data.”

Give them a try. I’ll share the answers at the end!

Tone Versus Voice in Writing

Tone and voice in writing are related but distinct concepts:

Voice is the unique writing style or personality of the writing that makes it distinct to a particular author. It's a combination of the author's syntax, word choice, rhythm, and other stylistic elements.

Voice tends to remain consistent across different works by the same author, much like how people have consistent speaking voices.

For example, the voice in Ernest Hemingway's work is often described as minimalist and straightforward, while the voice in Virginia Woolf's work is more stream-of-consciousness and introspective.

Tone , on the other hand, refers to the attitude or emotional qualities of the writing. It can change based on the subject matter, the intended audience, and the purpose of the writing.

In the same way that someone's tone of voice can change based on what they're talking about or who they're talking to, the tone of a piece of writing can vary. Using the earlier examples, a work by Hemingway might have a serious, intense tone, while a work by Woolf might have a reflective, introspective tone.

So, while an author's voice remains relatively consistent, the tone they use can change based on the context of the writing.

Tone and voice are two elements of writing that are closely related and often work hand in hand to create a writer's unique style. Here's how they can be used together:

• Consistency: A consistent voice gives your writing a distinctive personality, while a consistent tone helps to set the mood or attitude of your piece. Together, they create a uniform feel to your work that can make your writing instantly recognizable to your readers.
• Audience Engagement: Your voice can engage readers on a fundamental level by giving them a sense of who you are or the perspective from which you're writing. Your tone can then enhance this engagement by setting the mood, whether it's serious, humorous, formal, informal, etc., depending on your audience and the purpose of your writing.
• Clarity of Message: Your voice can express your unique perspective and values, while your tone can help convey your message clearly by fitting the context. For example, a serious tone in an academic research paper or a casual, friendly tone in a personal blog post helps your audience understand your purpose and message.
• Emotional Impact: Voice and tone together can create emotional resonance. A distinctive voice can make readers feel connected to you as a writer, while the tone can evoke specific emotions that align with your content. For example, a melancholic tone in a heartfelt narrative can elicit empathy from the reader, enhancing the emotional impact of your story.
• Versatility: While maintaining a consistent overall voice, you can adjust your tone according to the specific piece you're writing. This can show your versatility as a writer. For example, you may have a generally conversational voice but use a serious tone for an important topic and a humorous tone for a lighter topic.

Remember, your unique combination of voice and tone is part of what sets you apart as a writer. It's worth taking the time to explore and develop both.

The Role of Tone in Different Types of Writing

Just as different audiences require different tones of voice, so does your tone change depending on the audience of your writing. 

Tone in Creative Writing

Tone plays a crucial role in creative writing, shaping the reader's experience and influencing their emotional response to the work. Here are some considerations for how to use tone in creative writing:

• Create Atmosphere: Tone is a powerful tool for creating a specific atmosphere or mood in a story. For example, a suspenseful tone can create a sense of tension and anticipation, while a humorous tone can make a story feel light-hearted and entertaining.
• Character Development: The tone of a character's dialogue and thoughts can reveal a lot about their personality and emotional state. A character might speak in a sarcastic tone, revealing a cynical worldview, or their internal narrative might be melancholic, indicating feelings of sadness or regret.
• Plot Development: The tone can shift with the plot, reflecting changes in the story's circumstances. An initially optimistic tone might become increasingly desperate as a situation worsens, or a serious tone could give way to relief and joy when a conflict is resolved.
• Theme Expression: The overall tone of a story can reinforce its themes. For instance, a dark and somber tone could underscore themes of loss and grief, while a hopeful and inspirational tone could enhance themes of resilience and personal growth.
• Reader Engagement: A well-chosen tone can engage the reader's emotions, making them more invested in the story. A dramatic, high-stakes tone can keep readers on the edge of their seats, while a romantic, sentimental tone can make them swoon.
• Style and Voice: The tone is part of the writer's unique voice and style. The way you blend humor and seriousness, or the balance you strike between formal and informal language, can give your work a distinctive feel.

In creative writing, it's important to ensure that your tone is consistent, unless a change in tone is intentional and serves a specific purpose in your story. An inconsistent or shifting tone can be jarring and confusing for the reader. To check your tone, try reading your work aloud, as this can make shifts in tone more evident.

Tone in Academic Writing

In academic writing, the choice of tone is crucial as it helps to establish credibility and convey information in a clear, unambiguous manner. Here are some aspects to consider about tone in academic writing:

• Formal: Academic writing typically uses a formal tone, which means avoiding colloquialisms, slang, and casual language. This helps to maintain a level of professionalism and seriousness that is appropriate for scholarly work. For instance, instead of saying “experts think this is really bad,” a more formal phrasing would be, “scholars have identified significant concerns regarding this matter.”
• Objective: The tone in academic writing should usually be objective, rather than subjective. This means focusing on facts, evidence, and logical arguments rather than personal opinions or emotions. For example, instead of saying “I believe that climate change is a major issue,” an objective statement would be, “Research indicates that climate change poses substantial environmental risks.”
• Precise: Precision is crucial in academic writing, so the tone should be specific and direct. Avoid vague or ambiguous language that might confuse the reader or obscure the meaning of your argument. For example, instead of saying “several studies,” specify the exact number of studies or name the authors if relevant.
• Respectful: Even when critiquing other scholars' work, it's essential to maintain a respectful tone. This means avoiding harsh or judgmental language and focusing on the intellectual content of the argument rather than personal attacks.
• Unbiased: Strive for an unbiased tone by presenting multiple perspectives on the issue at hand, especially when it's a subject of debate in the field. This shows that you have a comprehensive understanding of the topic and that your conclusions are based on a balanced assessment of the evidence.
• Scholarly: A scholarly tone uses discipline-specific terminology and acknowledges existing research on the topic. However, it's also important to explain any complex or specialized terms for the benefit of readers who may not be familiar with them.

By choosing an appropriate tone, you can ensure that your academic writing is professional, credible, and accessible to your intended audience. Remember, the tone can subtly influence how your readers perceive your work and whether they find your arguments convincing.

Tone in Business Writing

In business writing, your tone should be professional, clear, and respectful. Here are some aspects to consider:

• Professional and Formal: Just like in academic writing, business writing typically uses a professional and formal tone. This ensures that the communication is taken seriously and maintains an air of professionalism. However, remember that “formal” doesn't necessarily mean “stiff” or “impersonal”—a little warmth can make your writing more engaging.
• Clear and Direct: Your tone should also be clear and direct. Ambiguity can lead to misunderstanding, which can have negative consequences in a business setting. Make sure your main points are obvious and not hidden in jargon or overly complex sentences.
• Respectful: Respect is crucial in business communication. Even when addressing difficult topics or delivering bad news, keep your tone courteous and considerate. This fosters a positive business relationship and shows that you value the other party.
• Concise: In the business world, time is often at a premium. Therefore, a concise tone—saying what you need to say as briefly as possible—is often appreciated. This is where the minimalist tone can shine.
• Persuasive: In many situations, such as a sales pitch or a negotiation, a persuasive tone is beneficial. This involves making your points convincingly, showing enthusiasm where appropriate, and using language that motivates the reader to act.
• Neutral: In situations where you're sharing information without trying to persuade or express an opinion, a neutral tone is best. For example, when writing a business report or summarizing meeting minutes, stick to the facts without letting personal bias influence your language.

By adapting your tone based on these guidelines and the specific context, you can ensure your business writing is effective and appropriate.

Tone in Online Writing

Online writing can vary greatly depending on the platform and purpose of the content. However, some common considerations for tone include:

• Conversational and Informal: Online readers often prefer a more conversational, informal tone that mimics everyday speech. This can make your writing feel more personal and relatable. Blogs, social media posts, and personal websites often employ this tone.
• Engaging and Enthusiastic: With so much content available online, an engaging and enthusiastic tone can help grab readers' attention and keep them interested. You can express your passion for a topic, ask questions, or use humor to make your writing more lively and engaging.
• Clear and Direct: Just like in business and academic writing, clarity is key in online writing. Whether you're writing a how-to article, a product description, or a blog post, make your points clearly and directly to help your readers understand your message.
• Descriptive and Vivid: Because online writing often involves storytelling or explaining complex ideas, a descriptive tone can be very effective. Use vivid language and sensory details to help readers visualize what you're talking about.
• Authoritative: If you're writing content that's meant to inform or educate, an authoritative tone can help establish your credibility. This involves demonstrating your knowledge and expertise on the topic, citing reliable sources, and presenting your information in a confident, professional manner.
• Optimistic and Inspirational: Particularly for motivational blogs, self-help articles, or other content meant to inspire, an optimistic tone can be very effective. This involves looking at the positive side of things, encouraging readers, and offering hope.

Remember, the best tone for online writing depends heavily on your audience, purpose, and platform. Always keep your readers in mind, and adapt your tone to suit their needs and expectations.

How to Master Tone

Tone isn't as hard as you think.

If you've ever said something with feeling in your voice or with a certain attitude, you know how it works.

And while mastering the word choice, syntax, and other techniques to use tone effectively can be tricky, just by choosing a tone, being aware of tone in your writing, and making a concerted effort to practice it will add depth and style to your writing, heightening both the meaning and your audiences enjoyment.

Remember, we all have tone. You just need to practice  using  it. Happy writing!

What tone do you find yourself using the most in your writing ? Let us know in the comments .

Here are two writing exercises for you to practice tone.

Exercise 1: Identify the Tone

Using the ten identification examples above, write out the tones for each of the examples. Then use this answer guide to check your work.

• Pessimistic
• Inspirational

How many did you get correctly? Let me know in the comments .

Exercise 2: Choose One Tone and Write

Choose one of the tones above, set a timer for fifteen minutes, then free write in that tone. 

When your time's up, post your practice in the Pro Practice Workshop (and if you’re not a member yet, you can join here ), and share feedback with a few other writers. 

Joe Bunting

Joe Bunting is an author and the leader of The Write Practice community. He is also the author of the new book Crowdsourcing Paris , a real life adventure story set in France. It was a #1 New Release on Amazon. Follow him on Instagram (@jhbunting).

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Posted on May 10, 2024

What is Tone in Literature? Definition & Examples

In literature, tone refers to the attitude or mood that a text conveys, shaped by the author's choice of words and formatting. Tone can be intimate or distant, cheerful or sad 一 it’s a literary device writers use to convey the emotional quality of a moment and keep readers engaged throughout a story.

In this post, we take a closer look at the role of tone in narrative and provide several examples to show you how it shapes the reader’s experience. 

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Tone can affect the meaning of a sentence

Think of tone in literature like the tone of a voice. It can significantly affect the meaning of a statement and provide more context through the words used. For example, if you get a text from your partner saying “We need to talk,” you might be much more alarmed than if they had texted “Hey, need to chat with you this evening!”. The former appears somber and serious, while the latter is informal and (hopefully) has very different intentions.

Similarly, authors use different tones to shape their sentences and evoke different emotional responses from their readers. Let’s look at a few illustrative examples to investigate some types of tones commonly found in literature.

An optimistic tone conveys an upbeat outlook while acknowledging that things may not be perfect.

Example from A Bear Called Paddington by Michael Bond:

“I’ll never be like other people, but that’s alright because I’m a bear.”

Paddington Bear is a character who is optimistic by nature. Characters like this will always find a way to look on the bright side, even when the odds are stacked against them. The tone of the extract above could be seen as naive to some readers, but it tells us so much about Paddington's positive nature. After all, when life gives him bitter oranges, he makes marmalade!

Paddington remains optimistic despite being framed for a burglary (Source: StudioCanal)

A passionate tone reveals a strong emotional connection to a subject, like a place or a character.

Example from The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald:

“Their eyes met, and they stared together at each other, alone in space. With an effort she glanced down at the table.”

In this extract, enigmatic millionaire Jay Gatsby and wealthy socialite Daisy Buchanan have a conversation in the company of other people, including Daisy’s husband, Tom. Their connection is so intense that she has to make “an effort” to look away, which makes Tom realize they have romantic feelings for each other.

Pessimistic 

A pessimistic tone is one of caution and negativity and is often used as a warning against potential danger.

Example from Nineteen Eighty-Four by George Orwell:

“... he might be fulminating against the atrocities of the Eurasian army, he might be praising Big Brother or the heroes on the Malabar front – it made no difference. Whatever it was, you could be certain that every word of it was pure orthodoxy, pure Ingsoc.”

Few novels have a more pessimistic tone than Nineteen Eighty-Four and its totalitarian surveillance state setting. You can feel a certain resignation in the extract above 一 the specifics of what other people say don’t matter to Winston, the novel’s protagonist , as all opinions are limited to the political ideology of the government.

A pragmatic tone is typically used when information must be delivered quickly, so there’s a focus on practical solutions and results.

Example from Mortal Engines by Phillip Reeve:

“Now, watching Hester lift the tinkling handfuls of coins, he felt like a thief. ‘Well,’ said Hester, snapping the treasure-chest shut, ‘It’s no use to her where she’s gone. And no use to us, since I expect we’ll soon be joining her there."

In this extract, Hester’s pragmatic character and sensible words set the tone for this scene. Reeve writing that Hester snapped the chest shut (as opposed to calmly closing it, for example) gives the scene a note of abrupt finality.

These are just four examples, but the tone in writing can also be humorous, persuasive, arrogant, melancholic, friendly, irreverent… the list is endless!

However, note that while tone is often confused with mood or voice, they’re not the same thing…

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Unlike mood or voice, tone is situational

Tone refers to the attitude or emotion conveyed in a specific scene or dialogue, which is situational and can change quickly. Meanwhile, mood refers to the overall feeling of a scene or story — also known as its atmosphere — and it’s often defined by imagery, setting , and the book’s genre. For example, a thriller novel might include several scenes with a funny tone but retain a tense and suspenseful mood overall.

Voice, on the other hand, is the unique way a character speaks and acts, representing a consistent and enduring quality that defines their personality and remains constant across different situations.

For example, Dobby from the Harry Potter series has a distinctive voice — he refers to himself in the third person and frequently uses the word “sir.” Although Dobby’s voice remains consistent throughout J.K. Rowling’s seven-book series, the tone changes based on what he experiences. 

Here’s an extract that captures Dobby’s voice, with its usual submissive and resigned tone:

“Dobby is always having to punish himself for something, sir. They lets Dobby get on with it, sir. Sometimes they reminds me to do extra punishments…” “But why don’t you leave? Escape?” “A house-elf must be set free, sir. And the family will never set Dobby free… Dobby will serve the family until he dies, sir…”

However, at the prospect of freedom from the torment of his master Lucius Malfoy, Dobby’s tone changes to elation and empowerment (while his voice remains the same):

"But Dobby didn’t move. He was holding up Harry’s disgusting, slimy sock, and looking at it as though it were a priceless treasure.  “Master has given Dobby a sock,” said the elf in wonderment. “Master gave it to Dobby.” “What’s that?” spat Mr Malfoy. “What did you say?” “Dobby has got a sock,” said Dobby in disbelief. “Master threw it, and Dobby caught it, and Dobby – Dobby is free.”"

As we can see here, the shift in his tone plays a crucial role in highlighting his character development .

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Tone plays an important role in character development

Authors can use tone as one of the tools to shape a character’s arc . The tone of a character’s voice at the beginning of a novel can establish their initial personality traits . If a character sounds grumpy and judgemental, that may reveal that they are impatient and close-minded. This sets the baseline from which the character can grow and change. 

As characters undergo their hero’s journey , the tone of their voice usually shifts to reflect their inner changes (for the example above, perhaps they become more cheerful and loving). The change in tone is usually gradual and subtle, as the protagonist faces conflict and grows from it.  

Let’s look at an example from classic literature. Take these two quotes from Jane, the narrator and protagonist of Charlotte Brontë’s Jane Eyre. The first quote is from the novel’s beginning , while the second is from its ending .

“And I came out immediately, for I trembled at the idea of being dragged forth by the said Jack. ‘What do you want?’ I asked, with awkward diffidence.

“I am no bird; and no net ensnares me; I am a free human being with an independent will, which I now exert to leave you.”

Mia Wasikowska as Jane in the 2011 film Jane Eyre (Source: Universal Pictures)

The shift in tone is striking, showing Jane’s transformation from an insecure, mistreated orphan to an independent, strong woman. Of course, this shift in character tone is not immediate; instead, Brontë slowly evolves Jane throughout the course of the novel as naturally as you would throughout the course of your life.

Authors use this difference in tone not only to deepen the reader's understanding and empathy for their characters but also to control how close they should feel to them…

Tone controls the “distance” between the reader and the narrator

The tone in writing is closely linked to the narrator’s point of view , influencing the "psychic distance" between the reader and the narrator. For example, a first-person point of view gives access to the narrator's inner world, usually adopting a confessional tone, while an all-knowing omniscient narrator might describe the protagonist with a more detached and formal tone. 

Take this example: 

“I could feel my blood boiling. She should have never treated me like that.”

“He stood rigid, his fists and jaw clenched tight, as he thought about the injustice of her words.”

While both sentences convey anger and resentment, the one told in the first person appears more intimate, while the one told in the third person seems more distant. 

That said, each point of view can still find a way to read more “close” or “distant.” For example, a first-person narrator could withhold information, while an omniscient narrator could include very emotional dialogue.

Ultimately, tone is a powerful device you can use to affect how your readers feel. We hope this post has inspired you to consider your word choices more carefully and reflect on how these small decisions can make a large impact on your readers’ overall experience.

Continue reading

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As an author, do you use different types of tones depending on the genre or audience? Do you have a distinctive tone readers can use to identify your writing, regardless of the subject matter? Or are you still trying to figure out how to leverage different types of tones in your writing to create a more compelling story?

Regardless of what you answered, this guide to the types of tones in writing is for you!

In this article, we'll help you identify the different types of tones, provide examples, and give you tips on how to develop your own writing tone and decide which types of tones to use for your next book.

This Guide to the Types of Tones in Writing Will Cover:

What is a writing tone.

Have you ever had your writing misinterpreted? An everyday example is sending a text as a joke just to realize that the person thought you were serious.

It never feels good to have someone misinterpret what you are trying to say. And that's just one reason why it is important to learn how to convey the right types of tones.

But before you begin – whether you’re writing a novel or updating your author website (or even a social media caption!), it’s important to know what is meant by “tone” in writing.

Writing tone is a type of literary device and the different types of tones refer to the attitude, mood, or emotional quality an author conveys through their choice of words, sentence structure, and overall style. A tone is like the author's unique voice (or the voice they assign to their characters or narrator) that sets the emotional tone of the book and shapes how the reader perceives the overall story.

Whether formal, informal, serious, humorous, optimistic, or cynical, the different types of tones give context to the words, ultimately influencing how readers interpret and engage with the story and all the different characters in it.

In short, the author's tone impacts the reader's mood .

When establishing what types of tones you want to use, it's important to be mindful of the genre you are writing for, the audience you are writing for, the different types of characters you want in the story, and the feelings you want your writing to evoke.

For example, a young adult fiction book , a children's book, and a memoir would all have vastly different types of tones in the story.

The Difference Between Voice, Style, and Tone

Authors often confuse voice, style, and tone in writing. Though these all impact each other, they are different.

Voice is the distinct personality, beliefs, and expressions infused into the writing, and style is the author's unique manner of expressing this personality via literary elements and specific word choices. Meanwhile, the tone is the emotional attitude conveyed to the reader.

It breaks down like this:

• Voice = what you write
• Style = the way you say it
• Tone = the mood created by what you say

In a physical conversation or written dialogue, the types of tones might be perceived in tangible (though not necessarily spoken) cues such as vocal pitch, facial movements, eye contact, stance, etc.

Should You Use Different Types of Tones in Writing?

Using different types of tones throughout the same book can be a powerful literary technique, as it adds depth, complexity, and variety to the narrative.

Just as life is multifaceted with various emotions and situations, a book can benefit from shifting the types of tones to better reflect the evolving themes, characters, and plot developments.

Using different types of tones in writing can help keep the reader engaged and intrigued, as well as enhance the overall emotional impact. However, it's important to maintain some coherence and consistency, ensuring that the shifts in tone are purposeful and serve the narrative's goals.

Abrupt or jarring changes in the types of tones might confuse or alienate the reader, so the key is to strike a balance that enhances the storytelling rather than detracts from it.

Using a narrative writing prompts generator is a great way to hone your writing skills – and can help you understand how to use different types of tones in writing. It will also give you practice with using multiple writing tones within one narrative.

So what are the different types of tones? Let's discuss the most common writing tones that authors use.

22 Types Of Tones In Writing – And How to Use Them

Like emotions, the types of tones you can employ in your writing can be nearly endless. They span far and wide and can even vary with every character and scene. But here’s a rundown of the most common types of tones that authors utilize in their writing: 

1. Formal Tone

The formal tone is one of the types of tones that uses very proper grammar, longer sentence structure, and complex phrasing with few contractions.

A formal tone is usually objective and direct, cutting fluff or extra words. It can be interpreted as cold or emotionless or proper and polite, depending on the delivery and setting.

This tone is at home in academic, legal, medical, and professional settings.

Example of a formal tone: “Due to the lack of information received, it’s difficult to reach a decision on the best next steps to take. We will have to give a few more days to this matter.”

2. Informal Tone

Unlike formal writing, informal writing is one of the types of tones that is much more conversational. Think “writing like you talk” (or rather, how your character would talk).

While you should not throw typical spelling and grammar rules out the window, you can relax with some of the rules and use things like emojis, casual language, or current slang.

This tone works well when writing a memoir , young adult novel, or when writing dialogue .

Example of an informal tone: “Nah – I’ve got a ton of work to do, so I won’t be able to make it tonight. Maybe tomorrow if you’re still up for it?”

3. Friendly Tone

A friendly tone is one of the types of tones that is meant to convey a warm, familiar feeling and build rapport with the reader.

To convey a friendly tone in writing, you might use exclamation points, words that lean toward the positive side, casual salutations (hey, buddy!), and jests.

When writing your characters, think about creating inside jokes or thoughts between friends. A friendly tone is generally lighter in nature than other types of tones.

4. Sad Tone

It's unlikely that you'll use a sad tone throughout an entire book, but it could be the tone of a specific event, conversation, or even a character. It's most often used to describe funerals, heartbreak, disappointment, the delivery of bad news, character flaws , inner conflicts, or depressing inner thoughts.

As humans, we all identify with being sad. To make your story more interesting or intense, you may want to choose other words that convey sadness or talk about things characters are doing (or not doing) to highlight their current state. A list of words includes sulk, mourn, lament, wistful, somber, tragic, dismal, etc.

5. Humorous Tone

Humor can be a hard tone to convey in writing, and it might be one of the harder types of tones for you to master with time.

You will want to pick jokes and lines that convey the humor you want, whether dark humor or friendly banter. If you are writing a fiction book, you might also want to mention gestures done by your characters to convey they are joking, such as smirking, laughing, or playfully rolling their eyes.

Example of a humorous tone: “The old man was about as charming as an eel, but when it came to cricket, he turned into a young boy again – leaping and yelling alongside the field!”

6. Joyful Tone

A joyful tone in writing is often full of unabashed enthusiasm and excitement. It often evokes feelings of playfulness, youth, and freedom.

You will want to focus on using happy words or expressing passion to convey a joyful tone. If you do pair it with actions, there should be plenty of smiling or excited movements – maybe even some frolicking, if you will.

7. Optimistic Tone

An optimistic tone is different from a joyful tone (although they are very similar types of tones) because it is projecting hope, joy and good feelings into the future. It's less about a current state or emotion and more about a lasting philosophy or mindset.

This is living with rose-colored glasses. And your writing and characters should use exclamation points, positive phrases, and elude to happiness. Your characters may even be so optimistic that they take on some traits of toxic positivity.

Example of an optimistic tone: “I’m so certain you can get through this,” Sophie said with a reassuring smile.

8. Pessimistic Tone

A pessimistic tone is usually dismissive, negative, cautious and may feel frustrating or upsetting. As an author, you can achieve this negative tone through excessive questioning, doubtful language, and short, curt sentences. You want to project a negative view of a situation (past, present, or future) and a belief that things will not improve.

Pessimistic characters may call themselves realists, but they are usually looking for the bad in people or situations, calling it out to others.

Example of a pessimistic tone: “See? I told you it would fail. The whole campaign was built on empty promises. I can't believe you really thought they could achieve all that.”

9. Aggressive Tone

An aggressive tone often uses strong, forceful, blunt, and threatening words and actions.

When authors are using this tone, they are often trying to prove a point in a harsh way. They will not use friendly words and will be bordering on an offensive tone.

10. Assertive Tone

Slightly less physical or offensive than an aggressive tone, an assertive tone in writing is still very direct. However, it does not imply violence or anger like some other types of tones.

Consider the difference between these examples: “Do you think you could be there by 6 p.m.?,” “Be there at 6 p.m.,” and “You better be there at 6 p.m., or else…”

One is friendly, one assertive, and one aggressive.

11. Curious Tone

This can be one of the most fun types of tones to use in writing – especially when writing a cozy mystery or children's book. A curious tone in writing often feels youthful, naive, and enthusiastic.

You or the character wants to learn more about something and is intrigued by the subject matter. Stoking curiosity in your reader will get them invested in the book and story arc – you could do this by teasing future events or presenting a challenge or riddle they feel they can solve.

12. Serious Tone

A serious tone is used to signify importance and, often, a pivotal moment in a story (such as a difficult call to adventure or sacrifice that must be made). Effectively using a serious tone requires a bit more formal language, but it doesn't require large words or emotional coldness. In fact, something can be very serious yet kind (like a doctor sharing bad news).

As an author, you leverage all caps to denote yelling and use words such as “solemn, intense, thoughtful, or weighty.” To really drive home the severity of a situation, you can describe the setting and the characters' body language with a bit more detail.

13. Helpful Tone

A helpful tone can lean either formal or informal, but the essence of it is a desire to assist. Learning to convey a friendly, helpful tone without coming across as over-explaining is a fine balance. Though the latter is certainly a choice you could make as an author when writing a character (we've all met the condensing character ready to bestow upon you their “advice”).

In most instances, you will want to use friendly words and language to convey that you or your characters are trying to be helpful. That might include using extra enthusiasm, kind, encouraging words, and simplified explanations that help someone understand a concept or instructions.

Examples of using a helpful tone could be a nurturing mother, selfless caretaker, or kind teacher in fiction. In nonfiction, this is one of the best types of tones to use when writing a self-help book .

14. Compassionate Tone

A compassionate tone is used to convey sympathy, caring, and a level of understanding towards someone else and their feelings. Often mixed with a serious tone, the goal of compassionate writing is to make the reader feel sorry about a situation or highlight the love and care someone has toward a person, animal, or cause.

This one of the types of tones that is common in both fiction and nonfiction books .

Example of a compassionate tone: “The woman very carefully lifted the sick puppy out of the ditch and placed him in her passenger seat. In that moment, she resolved to do everything in her power to give him the life he deserved.”

15. Informative Tone

Like a helpful tone in writing, an informative tone aims to assist. But it skews a bit more formal, unbiased, and educational or academic. A lot of informative writing and language is void of emotion, opinions, or personal anecdotes (unless the person is an expert on the topic).

16. Tense Tone

Are you writing a scary story or a thriller? You'll probably really rely on a tense tone in your writing.

Done correctly, a tense tone creates an atmosphere of apprehension and heightened emotional strain. You can do this by creating a build-up, adding some suspense, or implying something that hasn't happened yet (and might not) with body language descriptions and short, curt lines.

Example of a tense tone:   “Did you hear that? I think someone's following us,” she whispered, her voice trembling with unease.

17. Concerned Tone

A concerned tone should make someone feel another person's love, worry, or apprehension, often reflecting the characters' genuine interest in the well-being of others or themselves.

Use a concerned tone to deepen character relationships and readers' relationships with your characters and the circumstances they face. This is one of the types of tones that is very effective at evoking empathy via dialogues, inner monologues, or narrative descriptions that reveal characters' motivations , anxieties, inquiries, and considerations.

Example of a concerned tone: “I noticed you've been missing meals… is everything alright?” she inquired, her eyes reflecting a mix of care and worry.

18. Sarcastic Tone

Often used to mock people or situations, a sarcastic tone means continually saying one thing while implying the opposite. For some, this is a form of humor. For others, it's a way to be ironic, critique someone or something, or express a pessimistic opinion.

As an author, you can use italics to emphasize specific words and can sprinkle in witty remarks that say one thing but hint at the opposite. This will add a playful zing to your prose or your characters' personalities, highlight absurdities , and even provide social commentary.

19. Apologetic Tone

An apologetic tone is used in writing to acknowledge a character’s mistake (though it can also be used in nonfiction writing, like memoirs). It usually conveys self-awareness, humility, a desire for feedback or input, some level of regret, and perhaps even some self-deprecation. Sometimes, characters or dialogue can seek justification, hinting at their guilt.

Using words and phrases like “let me explain,” “unfortunately,” “forgive me,” and “regretfully,” are different ways to channel this tone.

Example of an apologetic tone: “As a young adult, I was always disrespectful to my parents. I made life harder for them despite everything they did for me. Looking back, I should have never taken them for granted.” 

20. Cynical Tone

A cynical tone embodies a skeptical and distrustful perspective. It may overlap or become a pessimistic or even a disapproving tone, but it is slightly different than those types of tones.

Unlike other types of tones, cynicism requires undertones of distrust, a belief in others' selfish motives, or some insincerity of individuals or systems. It's very much about how something is said – and readers must look beyond the words on the page.

This tone can be used in writing to highlight the darker aspects of human behavior and societal dynamics, challenging the conventional or optimistic views of a situation.

21. Disapproving Tone

A disapproving tone conveys a critical stance and skepticism toward a person, idea, action, belief or argument, often implying disagreement or disbelief through carefully chosen words and expressions.

In fiction and nonfiction books, this tone can subtly challenge the validity of a concept or perspective while encouraging readers to question and analyze the subject matter more closely. A great tool to employ when you are challenging readers to change behaviors or beliefs. One final thing to note about a disapproving tone is that it expresses something is not okay (in the opinion of the author or character), without necessarily being aggressive or loud. 

Example of a disapproving tone: “Kyle’s dad glanced over at him as he tiptoed into the house at 3am. “There’s no justification for why you’ve just come home now”, Kyle’s dad uttered as he walked up the stairs. “

21. Nostalgic Tone

A nostalgic tone in writing carries a bittersweet longing for the past, evoking emotions tied to cherished memories and experiences that have shaped the author's or character's journey. It often infuses the narrative with a wistful and reflective quality, inviting readers to empathize with the sentimentality of what has been and might never be again.

Nostalgic writing can be sad, happy, or bittersweet – it depends on the emotion you want readers to feel.

“Back when the air was warm and the lake shimmered under the stars, life felt like a different kind of adventure,” she reminisced, a wistful smile in her voice.

Tips for Defining and Developing Tones in Your Writing

As an author, you may get asked the question: “What is the tone of your story? “

If you've just started outlining or writing your book, you might be asking yourself this question. And it's important to define. Your tone will help you identify your book positioning , establish the setting of your story , and generate a book title . It can also inspire marketing creatives and book cover ideas .

So let's look at some ways you can find the right tone and intentionally use different types of tones in your writing to create interest and contrast between the characters in your story.

Remember Your Audience

The first step is to remember your target audience. Who are you talking to, and what do you want them to feel?

Most readers are loyal to specific genres of fiction – some examples being dystopian, dark romance , mystery, or horror stories . They often already know what mood they want to be in when picking up a book. It’s a way for them to escape reality – and can be a bit jarring if you throw them into humorous prose if they were looking for serious suspense.

That being said, you can still use different types of tones in writing. A lighthearted detective could be a fun addition to an otherwise somber book. But you'll want to keep the larger tone of your book aligned with the genre and story.

Don’t be Afraid of Detail and Description

Setting a specific tone requires you to play on the character personality types and create a clear picture in the mind of readers. The way to do this is to go bold with your descriptive phrases and words. 

If your character is feeling depressed and hopeless, their inner dialogue may be critical of their surroundings by describing moldy walls and dirty floors. Meanwhile, if your character is hopeful about their new home, you’ll want to emphasize the bright colors and vibrant flowers. 

Lead into your thesaurus for this one. Go beyond words like “sad” when trying to achieve a specific tone in writing. You can also use our free tool to enhance your writing with AI .

Be Picky with Your Choice of Words

As we mentioned earlier, your tone in writing often reflects your attitude (or your characters' attitudes) towards something. So it’s important that you’re intentional and deliberate in your writing. Choose words for the purpose of adding (or taking away!) value to a subject. 

Here’s an example of how tone can change with your choice of words: 

Option 1: “Why would you do that to me? I thought we were friends.”

Option 2: “I should have known you would do this, despite everything.”  

The first line is a confused tone, signifying to the reader that the character is clueless and emotionally distressed. 

The second line is part of the same dialogue, but the words of choice depict a disappointed tone, reflecting the character’s feeling of being betrayed once again. 

Ready to Master the Types of Tones?

Before you can intentionally use different tones in writing, you must think about how you want your character or book to be perceived.

Are they witty or are they easily fooled? Are they hopeful in calamities or more pessimistic?

Your writing tones will help you relay the right characteristics. 

As we’ve seen, there are many types of tones that you can leverage as an author. While you’re not bound to use just one tone, consistency can help your readers build a clearer image of your character and subject matter. 

If you're still not sure how to use writing tones, you can hire a book writing coach or reach out to the team at selfpublishing.com for advice.

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Literary Devices

Literary devices, terms, and elements, definition of tone.

In literature, tone is the attitude or approach that the author takes toward the work’s central theme or subject. Works of literature can have many different types of tone, such as humorous, solemn, distant, intimate, ironic, arrogant, condescending, sentimental, and so on. Any emotion that humans can feel can be an example of tone in literature.

All works of literature have a tone. Authors use elements such as syntax, diction, imagery, details, and figurative language to create tone. Authors must use words to convey emotions and feelings, and the choice of these words constitutes the tone the author has toward the work’s main subject.

Works of literature are not limited to having only one tone. Tone may shift throughout a work as the narrator’s perspective changes, or as the plot becomes more complex, dramatic, bizarre, etc. There also may be more than one tone that an author takes toward a work at the same time. For example, a novel can be both humorous and dark, or both sentimental and formal.

Difference Between Tone and Mood

Tone and mood are very often confused. While definition of tone is the attitude the author has toward the work, the mood consists of the feelings the work produces in an audience or reader. Authors use tone as well as setting, theme, and voice to produce a certain mood. In cinema directors can add the use of music, editing, and images to help create mood. For example, horror movies almost always include suspenseful and anxiety-producing music. If, instead, bright jazz music were playing while a character is in danger, the audience would not feel the mood of suspense.

Common Examples of Tone

When we tell stories from everyday life to others, we always do so with some sort of attitude toward the story. For example, if someone had gotten flowers from a potential suitor and was retelling this to a friend, that person would tell very different stories depending on his or her feelings toward the suitor. If he/she were interested in the suitor, the story would be told with excitement and optimism. If he/she were not interested, the story would be told with eye rolls and perhaps irritation or embarrassment. Consider these opposite tones when dealing with the same type of situation:

• “I’m so glad that jerk was fired; now I won’t have to deal with him anymore.” Vs. “It’s terrible that Tony was let go; he was such a great colleague!”
• “The movie was amazing! I was laughing so hard I cried!” Vs. “You can only watch infantile humor for so long before you want to punch yourself in the face.”
• “The principal just called to say that our son was in a fight. I can’t believe he would do that.” Vs. “I’m proud of Billy for sticking up for himself. That bully had it coming.”
• “I’m so excited that he called! I’ve been hoping to hear from him.” Vs. “Why is that weirdo calling me again after all this time?”

Significance of Tone in Literature

The tone that an author uses greatly influences what kind of story he or she tells and how the audience perceives it. For example, there have been multitudes of books and movies produced about World War II. The tones used in the different pieces range quite a bit, however. Here are four works of literature set during WWII, and how their differing examples of tone lead to vastly different works:

• Maus by Art Spiegelman: Melancholy, Anguished— Maus is a son’s story as he reflects on the horrors that his father lived through. The son struggles with the knowledge of these horrors, and thus the work is quite somber.
• The Diary of Anne Frank by Anne Frank: Youthful, Optimistic—In retrospect, the reader knows that things ended tragically for Anne Frank. Her diary, however, is full of hope, even as she deals with an incredibly difficult situation.
• Slaughterhouse-Five by Kurt Vonnegut: Deadpan, Spare—Kurt Vonnegut was present for the firebombing of Dresden, and relates the events of that night, as well as the rest of the book, in extremely unemotional terms. He is very matter-of-fact about the horrors of war, which allows the reader to inhabit the anger and sorrow of the destruction.
• Catch-22 by Joseph Heller: Satirical—Similar to Slaughterhouse-Five , Catch-22 lays bare the absurdities of war. Though the tone can be humorous at times, the subject matter is very serious and this contrast creates the effect of parody.

Examples of Tone in Literature

Having thus lost his understanding, he unluckily stumbled upon the oddest fancy that ever entered into a madman’s brain; for now he thought it convenient and necessary, as well for the increase of his own honor, as the service of the public, to turn knight-errant.

Don Quixote by Miguel de Cervantes: Ironic

In this example of tone, Cervantes calls Don Quixote “a madman” and says he has “lost his understanding.” The narrative voice clearly thinks that Don Quixote’s decision to become a knight-errant is foolish, and much of the novel pokes fun at Don Quixote’s attempts to prove his valiance. Cervantes creates an ironic distance between himself as the author and Don Quixote’s heroic quest.

The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetery, and another portion as the site of a prison.

The Scarlet Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne: Skeptical

In this early excerpt from The Scarlet Letter , Hawthorne describes a new colony that hopes to be a Utopia, yet first constructs a cemetery and a prison. These are two things that one might assume a Utopia would not need, and thus the author sets up expectations that things will not go as the citizens of the town hope.

I couldn’t forgive [Tom] or like him, but I saw that what he had done was, to him, entirely justified. It was all very careless and confused. They were careless people, Tom and Daisy – they smashed up things and creatures and then retreated back into their money or their vast carelessness, or whatever it was that kept them together, and let other people clean up the mess they had made.

The Great Gatsby by F. Scott Fitzgerald: Disillusioned

The narrator of The Great Gatsby , Nick Carraway, changes tone throughout the novel. At times he is in great admiration of Jay Gatsby, while at others times he scorns the wastefulness and foolishness of the upper class. Here he calls Tom and Daisy “careless people” and clearly feels no love lost for either of them. After he passes the summer in their company his tone has changed so that he is not in admiration of their lifestyle at all anymore.

Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad.

To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee: Nostalgic

The narrator of To Kill a Mockingbird is a young girl, Scout, though the story is told in retrospect. The novel is a coming-of-age story where Scout begins to understand the injustices in the world. In this tone example, Scout acknowledges the things that she took from neighbor Boo Radley without having given anything back. Though she is talking about literal things here, her nostalgia about not having done enough for Boo extends to intangible things as well.

Test Your Knowledge of Tone

1. What is the difference between the tone definition and the definition of mood?

A. They are identical concepts. B. Tone is the attitude that an author takes toward a work and mood is effects produced in the reader. C. Tone is the way characters say things and mood is how they feel. [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #1″] Answer: B is the correct answer.[/spoiler]

2. What is the best word for the tone in this excerpt from The Great Gatsby ?

He smiled understandingly—much more than understandingly. It was one of those rare smiles with a quality of eternal reassurance in it that you may come across four or five times in life. It faced—or seemed to face—the whole eternal world for an instant, and then concentrated on you with an irresistible prejudice in your favor.

A. Ironic B. Disillusioned C. Appreciative [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #2″] Answer: C is the best answer.[/spoiler]

3. Which one of these lines is the best example of a nostalgic tone?

A. I didn’t go to the moon, I went much further—for time is the longest distance between two places. ( The Glass Menagerie by Tennessee Williams) B. He who controls the past controls the future. He who controls the present controls the past. ( 1984 by George Orwell) C. Scars have the strange power to remind us that our past is real. ( All the Pretty Horses by Cormac McCarthy) [spoiler title=”Answer to Question #3″] Answer: Though all three quotes deal with the past and the passage of time, A is the correct answer. There is no nostalgia associated with Orwell’s or McCarthy’s quotes.[/spoiler]

• Literary Terms
• Definition & Examples
• When & How to Create Tone

I. What is Tone?

Tone does not mean quite the same thing in literature as it does for the way people speak, but it’s pretty close; it refers to the “feel” of a piece of writing. It’s a more complex and general quality than, say, an “angry tone of voice”; instead it is closer to the meaning of “style” or “voice” in writing, possibly referring to any or all of the stylistic qualities the writing, such as formality, dialect, and atmosphere.

II. Examples of Tone

I’ll just swing by your office at 4 tomorrow! I will meet you in your office tomorrow at 4:00.

These two sentences convey exactly the same ideas, but one does it in a highly informal tone while the other uses a formal tone. The tone is set by many different features: contractions (such as “I’ll”) are key indicators of informal tone. And there’s also a colloquialism (“swing by”) and an informal punctuation mark (!).  In contrast, the more formal sentence uses perfect grammar, no idioms , and higher level vocabulary.

In addition to style , tone can also be set by content . That is, your tone is mostly about how you express your ideas, but it’s also partially about what you express. For example, if you’re writing a philosophy paper on ethics and you use a case study as an example, your selection of the example will help set the tone. A silly example will set a humorous, informal tone, while a more serious example will have the opposite effect.

III. Types of Tone

There are an infinite number of different tones, all composed of different qualities such as dark, humorous, serious, emotional, objective, chaotic, etc. Perhaps the most important aspect of tone, though, is the formal / informal distinction. Every piece of writing falls somewhere along the sliding scale between extremely formal (appropriate for business letters, academic publications, etc.) and extremely informal (appropriate for text messages between close friends). For the sake of simplicity, this article will focus primarily on the difference between formal and informal tone.

IV. The Importance of Tone

Tone affects how readers will respond to your writing. Although its effects can be very subtle, they are profound, in much the same way as a person’s body language and overall personality. You may not be able to put your finger on exactly why , but different people have a remarkably different kind of presence, and the same thing is true of writing.

Thus, tone is important in writing the same way personality is important in any situation. In theory , it should be less important than the substance of what you’re saying; but in practice that’s just not how it works. People are persuaded by tone and personality much more than they are by logical arguments , so it’s absolutely crucial to set your tone correctly. If you are writing a legal brief, for example, and the tone is too informal, then it won’t matter how brilliant your arguments are. Similarly, if you’re writing the script for a radio ad and the tone is too stiff and formal, then it won’t matter how useful the information is!

V. Examples of Tone in Literature

Great novelists are easy to recognize from their tones. Often, the tone of the narration matches the tone that the major characters use in their everyday speech. For example, Jane Austen’s novels are about wealthy families in the English countryside and the social conventions that rule their lifestyles; accordingly, the tone of her novels tends to be formal and grammatically precise (though certainly not without humor)! On the other hand, J.D. Salinger’s Catcher in the Rye is about a bitter, lonely teenage boy, and so the tone is much more informal, biting, and sarcastic.

And the trees all died. They were orange trees. I don’t know why they died, they just died. (Donald Barthelme, The School )

Children’s speech has a unique tone to it. In this passage, a childlike tone is created through short, choppy sentences and simple vocabulary (diction). Each sentence is grammatically simple, without frills or detail. But notice how the bleak mood of the passage is in direct contrast to its childlike tone ; in this case, the author’s tone helps him undermine the clichés about the innocence and joy of childhood.

VI. Examples of Tone in Pop Culture

There are many differences between Lord of the Rings and Harry Potter , even though both are popular high fantasy series. One of the most important differences is tone, and this applies to both the books and the films. Whereas Lord of the Rings has an epic, mythological tone to its writing, Harry Potter is more casual and straightforward in tone. Although neither series is exactly what you would call “formal,” Lord of the Rings is certainly closer to formal, or “high style.”

You may dance if you fancy it; you may take leave of your companions. For your friends do not partake in the dance, and if they shall not partake in the dance then they shan’t be among my companions. ( Joseph Ducreaux meme )

This is one of the oldest games around: take the lyrics of a popular song, and translate them into an archaic and overly formal tone. These days, the game is often played on the internet, and the results are layered on top of an image of Joseph Ducreaux. In this example, the lyrics come from “Safety Dance” by Men At Work.

VII. Related Terms

One aspect of tone is diction , or the particular words and sentence structures used by a given author. If your diction emphasizes slang terms, for example, then the tone of the writing will inevitably be informal. Conversely, complex and sophisticated diction will create a more formal tone.

Tone can play a role in crafting an author’s “persona,” or the personality that they take on as an author. Persona is mostly a feature of fiction, where the narrator plays an important role in the story. For example, if your story is in first person (using “I”), then your persona as author is the main character who’s narrating the story. But a third-person narrator can also have a persona – for example, does your narrator crack jokes about the characters, or is he/she completely serious about the story? Similarly, in nonfiction it’s important to decide what kind of “character” you want to paint yourself as in your writing. In formal writing, convention states that the persona should be a detached, objective observer – but this is still a kind of persona!

Tone is very closely related to “mood,” or the overall emotional color of a piece. Indeed, these two terms are almost synonymous. The only difference is that mood refers to an emotional quality, whereas tone can refer to emotional and non-emotional qualities alike. So, a “sad tone” is the same thing as a “sad mood”; but you could only say that a piece has a “formal tone,” not a “formal mood,” because formality is not an emotion.

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What is Tone in Literature? || Definition and Examples

"what is tone in literature": a literary guide for english students and teachers.

View the full series: The Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms

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What is Tone in Literature? Transcript (English and Spanish Subtitles Available in Video, Click HERE for Spanish Transcript)

By Raymond Malewitz , Oregon State University Associate Professor of American Literatures

26 September 2022

Imagine you’re trying to make plans with a friend.  You send them a text asking them if they want to go see the new Marvel movie that’s playing at the local theater.  Now imagine you receive the following text message back.  “What a great idea!” No trouble interpreting that response, right? Your friend is interested! Time to kick back with some popcorn and some good old fashioned cartoon violence.

But what if there were an emoji attached to the text message?  Like this one    ?  Suddenly your plan doesn’t sound so great. Maybe opt for an indie movie…

tone_emoji.jpg

Or what about this one?     It….could be great?  Or what about this one    ?  Oooookay, your friend is clearly not a Marvel fan.

What these emojis are doing is changing the tone of the text message. The tone is the attitude that your friend is taking towards the proposal, and that attitude is signaled by BOTH the words themselves and by the emoji.  Indeed, one of the reasons emojis are so popular is because they help to clarify the tone of a message.

In face-to-face encounters, we don’t need emojis, because these same attitudes are often signaled by the way the message is conveyed through body language and tone of voice.  What a great idea! [happy] What a great idea! [rolls eyes]

What all of these examples suggest is that messages are always shaped by the contexts that surround them.  And this is what makes tone such a wonderful and, at times, maddening subject for you to consider in your literature classes.

In literature, tone is, simply put, the attitude that a character or narrator or author takes towards a given subject. But there are a couple reasons why spotting tone in literature is a little tougher than in these real-world scenarios.  In this brief lesson, I want to sketch out two reasons why spotting tone can be tricky in reading literature and then offer some suggestions for how to overcome these challenges.

tone_definition.jpg

First to the obvious reason: most literature does not include emojis and when we read, we can’t see the body language of a novel’s characters or hear the intonations of a poem’s speaker. In other words, we can’t use sight or sound cues to determine tone in the way we normally do in face-to-face encounters. 

So how do we compensate for these absences? There are a variety of ways to do so, but the first thing that good readers often consider is diction or word choice.  Let me give you an example, taken from Claude McKay’s sonnet “The Harlem Dancer.” The poem’s subject is the jazz singer referenced in the title.  As I read it, see if you can spot the tone that the speaker takes towards the singer based upon the figurative language that he employs.  Here’s how it goes:

Applauding youths laughed with young prostitutes And watched her perfect, half-clothed body sway; Her voice was like the sound of blended flutes Blown by black players upon a picnic day. She sang and danced on gracefully and calm, The light gauze hanging loose about her form; To me she seemed a proudly-swaying palm Grown lovelier for passing through a storm. Upon her swarthy neck black shiny curls Luxuriant fell; and tossing coins in praise, The wine-flushed, bold-eyed boys, and even the girls, Devoured her shape with eager, passionate gaze; But looking at her falsely-smiling face, I knew her self was not in that strange place.

harlem_dancer_image1.jpg

There is, obviously, a lot going on here, but let’s focus just on how the speaker sees her.  He imagines her voice as sounding like “blended flutes”—a beautiful simile that ennobles the singer.  This reverential tone is reinforced by the extended metaphor of the singer seeming to be a “proudly-swaying palm / Grown lovelier for passing through a storm.”  In both instances, the speaker is calling attention to the form of her art—her beautiful dancing and singing in the midst of a metaphorical storm. 

This tone stands in stark contrast with how the other members of the audience see this singer, and this attitude might be thought of as the storm that she faces. As the speaker suggests, these young men and women are interested less in her art than in the shape of her body, which they watch and “devour” and “laugh” at. They are, in a sense, admiring her, but for very different and far less noble reasons. When he recognizes this tonal difference, the speaker’s attitude towards the singer changes from admiration to sympathy in the final two lines of the poem.

This change illustrates the other reason why spotting tone can be difficult when reading literature. People’s attitudes towards a subject are rarely simple things—in literature or in life. 

The best works of literature—and in particular a TON of lyric poetry—can often be understood as attempts to represent in textual form these complicated attitudes that we all feel but rarely express or dwell upon. 

Let me give you one final example. Another one of my favorite poets is Elizabeth Bishop, and she wrote a poem called “Questions of Travel,” which was inspired by her relocation from the United States to Brazil in the mid-1950s. The poem begins with her speaker looking out over the new Brazilian landscape.  Here’s how she puts it:

There are too many waterfalls here; the crowded streams hurry too rapidly down to the sea, and the pressure of so many clouds on the mountaintops makes them spill over the sides in soft slow-motion, turning to waterfalls under our very eyes.

bishop_questions_of_travel1.jpg

What is the tone here?  Well, because she says there are “too many waterfalls” here, we can infer that this speaker is uncomfortable with the natural landscapes of Brazil and feels overwhelmed by the experience.  We might also infer that this tone is governed by her experiences back in the United States and her need to have the world beyond her familiar setting resemble her comfortable world back home. 

OK, finally a simple tone! But wait. Later in the poem, the same speaker has a change of heart:

But surely it would have been a pity not to have seen the trees along this road, really exaggerated in their beauty, not to have seen them gesturing like noble pantomimists, robed in pink.

bishop_questions_of_travel_21.jpg

What the speaker seems to be grappling with in these strange descriptions is the question of exactly what tone she should take towards traveling.  But like McKay’s poem, Bishop’s isn’t calling for us to settle upon one stable, clear, simple attitude. Instead, it is asking us to dwell upon the complexity of tone without giving us any easy answers.

So what does this mean for your own essays and in-class discussions? Well, while you read a poem or a short story, I encourage you to look not only for a singular tone—the attitude that a character or narrator takes towards a given subject—but also to ask if that tone really is as simple as it seems or whether the tone changes or is modified as we get more context, as we think about it further, and as the story or poem continues. 

Paying attention to the complexity of tone will not only help us to write strong essays.  It can also bring us closer to the complicated ways that we think and speak about the world and people around us. If you have any other examples of these kinds of complicated tones, I hope you’ll share them with me in the comments section in the video.  Happy reading everybody!

Want to cite this?

MLA Citation: Malewitz, Raymond. "What is Tone in Literature?" Oregon State Guide to English Literary Terms, 26 Sept. 2022, Oregon State University, https://liberalarts.oregonstate.edu/wlf/what-tone-literature-definition-and-examples . Accessed [insert date].

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What is Tone? Definition, with Examples

by Fija Callaghan

Encouraging readers to Feel Things is one of the greatest aspirations of writing. When crafted well, a book can make us feel hope, fear, despair, indignation, or joy. And one of the best literary devices to achieve that is tone—the overall emotional sound of your novel.

But what is tone, exactly, and how do we incorporate it into our work? Let’s look at what writing tone means and how you can find the right one for your story, along with some helpful examples of tone in literature.

What is tone in writing?

Tone in writing is the overall mood or attitude conveyed by the narrator’s word choice in a story. A narrator’s tone can be formal or informal, positive or negative, lighthearted or dramatic. By using the right tone, you can convey moments of tension, relief, or anticipation to your readers and make them feel more invested in your story.

In general, your story will have an overall author’s tone that supports the theme (we’ll talk about theme more below), but each individual scene will also have a distinctive tone depending on what’s happening in the plot.

Why is tone important in a story?

Tone helps engage with your target audience and elicit a particular feeling and emotion in the reader. In business writing, a more formal tone can help you present an organized, confident attitude. In storytelling, a casual or playful tone can help you bring your reader closer to your characters. Because the reader can’t see the writer’s facial expression or body language when they’re conveying an idea, the author’s word choice and writing style is essential.

You can also choose a certain tone to help underline your story’s theme. For example, a tragedy might favor a melancholy and introspective tone, while a romantic comedy might favor cheerful and humorous tones. By mindfully choosing the right tone for your story, you can gently encourage the reader to feel and experience your story in a certain way.

What’s the difference between tone and mood?

Tone and mood are closely related, but they’re not quite the same thing. In writing, tone reveals the narrator’s attitude as conveyed by their specific word choice. For instance, you could show your characters attending a party and have the tone be excited, depressed, sarcastic, frightened, or hopeful. These communicate the way the narrator feels about the situation.

Mood is the overall feeling of the scene or story as a whole. Tone plays a large role in conveying the mood of a scene, but you can also enhance a story’s mood with setting and sensory imagery. For example, you could use your party’s setting to explore the sights, sounds, smells, and sensations your characters are experiencing. Does the red light falling on the door look like “fallen petals” or “a smear of blood”? How an author describes the same image in different ways will enhance the overall mood of your book.

To recap: tone specifically refers to the choice of language; mood refers to the overall feeling of the entire scene. We’ll look at some examples of tone below.

What’s the difference between tone and theme?

We’ve talked a bit about how tone influences theme—but what exactly is the difference?

Theme is the overall message behind your story. It might be something like “love conquers all,” or “violence only leads to more violence.” Everything in your narrative, including mood and tone, support this underlying message.

If your theme is “love conquers all,” your tone might be optimistic, hopeful, or inspirational. If your theme is “violence only leads to more violence,” your theme might be pessimistic or persuasive.

Types of tone you might see in a story

Any adjective you can apply to someone’s voice can be used to describe tone. Think about how your best friend’s voice might sound when they tell you about their weekend. Cheerful? Humorous? What about when an authority figure tells you you’ve done something wrong? Do they sound formal, arrogant, or pessimistic?

The type of relationship you want to have with your reader, and the type of relationship your characters have with each other, will inform the different tones you use throughout your narrative. Here are some of the most common tone words you’ll see across literature:

Which tones do you recognize from your own writing style?

Examples of tone in literature

Some of your favorite books probably use tones that stay with you for a long time, even if you don’t consciously recognize it. Let’s look at some effective examples of tone in literature.

1. Remarkably Bright Creatures , by Shelby Van Pelt

Even the short journey back to my tank saps my strength. I am weakening by the day. Still carrying the heavy ring, I slip into my den and rest, as I will need stamina for my next trip. The last one.

The tone in this scene is fearful, pessimistic, and determined. The narrator—in this case an ageing octopus—uses a more formal tone that conveys his intelligence and old age. Keywords like “strength,” “weakening,” and “stamina” convey how deeply rooted in the body this moment is. The writer chose mostly short sentences and simple language to illustrate how much effort each moment takes.

2. Anansi Boys , by Neil Gaiman

He sang of names and words, of the building blocks beneath the real, the worlds that make worlds, the truths beneath the way things are; he sang of appropriate ends and just conclusions for those who would have hurt him and his. He sang the world. It was a good song, and it was his song. Sometimes it had words, and sometimes it didn’t have any words at all.

The tone in this scene is full of hope. The author uses a mix of longer sentences and shorter sentences to create a varied, engaging rhythm. Unlike the previous example, this scene uses tones that are optimistic and inspirational to give the novel a happy ending.

3. “Stopping By Woods On a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost

The woods are lovely, dark and deep, But I have promises to keep, And miles to go before I sleep, And miles to go before I sleep.

Robert Frost uses a touching and melancholy tone in one of his most famous poems. The tone is deeply reverential, as the speaker treats the forest a little like a temple. However, he needs to fulfill his life’s goals before he can lay down and rest.

Ways to convey tone in your writing

Now that we know more about what tone means in literature, here’s the big question: how can we master tone in our own work?

Tone in writing comes down to the author’s word choice. Let’s look at a few things to keep in mind while you’re incorporating tone into your story.

Diction refers to the specific choice of words that you use in a sentence. You can convey the same idea in different ways by adjusting the diction of your writing. For example, “How is everyone doing today?” and “’Sup y’all?” mean exactly the same thing—but the diction is different.

You can use diction to give your writing a more casual tone and make the reader feel like they can relate to the storyteller. You can also vary your diction to juxtapose one character’s tone against another, or juxtapose your main character’s dialogue against the overall tone of the story.

Syntax refers to sentence structure, or the way your words are assembled together. In the two prose examples we looked at above, you’ll notice that writers used a blend of long and short sentences with different kinds of punctuation.

In general, formal, pessimistic, or melancholy tones will use longer and more complex sentences while a cheerful or informal tone will favour shorter, snappier sentences. If your scene is starting to feel like a bit of a downer, try breaking up the sentence structure. If your scene is skimming over its potential thematic depth, try experimenting with more descriptive sentences.

Certain word choices carry inherent tones right into your narrative. In Remarkably Bright Creatures , we looked at how the author chose particular words that suited the tone she wanted to convey.

Try brainstorming a list of words that fit the tone of your narrative. For example, a hopeful tone might be associated with words like bright, forward, future, inspire, rise, overcome, morning, new, and so forth. Keep this list to one side (you might find yourself adding to it as you go), and watch out for places you might be able to incorporate your “tone” words into your writing.

An exercise for exploring creative writing tone

To experiment with tone, try writing a short scene between two people. It can be a piece of flash fiction, a vignette about two strangers, or even an existing scene from a work in progress. Then, choose three contrasting tones from the list we gave you above (or come up with new ones of your own!). For example, three contrasting tones might be cheerful, desperate, and inspirational.

Now, see if you can subtly adjust the word choices in your scene to convey it in three different ways. Can you make the same events sound cheerful and desperate with a few well-placed keywords? You might be surprised at what you discover about your characters, conflict and world by adjusting the tone of your story.

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Comprehensive Guide: Understanding Tone & Examples

What is tone, types of tone, how to identify tone, why tone matters, examples of tone, common mistakes when interpreting tone, tips for using tone effectively, using tone in different genres.

Imagine you're reading a story. Suddenly, you sense a chill creeping up your spine, or maybe you're grinning ear to ear. What's causing these reactions? Is it the words on the page, or is it something a bit more subtle? The answer lies in 'tone', an often overlooked but significant aspect of writing. Ever wondered what exactly tone is or how it influences your reading experience? Let's break it down and explore the intriguing world of tone in literature.

Before we dive in, let's simplify the definition of tone. In the simplest terms, tone is the attitude or emotion a writer conveys in their work. It's like the secret ingredient that spices up the reading experience, making you feel a certain way — happy, sad, scared, or even excited.

Now that we've got the basic definition of tone, let's look at some key points:

• Tone influences how you interpret a text: It's the writer's tone that guides you in understanding the text's mood. For example, a serious tone might tell you that the situation in the story is intense.
• Tone can vary: Just like your emotions change, the tone in writing can fluctuate too. One moment you might be reading a cheerful dialogue, and the next, the tone could shift to something more somber.
• Tone isn't what you say, but how you say it: Here's an interesting thing about tone — it's not about the words themselves, but how they're put together. The choice of words, sentence structure, and even punctuation can all affect the tone.

In a nutshell, the definition of tone in literature isn't just about what is being said, but how it's being said. It's that extra layer that adds depth and perspective to the written word, enhancing your overall reading experience.

Now that we've got a basic understanding of what tone means, let's explore the different types of tone that can appear in writing.

• Formal Tone: You'll typically find this in academic writing, business correspondence, or professional settings. It's like wearing a suit and tie — it's all about precision, clarity, and respect.
• Informal Tone: This is like the casual Friday of tones. It's more relaxed and personal, often used in conversational writing or personal communication.
• Optimistic Tone: Here, the writer sees the glass as half full. Expect to find cheerful, hopeful and positive vibes in this tone.
• Pessimistic Tone: In contrast to the optimistic tone, this one sees the glass as half empty. It's often more negative, focusing on the downsides or potential failures.
• Humorous Tone: Who doesn't love a good laugh? This tone is all about making you smile, chuckle, or even burst out laughing.
• Serious Tone: The serious tone is all business, no jokes. This tone sets a sober and straightforward mood.

Remember, these are just a few examples. The tone of a piece can be as varied and complex as human emotions themselves. The key is to recognize how these tones can influence a reader's perception and understanding of the text.

Okay. We've covered what tone is and peeked at a few common types. But how do you identify the tone in a piece of writing? Well, it's not as hard as you might think. Here are a few pointers to help you on your way.

• Pay Attention to Word Choice: Think of this as the wardrobe of the writing. The words an author chooses to use can tell you a lot about the tone they're trying to set. Big, fancy words? Probably a formal tone. Simple, everyday language? Likely more informal.
• Check Out the Sentence Structure: Is the author using long, complex sentences? Or are they keeping it short and sweet? The structure of the sentences can give you clues about the tone.
• Look for Punctuation Clues: Punctuation isn't just about being grammatically correct. It can also help set the tone. Lots of exclamation points suggest excitement or urgency. Question marks could mean the author is posing rhetorical questions to get you thinking.
• Consider the Content: If an author is writing about a serious topic, they're probably not going to use a humorous tone. The content of the writing itself can be a big hint about the tone.

Identifying the tone isn't an exact science, and it can sometimes take a bit of detective work. But with practice, you'll become a pro at sniffing out the tone in no time!

So, you've got the definition of tone down, and you're getting the hang of identifying it in different pieces of writing. But why does it matter? Why should you care about tone? Well, let's break it down.

First, tone helps communicate a message more effectively. It's like adding color to a black and white photo—it brings depth and nuance. Imagine reading a suspense novel written in a casual, laid-back tone. Not quite the same thrill, right?

Second, tone helps to build a connection between the writer and the reader. It's a way for the writer to say, "Hey, I'm talking to you. I understand you. I'm on your level." It's like choosing to speak the same language as your reader.

Finally, tone can express the writer's attitude or feelings towards the subject matter. It's a way for writers to show their personality and to make their writing uniquely theirs.

In essence, tone is a powerful tool in a writer's toolbox, and understanding it can help you not only in writing but also in reading and understanding the work of others. So, keep practicing and before you know it, you'll be a tone detective!

Now that we've explored the definition of tone and grasped why it matters, let's dive into some concrete examples. Seeing tone in action can really help clarify things.

Serious Tone: A serious tone is often used in academic or professional writing. For instance, a scientific research paper on climate change would likely adopt a serious tone. It wouldn't include jokes or casual language—it needs to be straight to the point and factual. The serious tone says, "This is important, and we need to pay attention."

Humorous Tone: This is where the writer uses wit, humor, or satire to engage the reader. A great example of a humorous tone is found in the "Diary of a Wimpy Kid" series. The lighthearted and funny tone makes the books entertaining and engaging for kids and adults alike.

Informal Tone: An informal tone is like a friendly chat. Think of a blog post about someone's travel adventures. The tone is relaxed and personal, making you feel like you're sitting down for a coffee with the writer.

Formal Tone: A formal tone is used in more official contexts, such as a legal document or a business proposal. It's polite, respectful, and follows the rules of standard English. It's like wearing a suit to a job interview—you want to make a good impression.

These are just a few examples of tone in writing. There are many others out there, each bringing a unique flavor to the text. Once you start noticing tone, you'll see it everywhere—from the news articles you read to the text messages you send!

Understanding the definition of tone is one thing, but applying it can be a whole different ball game. Here are some common pitfalls to avoid when interpreting tone.

Mistaking Tone for Mood: This is a common mistake. Remember, tone refers to the author's attitude, while mood is about the atmosphere or feeling of the text. Think of it this way: tone is how the author feels, mood is how you, the reader, feel.

Ignoring Context: Context is key when interpreting tone. The same word can have different tones depending on the situation. For instance, the word "fine" can be used with a positive, neutral, or even negative tone, depending on the context. Always consider the bigger picture.

Overthinking: Sometimes, we can get so caught up in analyzing tone that we miss the forest for the trees. If you're reading a fun comic strip, for example, the tone is probably light-hearted and humorous. Don't overcomplicate things.

Not Considering the Audience: The intended audience can greatly influence the tone of a piece. A children's book and an academic journal article on the same topic will have vastly different tones. Always keep the audience in mind.

Interpreting tone is not an exact science, and it can take some practice. But avoiding these common mistakes can help you get a better handle on it. Remember, practice makes perfect!

Now that we've gone through the definition of tone and common mistakes to avoid, let's look at some handy tips to use tone effectively in your writing.

Know Your Audience: This is the golden rule in writing. The tone you choose should be suitable for your audience. If you're writing for children, a playful and simple tone would work well. On the other hand, a formal and serious tone would be more appropriate for a business report.

Stay Consistent: A consistent tone helps set the reader's expectations and enhances understanding. If you start with a humorous tone, stick to it. Sudden shifts in tone can confuse readers and disrupt the flow of your piece.

Choose the Right Words: The words you choose play a big role in setting the tone. For example, using words like "sadly" or "unfortunately" can easily set a melancholic tone. Be mindful of your word choice and how it might influence the tone.

Use Punctuation Wisely: Punctuation marks are not just for grammatical correctness—they can also affect the tone. An exclamation mark can express excitement or urgency, while a question mark can convey curiosity or doubt.

Learning to use tone effectively is a skill that can greatly enhance your writing. Keep these tips in mind, and with some practice, you'll be able to manipulate tone like a pro in no time!

Every genre of writing has its unique tone. Understanding this can help you make your writing more engaging and meaningful. Let's explore how tone works in different genres:

Fiction: In fiction, the author's tone can make you feel like you're part of the story. A suspenseful tone can keep you on the edge of your seat, while a romantic tone can make your heart flutter.

News Articles: In news articles, the tone is usually formal and impartial. The purpose is to convey information accurately and objectively, so there's no room for personal feelings or opinions.

Academic Writing: Academic writing typically has a serious and formal tone. The goal here is to present research findings or theoretical concepts in a clear, precise manner.

Poetry: Poetry is where tone can truly shine. Poets use tone to evoke emotions and paint vivid images in the reader's mind. A nostalgic tone can make you long for the past, while a joyful tone can lift your spirits.

Advertisements: The tone in advertisements is often persuasive and enthusiastic. It's all about convincing you that a product or service is just what you need.

Understanding the typical tone in different genres can help you tailor your writing to fit the style and expectations of each. So, the next time you pick up your pen—or keyboard—think about the tone that would suit your genre best.

If you found this comprehensive guide on understanding tone helpful, then you'll definitely want to explore the workshop ' Connecting To Drawing With Charcoal ' by Molley May. In this workshop, you'll learn how to effectively use charcoal to create stunning drawings while mastering the use of tone. Expand your artistic horizons and take your drawing skills to the next level!

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Everything you read has a tone. Blog posts will have an engaging and conversational tone; Textbooks often have an informative, matter-of-fact tone. A piece of satire might have a humorous or ironic tone. Tone in literature encompasses the wide variety of moods, thoughts, and feelings that authors imbue their work with.

But, what is tone? Where does it come from? And how do authors wield different types of tone in writing?

Tone can be a slippery concept to grasp, so let’s explore it methodically. We will first define tone in literature and look at relevant examples, then we will discuss the importance of tone and how it influences our writing. Finally, we look at tone vs. mood, two commonly confused literary devices .

What is Tone in Literature?

How to convey tone in writing, what is tone in poetry, types of tone in writing, the importance of tone in writing, more examples of tone in literature.

• Tone Vs. Mood in Literature

Tone in literature refers to the author’s attitude toward a certain topic.

Tone in literature refers to the author’s attitude toward a certain topic. Through specific word choice , the author reveals their feelings and opinions to the reader, conveying the author’s intentions behind the text. The tone of a story is always described using an adjective.

Tone often reveals itself through narrative details. For example, read this excerpt from Mark Twain’s “ A Telephonic Conversation ”:

What are some adjectives that describe this excerpt? The narrator could be described as sounding “baffled” or “nonplussed.” The telephone is clearly a recent invention for the author’s time, and the use of words like “irrelevant,” “unjustifiable,” and “queerest” suggest the author’s attitude toward telephone calls. Thus, “baffled” or “nonplussed” are two possible tones for the excerpt.

What Tone Isn’t

Before we continue, it’s important to note here what tone isn’t . Tone in writing does not refer to the following:

• A specific character’s attitude toward something.
• The attitude of the narrator—including the attitudes of first person fictional narrators.
• The mood or moods evoked by the piece.

Tone solely refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject of a specific piece of writing. It does not reflect the attitudes of characters, it only suggests the attitude of the author at that specific moment of the text.

Overall, tone in literature is conveyed through two means:

• What the author describes to the reader, and
• The author’s word choice.

So, to understand the author’s tone in writing, it’s important to analyze both the details that the narrator hones in on and the words used to describe those details.

The author can use the two tools above to convey their attitude in a variety of ways. In the Mark Twain excerpt above, he uses first person narrative to directly tell you how he feels. But an author can just as easily convey tone in writing with the third person, like Kathleen Thompson Norris does in “ Bridging the Years ”:

One way to describe the author’s attitude toward Jimmy and Anne is “mature.” The details suggest a feeling of seniority: the author clearly believes Jimmy and Anne are young and a bit immature. The author conveys this by using words like “absurd,” “useless,” and “swift,” indicating that the Warriners acted hastily and without planning. Additionally, the juxtaposition of the couple’s dreams (French windows, nasturtiums) next to their reality (obsolete plumbing, dark cellars) highlights the Warriners’ foolhardiness.

Yet, nothing about the passage feels critical—we’re merely observing the Warriners at this moment of their lives. So, we might say the passage has a tone that’s both “lighthearted” and “mature.” The author sees these characters as juvenile, but she doesn’t express this in a way that’s “holier-than-thou”—rather, the narration remains amused and observational.

Tone reveals itself in poetry much the same as it does in prose. By paying close attention to the poem’s details and word choice, the reader can gain a deeper understanding of the poet’s attitude.

Consider the first two couplets from the poem “ Poplar Street ” by Chen Chen:

The speaker’s tone could be described as both “meek” and “searching.” Words like “oh” and “sorry” reveal the speaker’s immediate disquietude, especially since he describes himself as “taken aback.” Despite this, he tries to make a connection with the non-coworker, commenting on details that one wouldn’t usually discuss with a stranger. Imagine a stranger saying these two couplets to you: does he sound confident and self-assured, or hesitant and self-conscious?

There are endless types of tone in writing, limited only by the range of human emotions.

There are endless types of tone in writing, limited only by the range of human emotions. Let’s look at some common tones you might encounter, with examples. Each example of tone in writing communicates the same information, but uses different word choice and details to convey the author’s attitude.

Tone is an essential component of an author’s style. The author has to make certain stylistic choices to convey a certain tone, including a command over word choice, punctuation, sentence length, vernacular use, and the observational details they choose to include.

Let’s examine three more examples of tone in literature. We’ll take note of the author’s stylistic decisions and how the tone of the passage affects the way we read it.

The following examples of tone in literature come from both classic and contemporary works.

Examples of Tone in Literature: Yiyun Li

Let’s start with this excerpt from the story “A Thousand Years of Good Prayer” by Yiyun Li :

Let’s break down the tone of this excerpt in three steps. We need to analyze:

• The subject of the passage,
• What details the author presents us, and
• The word choice that complements those details.

The subject of this passage is the woman whom Mr. Shi calls “Madam.” Specifically, we’re reading about Mr. Shi’s personal relationship to Madam, whom he has only just befriended at a local park. Identifying this subject allows us to focus on the way she’s described and the author’s apparent attitude.

The details that the author presents reveal Madam’s unique personality. She wears colors that are unexpected of “a woman of her age,” with hair barrettes befitting “a small child.” The author also reveals that Mr. Shi has the impulse to tell Madam about his life, even though that’s not his habit.

Some words that the author uses to describe Madam are color words: red, orange, purple, and yellow, with “a white elephant and a blue-and-green peacock.” She also has “thin hair” and her accoutrements hang on in “a wobbly way.”

Clearly, Madam is a woman of odd juxtapositions, with a child’s soul that persists in her old age. Nonetheless, she is described to us faithfully, as the author takes care to note not only her dress and age, but also the impact she has on Mr. Shi.

Knowing this, we can best describe the tone of this passage as “nuanced.” The author wants us to know about the complexities of Madam without revealing any secrets, so the passage paints a portrait while letting the characters reveal themselves.

Examples of Tone in Literature: William Shakespeare</h3 > Here’s another example, from the prologue of Romeo & Juliet :

The tone of this passage, as well as a recurring tone throughout Romeo & Juliet , is one of sympathy toward the play’s unlucky protagonists. The speaker makes a point of acknowledging Romeo and Juliet’s situation: they are both “star-cross’d lovers” who come from an “ancient grudge,” whose deaths are the only cure for their “parents’ strife.” The two lovers’ unfortunate fates were written in the stars.

Additionally, the words “misadventured” and “piteous” precede this idea that the lovers must die to mend their family conflict. These words reveal the author’s attitude toward Romeo and Juliet, and they also occur in the sonnet’s volta , signifying both the play’s dramatic irony and the sympathetic tone we should perceive it with.

Why this tone? Shakespeare is trying to highlight the tragedy of this play. If young love is pure and holy, anything that interrupts that love is a failure of humankind, and though Romeo and Juliet’s romance was impulsive, it deserved a fair shot at life.

Examples of Tone in Literature: Neil Gaiman

Last, let’s analyze the tone of the opening paragraph to Neil Gaiman’s “We Can Get Them For You Wholesale” :

The author’s tone in this passage is certainly ironic. Peter Pinter encompasses a very humorous duality: despite being an immeasurably moderate man, he’s suddenly engaging in suspicious activity in a suspicious part of town.

The author’s description of Peter Pinter underscores this irony . Peter is described as being like Aristippus of the Cyrenaics, whom you will probably never hear of unless you study Ancient Greek philosophers. The author also includes Peter’s penchant for bargains, his “proper” behavior, and his properly middle-class existence.

These items, when juxtaposed against Peter’s suddenly seedy surroundings, betray a playful sense of irony from the author. Not only is Peter’s story rife with situational irony, but the details that Gaiman focuses on reinforces this irony, creating an exposition that’s both humorous and perplexing. The fact that “you would not” expect Peter Pinter to be in this situation reveals the author’s ironic attitude, as well as the attitude one might expect from Peter’s close relations.

Tone vs. Mood in Literature

What is the difference between tone and mood?

Tone refers to the author’s attitude. Mood refers to the emotion that the author is trying to evoke from the reader.

Tone in literature, as we’ve mentioned, refers to the author’s attitude toward the subject of their writing. An author can express any number of attitudes through the words they use and the details they share.

Mood, by contrast, refers to the emotion that the author is trying to evoke from the reader. Compared with tone, the mood of a text is far more intentional, as the author wants to make the reader feel a certain way.

Sometimes, the tone and the mood of a passage are the same. The previous example from Neil Gaiman’s short story is both ironic in tone and in mood: the author thinks that Peter’s situation is rife with irony, and he also wants the reader to find Peter ironic as well.

However, consider the excerpt we shared from Shakespeare’s Romeo & Juliet . The author’s tone is deeply sympathetic, but the actual mood of the passage is somber. Shakespeare wants the author to feel sorrowful about the play’s events, because the unnecessary death of young love is a tragedy that everyone is responsible for.

Mood is different from tone in three ways:

• Mood can be influenced by the setting of a piece; tone cannot be.
• The author creates a mood to evoke certain emotions from the reader; tone is a matter of the author’s writing style.
• Literary devices help develop the mood; tone relies on dialogue and description.

For more on mood, check out our article on mood in literature.

What is Mood in Literature? Creating Mood in Writing

Tone vs. Mood Venn Diagram

What is tone, and how is it different from mood? This Venn Diagram summarizes their differences.

Explore Tone in Literature at Writers.com

Tone is a byproduct of the author’s style and point of view. Nonetheless, it’s possible for a piece of writing to have a counterintuitive tone—the author may be expressing one emotion but suggesting another with their word choice.

Looking for honest feedback on the tone of your work? The online writing courses at Writers.com are designed to give you the feedback you need on your work. Take a look at our upcoming course calendar , and check out our Facebook group to join our creative writing community. We hope to see you there!

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Tone — Definition, Types, and Examples

What is tone?

In literature, tone refers to the author’s attitude toward a subject. Tone is developed through word choice, sentence structure, and images. Types of tone include optimistic, fear, and humor.

A person’s tone of voice, body language, and facial expressions can give away their feelings and attitudes; an author’s tone does the same thing for a piece of writing.

Types of tone

The types of tone are typically categorized by the emotion the author wishes to portray. Some of the main types include optimistic, fear, and nostalgia:

Use of tone

Tone provides the reader with insight into the author's attitude toward the subject. To develop the desired tone, authors use diction, syntax, and imagery.

Authors choose words ( diction ) with specific connotations, which is the emotional impact of the word.

Words with negative connotations (e.g., arrogant, nosy, stubborn) cause the reader to reflect on the ideas negatively.

For a positive reaction, authors focus on words with positive connotations (e.g., confident, interested, dedicated).

Structuring sentences in a certain way ( syntax ) can impact the tone. Short and choppy sentences, with the character not able to complete each sentence, may present a nervous tone. If authors want to create an arrogant tone, they can use complex sentence structures that reflect style over substance.

Authors can also use imagery connotatively. Visions of animals frolicking in the wilderness and the sounds of birds chirping suggests a different tone than the smell of burning rubber and the sounds of hundreds of cars honking while at a standstill.

Tone vs. mood

The mood of a piece of literature is the feeling experienced by the reader, whereas the tone is the author's attitude toward the subject.

Consider this quote from Charlotte's Web by E.B. White:

"But I feel peaceful. Your success in the ring this morning was, to a small degree, my success. Your future is assured. You will live, secure and safe, Wilbur. Nothing can harm you now."

At the end of the novel, Wilbur survives while Charlotte does not. The author creates a mood of sadness, and the tone reflects peace and acceptance.

Tone examples

The following chart details tonal words categorized by type of tone:

The following example sentences illustrate the identified tone:

Formal: According to the data presented by the Environmental Protection Agency, carbon emissions have dropped by 10%.

Informal: Hey! I can't make it tonight. Maybe we can catch a quick bite tomorrow.

Optimistic: The coach is encouraged by our improvements and promised a win tomorrow night.

Pessimistic: I don't think I'll ever be able to take a Disney cruise. It's just too expensive.

Fear: What was that? Did you hear that sound? We should leave now!

Humor: The milk squirting out of his friend's nose was a good indication that the story he told was quite humorous.

Joy: After receiving the acceptance letter, his excitement caused him to jump for joy.

Nostalgia: Thinking about the summers I spent at the lake brought back fond memories of growing up.

Sadness: Moving in the middle of senior year was miserable, she thought while she tried to blink away the tears from her eyes.

Examples of tone in literature

The following literary quotes illustrate the specific tone of each author:

Humor – The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams

"For instance, on the planet Earth, man had always assumed that he was more intelligent than dolphins because he had achieved so much—the wheel, New York, wars and so on—whilst all the dolphins had ever done was muck about in the water having a good time. But conversely, the dolphins had always believed that they were far more intelligent than man—for precisely the same reasons."

Pessimistic – The Scarlett Letter by Nathaniel Hawthorne

"The founders of a new colony, whatever Utopia of human virtue and happiness they might originally project, have invariably recognized it among their earliest practical necessities to allot a portion of the virgin soil as a cemetery, and another portion as the site of a prison."

Nostalgia – To Kill a Mockingbird by Harper Lee

"Neighbors bring food with death and flowers with sickness and little things in between. Boo was our neighbor. He gave us two soap dolls, a broken watch and chain, a pair of good-luck pennies, and our lives. But neighbors give in return. We never put back into the tree what we took out of it: we had given him nothing, and it made me sad."

Examples of tone in poetry

The following lines from famous poems illustrate the specific tone of each poet:

Depressed – "Annabel Lee" by Edgar Allan Poe

And this was the reason that, long ago,

In this kingdom by the sea,

A wind blew out of a cloud, chilling

My beautiful Annabel Lee;

So that her highborn kinsmen came

And bore her away from me,

To shut her up in a sepulcher

In this kingdom by the sea.

Optimistic – "Mother to Son" by Langston Hughes

But all the time

I’se been a-climbin’ on,

And reachin’ landin’s, And turnin’ corners, And sometimes goin’ in the dark

Where there ain’t been no light.

So boy, don’t you turn back.

Joy – "A Birthday" by Christina Rosetti

My heart is like a singing bird

Whose nest is in a water’d shoot;

My heart is like an apple-tree

Whose boughs are bent with thickset fruit;

My heart is like a rainbow shell

That paddles in a halcyon sea;

My heart is gladder than all these

Because my love is come to me.

• Scriptwriting

What is Tone in Literature & Film — A Guide for Storytellers

W hat is tone? To answer that question we have to place tone in an appropriate context. Tone can refer to the intonation/pitch of acoustics, the meeting of light and shadow, the firmness of muscles, etc. — but we’re going to focus on what tone means in storytelling. Tone is how an artist feels towards the art they create — sounds simple enough right? Well, consider this: how do we know how an artist feels? We’re going to explore that question by looking at examples from Ayn Rand, Federico Fellini and more. By the end, you’ll know what makes tone different from mood and how to recognize it in film and literature.

Types of Tone Explained

Let’s define tone in writing.

Tone is a very specific element in any artist's work but the actual meaning can easily be confused. For example, it is often conflated with mood but they are two distinct attributes. Let's define tone before we jump into some sub-topics like tone in writing, types of tone, and tone vs mood.

TONE DEFINITION LITERATURE & FILM

What is tone.

Tone is the attitude that an artist has towards the subject matter of something they create. For example: if a writer writes a novel about a political election, then the tone of the story is how we presume the author feels about it. This is obviously quite  subjective, but not impossible to diagnose — we’re able to recognize tone by language, verbiage, context, and irony.

Characteristics of Tone

• Expressive language
• Use of irony and satire
• Emotionally motivated

If tone is how an artist feels about their subject matter, how do we determine what that is exactly? Well, let’s break down the three keys to determine tone (language, context , and irony ) in Jonathan Swift’s A Modest Proposal , one of the best  satire examples of all-time.

A MODEST PROPOSAL

“Infant's flesh will be in season throughout the year, but more plentiful in March, and a little before and after; for we are told by a grave author, an eminent French physician, that fish being a prolific diet, there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries about nine months after Lent, the markets will be more glutted than usual, because the number of Popish infants, is at least three to one in this kingdom, and therefore it will have one other collateral advantage, by lessening the number of Papists among us.”

— Jonathan Swift

Language: the language of this excerpt is exaggerated — notice words like grave, eminent, glutted, etc. 

Context: Jonathan Swift was a well-known satirist so readers knew to take his essays with a grain of salt. Swift was also an Irish priest who openly detested the British aristocracy.

Irony: Take the line, “there are more children born in Roman Catholic countries about nine months after Lent” for example. This line is ironic because lent is supposed to be about sacrifice, not about conceiving children.

Taking all of this into account, what would you say the tone of A Modest Proposal is? I’d say that considering language, context and irony, the tone of A Modest Proposal is satirical; a brutal condemnation of the voice Swift assumes.

What is the Tone of a Story?

Tone vs mood.

Mood and tone are two terms that are often used interchangeably — but they don’t mean the same thing. There’s definitely some conjecture as to the applicable definitions of mood and tone but perhaps it’s helpful to think about this way:

Mood is what you feel from consuming a piece of art.

Tone is what the artist feels about the subject matter of their art.

Can you see how the mood definition and tone definition could lead down a slippery slope? There’s a whole lot of subjectivity in personal feeling and a whole lot of presumption in suggesting how an artist feels about their work.

Franz Kafka is an author whose works are known for their similar tones; so much so that his tonal style is called “Kafkaesque” — but how do we recognize the “Kafkaesque”? This next video explores that question in great detail.

Tone Examples  •  What Makes Something ‘Kafkaesque’?

In Kafka’s best works, like The Trial and The Metamorphosis , the mood is confusing, isolating, and despairing.

Take this excerpt from The Trial for example:

“The square in front of the cathedral was quite empty, K. remembered how even as a small child he had noticed that nearly all the houses in this narrow square had the curtains at their windows closed most of the time, although today, with the weather like this, it was more understandable.”

— Franz Kafka

Notice how empty everything feels? How depressing the imagery is? Those are hallmark characteristics of Kafka’s writing. Kafka often expressed a distaste for bureaucracy, which he tried to make others feel through mood.

So, let’s diagnose the mood and tone in The Trial.

Mood: bewilderment and powerlessness

Tone: indictment of bureaucracy

Tone Definition Literature

Tone examples in literature.

Critics have to be careful with diagnosing literary tone because it’s often unfair to suggest an author feels a certain way about their subject matter. We often hear “so-and-so suggests ‘blank’ in their novel” but how do we know that’s how they really feel? 

If there’s one author whose tone is critiqued more than any other, it’s Ayn Rand — author of The Fountainhead and Atlas Shrugged . This next video offers insight into Rand’s personal feelings on love and happiness.

What is Tone in Writing?  •  Ayn Rand Blank on Blank

Rand made waves in the literary world with her 1943 novel The Fountainhead , which follows an architect named Howard Roark who pursues his personal agenda no matter the cost. One of the main themes of The Fountainhead is the battle between individualism and collectivism — which we’ve also seen in novels like Brave New World and 1984 . But whereas Huxley and Orwell’s novels are widely revered to this day, Rand’s is far less venerated. 

So what gives? All three novels are clear indictments of collectivism and the overreaching hand of government, so why is Rand’s the only one that gets all the hate? Well, it all has to do with the tone of The Fountainhead .

Rand was an outspoken critic of collectivism, philanthropy and communism. In response, she developed a philosophical worldview called Objectivism, which she defined as “the concept of man as a heroic being, with his own happiness as the moral purpose of his life, with productive achievement as his noblest activity, and reason as his only absolute.”

Rand’s philosophy was rooted in classical liberalism and the teachings of John Locke and Adam Smith but many argue Rand’s tone is much more sinister. Today, the tone of Rand’s novels are debated vigorously. 

What’s the Tone of a Story in a Movie?

Tone examples in cinema.

Remember how we talked about how there are multiple interpretations of the term tone? Well, in cinema there are three interpretations that apply — how a filmmaker feels about the subject matter of their film, the visual tone of the film itself, and audio tones.

First, let’s look at how Federico Fellini feels about the subject matter of his film by analyzing the opening scene of 8 ½   — a film that many consider to be one of the greatest of all-time.

Tone in Literature & Film  •  8 ½ Opening Scene

What’s the mood of this scene? How does it make you feel? Claustrophobic? Overwhelmed? Paranoid? Well, considering context, it’s fair to say that Fellini felt all of those ways as well. It’s no secret that 8 ½ was a very personal movie for Fellini — even the title breaks the fourth wall because it was literally the number of films he had directed up to that point.

In a lot of Fellini’s movies, actor Marcello Mastroianni plays an idealized version of himself. So for 8 ½ , we can say that the tone is pretty much what Mastroianni’s character feels.

As for visual tone, let’s consider chiaroscuro lighting in another one of the greatest films ever made, Citizen Kane .

Tone of a Story Visualized  •  Tonal Depth in ‘Citizen Kane’

Visual tone is the meeting of light and shadow; chiaroscuro is the technique of using light and shadow to create depth. Citizen Kane is widely credited with pioneering the use of chiaroscuro lighting in American cinema — although it was predated by the artists, playwrights and filmmakers of the  German Expressionist  movement and films like M and The Cabinet of Dr. Caligari .

Tone can also refer to the rising and falling of pitch in a film’s audio. For example, consider the Shepard tone in Christopher Nolan’s Dunkirk .

Types of Tone  •  The Sound Illusion That Makes ‘Dunkirk’ So Intense

The Shepard tone is an audio illusion that tricks your brain into thinking there’s an infinite rising or falling scale. You don’t have to use the Shepard tone to change the tone of your film’s audio though – any adjustment to the octave scale will change the audio tone. 

If you’re planning on making your own film, think about all the ways you can incorporate different kinds of tone. Remember: tone and good storytelling go hand-in-hand because they both revolve around feeling. 

What is Mood?

If tone is how a filmmaker feels about their work then mood is how you feel about it. In this next article, we break down everything there is to know about mood by looking at examples from Edgar Allan Poe, Michel Hazanavicius and more. By the end, you’ll know how to recognize mood and implement it in your own work.

Up Next: Mood Definition and Examples →

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12 Different Types of Tones in Writing with Examples

If you want your writing to be as multifaceted and engrossing as possible, it is important that you know how to efficiently use tones. What is tone, though? What makes it so important to the writing process? How do you actually use tone in your writing? This article will answer those questions and so much more.

What is Tone in Writing?

It is the way a writer uses words to convey non-verbal observations about specific subjects. By using specific tones and tone words in your manuscripts and poems, you will be able to convey facts, emotions, and concepts more effectively.

What Is the Importance of Tone in Writing?

Writing tone is very important because it is one of the most effective ways to convey emotion and context to your writing. Tones are a bit tricky to use, though. If you don’t use the right tone, your readers might misunderstand your intent and have a negative perception of you and your writing.

How to Develop Your Writing Tone?

If you want to effectively develop the tone in your writing, you should be willing to experiment with the types of tone. The more you practice with writing tones, the better your writing style will be.

Before you start using specific tones in your writing, it always helps to know which tone is best to use. Below are the 12 most common tones: 

• Pessimistic
• Encouraging
• Cooperative
• Inspirational

It is also important to know the difference between voice and tone. The key difference between voice and tone is that the voice is the unique point of view and choice of words that the author uses in his or her work. The tone on the other hand is the attitude conveyed through the author’s writing.

If you want your readers to be emotionally invested in your writing, it is a good idea to utilize a sad tone in your writing. Sadness is a core emotional state for most people.

We feel sad whenever something unfortunate happens to us or someone close to us. We could also feel sad whenever we empathize with someone.

This person does not need to be close to us either. When you use a sad tone in your writing, your main goal should be to make the reader more sympathetic to your main character.

This empathy will keep them interested in the story.

“The pleasure of remembering had been taken from me, because there was no longer anyone to remember with. It felt like losing your co-rememberer meant losing the memory itself. As if the things we’d done were less real and important than they had been hours before.” -John Green, The Fault In Our Stars

“Why do people have to be this lonely? What’s the point of it all? Millions of people in this world, all of them yearning, looking to others to satisfy them, yet isolating themselves. Why? Was the earth put here just to nourish human loneliness?” -Haruki Murakami, Sputnik Sweetheart

“Tonight I can write the saddest lines. I loved her, and sometimes she loved me too.” -Pablo Neruda, Twenty Love Poems and a Song of Despair

Horror is all about surprise and fear. When you use a horror-filled tone, your main intent should be to shock your readers to the core.

Give them a fearful situation that they will have to confront.

“Deep into that darkness peering, long I stood there, wondering, fearing, doubting, dreaming dreams no mortal ever dared to dream before.” -Edgar Allan Poe, The Raven

“Eddie discovered one of his childhood's great truths. Grownups are the real monsters, he thought.” -Stephen King, It

“Blood is really warm, it’s like drinking hot chocolate but with more screaming.” -Ryan Mecum, Zombie Haiku: Good Poetry for Your...Brains

3. Pessimistic

Being pessimistic is a state of mind wherein you expect the worst to happen. This does not really show the reality of the situation and is more like a mindset.

“All religion, my friend, is simply evolved out of fraud, fear, greed, imagination, and poetry.” -Edgar Allan Poe

“We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars.” -Oscar Wilde, Lady Windermere's Fan

“We can complain because rose bushes have thorns, or rejoice because thorns have roses.” -Alphonse Karr, A Tour Round My Garden

4. Humorous

This tone is by far one of the most useful tones because it allows you to draw your readers into the story. It is a very multifaceted tone.

It not only makes your readers laugh, but it also lightens the overall mood of your writing.

“You mistake me, my dear. I have a high respect for your nerves. They are my old friends. I have heard you mention them with consideration these twenty years at least.” -Jane Austen, Pride and Prejudice

“Two things are infinite: the universe and human stupidity; and I'm not sure about the universe.” -Albert Einstein

“Never put off till tomorrow what may be done day after tomorrow just as well.” -Mark Twain

5. Optimistic

Like the pessimistic tone, the optimistic tone is more like a state of mind, rather than being a signifier of the reality within the story. The tone usually takes place in the narrator’s mind and is a reaction to a specific situation within the story.

“There is nothing sweeter in this sad world than the sound of someone you love calling your name.” -Kate DiCamillo, The Tale of Despereaux

“Don't be pushed around by the fears in your mind. Be led by the dreams in your heart.” -Roy T. Bennett, The Light in the Heart

“How wonderful it is that nobody need wait a single moment before starting to improve the world.” -Anne Frank, Anne Frank's Tales from the Secret Annex: A Collection of Her Short Stories, Fables, and Lesser-Known Writings

Joy is by far one of the purest of all positive emotions and could be used as a specific tone to create a lighter and happier atmosphere in your writing. This type of tone is usually used in character interaction situations and is meant to create a sense of positivity in the story.

“Stars are always dancing. Sometimes they dance twinkling away with the rhythm of your joyful heart and sometimes they dance without movement to embrace your heartache as if frozen sculptures of open-armed sadness.” -Munia Khan

“The most wasted of all days is one without laughter.”  -Nicolas Chamfort

7. Encouraging

If you are going to use an encouraging tone, you should take a more understanding and supportive frame of mind. The encouraging tone is meant to uplift, and reassure readers.

It could also be used to assuage readers about a specific fear that they have.

“So many things are possible just as long as you don’t know they’re impossible.” -Norton Juster, The Phantom Tollbooth

“You've gotta dance like there's nobody watching, Love like you'll never be hurt, Sing like there's nobody listening, And live like it's heaven on earth.” - William W. Purkey

“Be the change that you wish to see in the world.” -Mahatma Gandhi

8. Cooperative

When you use a cooperative tone, you should choose your words as carefully as possible. This type of tone is usually used in the workplace, or in situations where you will need group members to do their part.

The tone should emanate a positive outlook on the job, and compel your audience to do their part.

“One cannot be pessimistic about the West. This is the native home of hope. When it fully learns that cooperation, not rugged individualism, is the quality that most characterizes and preserves it, then it will have achieved itself and outlived its origins. Then it has a chance to create a society to match its scenery.” -Wallace Stegner, The Sound of Mountain Water

“I would like to see anyone, prophet, king or God, convince a thousand cats to do the same thing at the same time.” -Neil Gaiman

When you use a curious tone in your writing, your main goal should be to compel your audience to get curious about a specific topic. It could be an unsolved mystery, or an unanswered query, what’s important is that you compel your readers to dig deeper and learn more about the topic.

“The best thing for being sad," replied Merlin, beginning to puff and blow, "is to learn something. That's the only thing that never fails. You may grow old and trembling in your anatomies, you may lie awake at night listening to the disorder of your veins, you may miss your only love, you may see the world about you devastated by evil lunatics, or know your honour trampled in the sewers of baser minds. There is only one thing for it then — to learn. Learn why the world wags and what wags it. That is the only thing which the mind can never exhaust, never alienate, never be tortured by, never fear or distrust, and never dream of regretting. Learning is the only thing for you. Look what a lot of things there are to learn.” -T.H. White, The Once and Future King

“I'm really hoping he’s being genuine because I can already tell he isn't the kind of guy a girl gets a simple crush on. He’s the kind of guy you fall hard for, and the thought of that terrifies me. I don’t really want to fall hard for anyone at all, especially someone who’s only making an effort because he thinks I'm easy. I also don’t want to fall for someone who has already branded himself hopeless. But I'm curious. So curious.” -Colleen Hoover, Hopeless

“What about you? What do you do?” I needed to ask questions, draw him out. I needed to find out all the information I could. My voice sounded strong and smooth, but my hands were shaking. I put them in my lap so he couldn’t see. “I prey on innocent villagers and terrify their children,” he said with a nasty smile. “And sometimes when I’m feeling really evil, I read books or paint.” -Kate Avery Ellison, The Curse Girl

10. Worried

This tone’s main intent is to make the reader apprehensive about a character or topic. In order to use a worried tone, you should use specific words and scenarios that will create a sense of unease and anxiety in your readers.

“Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow, it empties today of its strength.” -Corrie Ten Boom, Clippings from My Notebook

“The more you pray, the less you'll panic. The more you worship, the less you worry. You'll feel more patient and less pressured.” -Rick Warren, The Purpose of Christmas

“The whole thing is quite hopeless, so it's no good worrying about tomorrow. It probably won't come.” -J R R Tolkien, The Return of the King

11. Nostalgic

A nostalgic tone is meant to evoke a fondness for times long past. This is a useful tone if you have your characters reminiscing about their younger days or the way things were when they were younger.

This tone could also be used if you are writing about specific eras such as the 70s or 80s.

“It is an illusion that youth is happy, an illusion of those who have lost it; but the young know they are wretched for they are full of the truthless ideal which have been instilled into them, and each time they come in contact with the real, they are bruised and wounded. It looks as if they were victims of a conspiracy; for the books they read, ideal by the necessity of selection, and the conversation of their elders, who look back upon the past through a rosy haze of forgetfulness, prepare them for an unreal life. They must discover for themselves that all they have read and all they have been told are lies, lies, lies; and each discovery is another nail driven into the body on the cross of life.” -W. Somerset Maugham, Of Human Bondage

“It is strange how we hold on to the pieces of the past while we wait for our futures.” -Ally Condie, Matched

12. Inspirational

This tone is meant to inspire readers to commit to a task or ideal. This could be used in a story where your main character calls his comrades to fight for an ideal.

It could also be used in self-help books where you call on your reader to strive for something. Just make sure that you don’t overdo it with the inspirational language because it might sound corny.

“Fairy tales are more than true: not because they tell us that dragons exist, but because they tell us that dragons can be beaten.” -Neil Gaiman, Coraline

“Darkness cannot drive out darkness: only light can do that. Hate cannot drive out hate: only love can do that.” -Martin Luther King Jr., A Testament of Hope: The Essential Writings and Speeches

When it comes to making your writing as effective as possible, it is important that you know how to use tones. By using these tones in your manuscripts and poems, you will be able to add a whole new facet to your writing.

Remember though, that these are not the only tones out there. If you want to further expand your writing prowess, it is a good idea to experiment with other tones.

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Tone in Writing: A Simple Guide for Authors

Guest blog by Tami Nantz

If you’re confused about the difference between “ voice ” and “tone” in writing, you aren’t alone. Many writers conflate the two. 

Whether you’re writing a novel , a blog post, an article, or a poem, it’s important to know the difference so you can communicate with readers in a way that resonates. 

Your writing voice reflects who you are, your unique personality and character that should flavor everything you write.

Tone is the attitude with which you write it. 

So, voice is what you say, and tone is how you say it. 

That sounds simple, so let’s dig deeper. 

• What is Tone in Writing?

We communicate tone when we speak (whether we’re aware of it or not). 

Imagine you and I have an appointment and you get caught in traffic and show up half an hour late. 

“ You always this punctual? ” I say with a grin. 

My smile sends a clear message—I’m not upset, I’m being sarcastic. That’s tone. 

Communicating tone in writing is no different. 

Avoid the mistake of telling your reader what to feel . Instead, convey your attitude or emotion with carefully chosen words that create the perfect tone for your story .

• Types of Tone in Writing

The list is nearly endless—show me a human emotion, I’ll show you a tone—

but here are the basic ones: 

• Pessimistic
• Hypocritical

While tones can vary with every character and scene , the overall tone of your story must remain consistent to keep from confusing your reader and hindering your message.

• Examples of Tone in Literature 

Robert Frost begins his poem The Road Not Taken with a hopeful, contemplative tone.

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

By the end, he’s switched to reflection and positivity. 

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.

In The Old Man and the Sea , his  final published work, Ernest Hemingway effects a tone of loneliness, sadness, defeat, and discouragement (at least on the part of the boy).

But, you can also read into what’s not said and detect a tone of courage or expectation on the part of the old man. Who continues to fish day after day when they’ve caught nothing? 

He was an old man who fished alone in a skiff in the Gulf Stream and he had gone eighty-four days now without taking a fish. In the first forty days a boy had been with him. But after forty days without a fish the boy’s parents had told him that the old man was now definitely and finally salao, which is the worst form of unlucky, and the boy had gone at their orders in another boat which caught three good fish the first week.

It made the boy sad to see the old man come in each day with his skiff empty and he always went down to help him carry either the coiled lines or the gaff and harpoon and the sail that was furled around the mast. The sail was patched with flour sacks and, furled, it looked like the flag of permanent defeat.

In The Horse and His Boy, C.S. Lewis writes this passage with a clear tone of self-pity and sadness that shifts to fear. 

‘I do think,’ said Shasta, ‘that I must be the most unfortunate boy that ever lived in the whole world. Everything goes right for everyone except me…I was left behind…I was the one who was sent on…I got left out.’ And being very tired and having nothing inside him, he felt so sorry for himself that the tears rolled down his cheeks.

What put a stop to all this was a sudden fright. Shasta discovered that someone or somebody was walking beside him. It was pitch dark and he could hardly hear any footfalls. What he could hear was breathing. His invisible companion seemed to breathe on a very large scale, and Shasta got the impression that it was a very large creature. And he had come to notice this breathing so gradually that he had really no idea how long it had been there. It was a horrible shock.

• How to Develop Your Writing Tone

Have you ever written something you realized later fell flat? Here’s how to avoid this:

1. Remember your audience. 

Every reader matters. Write in a straightforward, friendly manner as if having a conversation. Be real and avoid words that require a dictionary.

2. Layer in details.

Convey tone through descriptions that trigger the theater of your reader’s mind rather than being so specific that you leave nothing to his imagination.

3. Conflict is your friend.

Avoid a story that falls flat by creating what Bridget McNulty calls “an ebb and flow of tension” . 

Plunge your main character into terrible trouble from the get-go and spend the rest of your story having him try to remedy the situation. 

Tone can serve as one of the most important elements in writing because it gives life to a story.

Tami Nantz is a freelance writer. She lives with her family near Washington, D.C. More of her work can be found on her website . 

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Tone is the emotional flavor or attitude that an author imbues in their writing . It shapes how readers feel and react to the text. Through careful selection of words, sentence structure , and stylistic choices, tone can make a piece feel joyful, somber, sarcastic, or sincere. Understanding tone is crucial for fully grasping the nuances and underlying messages in any written work.

Overtone and undertone are concepts used as a way to describe the tone in a musical sense. Tones , when you use them properly, can affect the way your audience will feel when viewing or listening to your work. But tones can be easily used, once you have understood what they are and how to use them.  

What is a Tone?

Tone refers to the writer’s attitude or emotional stance towards the subject or audience in a piece of writing. It is conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and stylistic elements, affecting how readers perceive and interpret the message. Tone can be formal, informal, serious, playful, sarcastic, or any other attitude that expresses the writer’s perspective.

Types of Tone

Understanding the various types of tone can help readers and writers alike to better grasp the nuances of a text. Here are some common types of tone:

A formal tone is characterized by polite, respectful, and serious language. It is often used in academic, professional, or official documents.

2. Informal

An informal tone is casual and conversational. It uses colloquial language and contractions, making the writing feel more personal and relatable.

3. Optimistic

An optimistic tone conveys a positive outlook, highlighting hope, joy, and positivity. It encourages and uplifts the reader.

4. Pessimistic

In contrast, a pessimistic tone reflects a negative outlook, emphasizing despair, doubt, and disappointment. It often evokes a sense of hopelessness.

5. Humorous

A humorous tone is playful and entertaining. It aims to amuse the reader through wit, irony , or clever observations.

6. Sarcastic

Sarcasm is marked by a mocking or ironic tone. It often conveys contempt or disdain through exaggerated or contradictory statement .

A serious tone is earnest and thoughtful. It conveys importance and gravity, often used in discussions of significant or somber topics.

A sincere tone is genuine and heartfelt. It reflects honesty and earnestness, making the message feel trustworthy and authentic.

An ironic tone involves saying the opposite of what is meant, often for humorous or emphatic effect. It can highlight contradictions or absurdities.

An angry tone is intense and passionate, expressing strong displeasure or rage. It can be confrontational and forceful.

A joyful tone is exuberant and cheerful. It conveys happiness and delight, spreading positivity to the reader.

A sad tone expresses sorrow and melancholy. It evokes empathy and compassion by highlighting pain or loss.

13. Reflective

A reflective tone is contemplative and introspective. It involves deep thinking and consideration, often exploring personal experiences or insights.

14. Objective

An objective tone is neutral and unbiased. It presents facts without emotion, allowing the reader to form their own opinions.

15. Critical

A critical tone analyzes and evaluates, often pointing out faults or shortcomings. It can be harsh or constructive, depending on the context.

Examples of Tone

Tone Examples in Literature

Tone in literature refers to the author’s attitude or approach towards the subject matter or the audience. Here are some examples of tone in literature, each with a brief explanation and an example:

• Example : “1984” by George Orwell
• The tone is grave and somber, reflecting the dystopian society and the oppressive nature of the regime.
• Quote : “War is peace. Freedom is slavery. Ignorance is strength.”
• Example : “The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy” by Douglas Adams
• The tone is light-hearted and comedic, often using absurdity and wit to entertain the reader.
• Quote : “The ships hung in the sky in much the same way that bricks don’t.”
• Example : “To Kill a Mockingbird” by Harper Lee
• The tone reflects a longing for the past, often with a sense of bittersweet remembrance.
• Quote : “Maycomb was an old town, but it was a tired old town when I first knew it.”
• Example : “Romeo and Juliet” by William Shakespeare
• The tone is sorrowful and lamenting, emphasizing the tragic fate of the protagonists.
• Quote : “For never was a story of more woe than this of Juliet and her Romeo.”
• Example : “Anne of Green Gables” by L.M. Montgomery
• The tone is hopeful and positive, reflecting the protagonist’s cheerful outlook on life.
• Quote : “Isn’t it nice to think that tomorrow is a new day with no mistakes in it yet?”
• Example : “The Road” by Cormac McCarthy
• The tone is bleak and despondent, mirroring the harsh, post-apocalyptic world.
• Quote : “He walked out in the gray light and stood and he saw for a brief moment the absolute truth of the world.”
• Example : “Pride and Prejudice” by Jane Austen
• The tone is mocking and ironic, often used to critique societal norms and behaviors.
• Quote : “It is a truth universally acknowledged, that a single man in possession of a good fortune, must be in want of a wife.”
• Example : “The Great Gatsby” by F. Scott Fitzgerald
• The tone is contemplative and introspective, considering the deeper meanings and implications of events.
• Quote : “So we beat on, boats against the current, borne back ceaselessly into the past.”
• Example : “The Catcher in the Rye” by J.D. Salinger
• The tone is sad and pensive, reflecting the protagonist’s feelings of alienation and disillusionment.
• Quote : “Don’t ever tell anybody anything. If you do, you start missing everybody.”
• Example : “Little Women” by Louisa May Alcott
• The tone is cheerful and exuberant, celebrating the warmth and happiness of family life.
• Quote : “Christmas won’t be Christmas without any presents.”

Tone Examples Sentences

Tone in writing reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject matter or the audience. Here are some examples of sentences with different tones:

• “The decision to send troops into the conflict zone was not made lightly, and it carries grave consequences for all involved.”
• “She walked into the room, tripped over her own feet, and declared, ‘Graceful as always!'”
• “I remember those summer days at the lake, the sun setting in a golden haze as we laughed and played without a care in the world.”
• “As the storm raged on, they realized their hope of rescue was fading, leaving them with nothing but despair.”
• “No matter how dark the night, the dawn will always break, bringing with it new opportunities and hope.”
• “Every attempt seemed futile, and he couldn’t shake the feeling that nothing would ever go right again.”
• “Oh, great. Another meeting that could have been an email. Just what I needed today.”
• “As she sat by the window, watching the rain, she pondered the choices that had led her to this moment.”
• “The empty house echoed with memories of laughter and joy, now replaced by an unbearable silence.”
• “The children ran through the fields, their laughter ringing out like music on a perfect summer’s day.”

Tone Examples in Poetry

Tone in poetry reflects the poet’s attitude toward the subject or the audience. Here are some examples of different tones in poetry, each with a brief explanation and an excerpt illustrating that tone:

• Example : “Ozymandias” by Percy Bysshe Shelley
• Excerpt : “Look on my Works, ye Mighty, and despair!”
• The serious tone underscores the themes of human pride and the inevitable decay of empires.
• Example : “This Is Just to Say” by William Carlos Williams
• Excerpt : “I have eaten the plums that were in the icebox”
• The humorous tone is light-hearted and playful, capturing a mundane yet amusing moment.
• Example : “Fern Hill” by Dylan Thomas
• Excerpt : “Now as I was young and easy under the apple boughs”
• The nostalgic tone reflects longing for the innocence and simplicity of childhood.
• Example : “Annabel Lee” by Edgar Allan Poe
• Excerpt : “But we loved with a love that was more than love— / I and my Annabel Lee—”
• The tragic tone conveys deep sorrow and loss over the death of a loved one.
• Example : “I Wandered Lonely as a Cloud” by William Wordsworth
• Excerpt : “And then my heart with pleasure fills, / And dances with the daffodils.”
• The optimistic tone celebrates the joy and beauty found in nature.
• Example : “The Waste Land” by T.S. Eliot
• Excerpt : “April is the cruellest month, breeding / Lilacs out of the dead land,”
• The pessimistic tone reflects disillusionment and despair in a post-war world.
• Example : “The Unknown Citizen” by W.H. Auden
• Excerpt : “He was found by the Bureau of Statistics to be / One against whom there was no official complaint,”
• The sarcastic tone critiques the depersonalization of individuals by bureaucratic systems.
• Example : “Stopping by Woods on a Snowy Evening” by Robert Frost
• Excerpt : “The woods are lovely, dark and deep, / But I have promises to keep,”
• The reflective tone contemplates the beauty of nature and the responsibilities of life.
• Example : “Dover Beach” by Matthew Arnold
• Excerpt : “The eternal note of sadness in.”
• The melancholic tone conveys a sense of deep sorrow and the fragility of human happiness.
• Example : “Ode to Joy” by Friedrich Schiller
• Excerpt : “Joy, beautiful spark of the gods, / Daughter of Elysium,”
• The joyful tone celebrates the transcendent power of joy and human connection.

Tone Examples in Writing

Tone in writing reflects the author’s attitude toward the subject matter or the audience. Here are some examples of different tones in writing, each with a brief explanation and an example sentence:

• The tone is grave and reflects importance.
• Example : “The consequences of climate change are far-reaching and require immediate action from all global leaders.”
• The tone is light-hearted and meant to entertain.
• Example : “I told my computer I needed a break, and now it won’t stop sending me vacation ads.”
• The tone reflects longing for the past.
• Example : “Every summer, we would visit my grandparents’ farm, where time seemed to stand still and the days were filled with endless adventure.”
• The tone conveys deep sorrow and despair.
• Example : “The once-vibrant town lay in ruins, a stark reminder of the devastating war that had ravaged it.”
• The tone is hopeful and positive.
• Example : “Despite the challenges ahead, I believe we have the strength and resilience to create a brighter future.”
• The tone reflects a negative outlook.
• Example : “No matter how hard we try, it seems like nothing ever changes for the better.”
• The tone is mocking and often uses irony.
• Example : “Oh great, another meeting that could have been an email. Just what I needed today.”
• The tone is thoughtful and contemplative.
• Example : “As I sat by the window, watching the rain, I couldn’t help but ponder the choices that had led me to this moment.”
• The tone is sad and pensive.
• Example : “The empty house echoed with memories of laughter and joy, now replaced by an unbearable silence.”
• The tone is cheerful and exuberant.
• Example : “The children ran through the fields, their laughter ringing out like music on a perfect summer’s day.”

Tone Examples in Movies

Tone in movies is conveyed through dialogue, cinematography, music, and overall atmosphere. Here are some examples of different tones in movies, each with a brief explanation and an example film:

• The film’s serious tone captures the harrowing reality of the Holocaust and the profound moral struggles of its characters.
• The film uses witty dialogue, quirky characters, and comedic situations to create a humorous and whimsical tone.
• The film’s nostalgic tone highlights the romantic allure of 1920s Paris and the protagonist’s longing for a bygone era.
• The film’s tragic tone underscores the devastating consequences of addiction on its characters.
• The film’s optimistic tone is reflected in the protagonist’s unwavering determination and ultimate triumph over adversity.
• The film’s pessimistic tone portrays a bleak and dystopian future, questioning the nature of humanity and technology.
• The film’s sarcastic tone is evident in the protagonist’s irreverent humor and frequent breaking of the fourth wall.
• The film’s reflective tone explores themes of memory, love, and loss through a poignant and introspective narrative.
• The film’s melancholic tone captures the loneliness and disconnection of its characters in a foreign city.
• The film’s joyful tone is conveyed through its vibrant musical numbers and the infectious enthusiasm of its protagonists.

Tone Examples for Sad

Sad tone in writing or speech conveys feelings of sorrow, melancholy, or regret. Here are some examples of sentences with a sad tone:

• This sentence conveys the emptiness and longing for someone who has passed away.
• The sentence reflects the desolation and change, evoking a sense of nostalgia and sadness.
• The use of “tears” and “happier times” emphasizes the melancholy and nostalgia.
• This sentence conveys a profound sense of loneliness and sorrow.
• The contrast between past joy and present silence highlights the sad tone.
• The act of rereading the letter emphasizes the lingering pain and regret.
• The memory of a shared moment now tinged with grief conveys the sadness.
• The imagery of an empty house filled with memories evokes a deep sense of loss.
• The setting of a sunset alone underscores the feeling of loneliness and longing.
• The faded picture and the mention of everything being “right” in the past contrast with the present sadness.

Tone Examples Negative

Negative tone in writing or speech conveys feelings of disapproval, pessimism, frustration, or resentment. Here are some examples of sentences with a negative tone:

• This sentence conveys frustration and disappointment.
• The tone reflects dissatisfaction and hopelessness.
• The sentence shows irritation and resentment.
• The tone is dismissive and critical.
• The sentence conveys frustration and blame.
• The tone is pessimistic and defeatist.
• The sentence expresses annoyance and anger.
• The tone reflects feelings of futility and resentment.
• The sentence conveys irritation and disapproval.
• The tone is distrustful and accusatory.

Tone Examples in Songs

Tone in songs can vary widely, reflecting different emotions and attitudes. Here are ten examples of different tones in songs, each with a brief explanation and a relevant song:

• Example : “Imagine” by John Lennon
• The song has a serious tone as it addresses deep and hopeful visions for world peace and unity.
• Lyric : “Imagine all the people living life in peace.”
• Example : “Happy” by Pharrell Williams
• The song’s playful and upbeat tone is meant to uplift and bring joy to listeners.
• Lyric : “Clap along if you feel like a room without a roof.”
• Example : “Summer of ’69” by Bryan Adams
• The song reflects on the past with a sense of longing and fond memories.
• Lyric : “Those were the best days of my life.”
• Example : “Tears in Heaven” by Eric Clapton
• The song has a deeply sorrowful tone as Clapton mourns the loss of his son.
• Lyric : “Would it be the same if I saw you in heaven?”
• Example : “Here Comes the Sun” by The Beatles
• The song has an optimistic and hopeful tone, celebrating the arrival of better days.
• Lyric : “Here comes the sun, and I say, it’s all right.”
• Example : “Hurt” by Nine Inch Nails (also covered by Johnny Cash)
• The song expresses a deeply pessimistic and despairing tone about pain and regret.
• Lyric : “Everyone I know goes away in the end.”
• Example : “Ironic” by Alanis Morissette
• The song uses a sarcastic tone to highlight life’s ironic situations.
• Lyric : “It’s like rain on your wedding day.”
• Example : “The Times They Are A-Changin'” by Bob Dylan
• The song has a reflective tone, contemplating social change and its impacts.
• Lyric : “For the times they are a-changin’.”
• Example : “Someone Like You” by Adele
• The song carries a melancholic tone as it deals with the pain of lost love.
• Lyric : “Never mind, I’ll find someone like you.”
• Example : “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina and the Waves
• The song has a joyful and exuberant tone, expressing pure happiness.
• Lyric : “I’m walking on sunshine, and don’t it feel good!”

More Tone Samples & Templates

1. a to z tone words.

2. Tone Word List

3. Tone Word Bank

4. Tone Sample

5. Tone and Style

6. Tone PDF

7. Short Tone

8. Setting the Right Tone

9. Tone Example

10. Tone in Literature

11. Tone in Poetry PDF

12. Tone List

13. Tone Format

14. Tone Practice Worksheet

15. Tone Worksheet

Importance of Tone

Tone is a critical element in writing that significantly influences how a reader perceives and engages with the text. Here are some reasons why tone is important:

1. Conveys Emotion

Tone communicates the writer’s emotional state or attitude towards the subject, helping to evoke corresponding emotions in the reader. Whether it’s joy, sadness, anger, or fear, the tone sets the emotional backdrop for the narrative.

2. Establishes Connection

Tone helps establish a connection between the writer and the reader. A conversational tone can make the reader feel directly addressed and engaged, while a formal tone can create a sense of distance and authority.

3. Reveals Perspective

The tone of a piece of writing reveals the writer’s perspective or viewpoint. This can be crucial in understanding the underlying message or theme of the text. For example, a critical tone may indicate disapproval, while a celebratory tone suggests admiration.

4. Guides Reader Interpretation

Tone guides how the reader interprets the content. The same facts can be presented in different tones to elicit different reactions. For example, an ironic tone can make a statement seem sarcastic, while a straightforward tone makes it seem sincere.

5. Enhances Characterization

In literature, tone can enhance characterization by reflecting the personalities and emotions of characters. A character’s dialogue or internal monologue often carries a specific tone that helps the reader understand their nature and motivations.

6. Sets the Mood

Tone helps set the overall mood or atmosphere of a piece of writing. A spooky tone creates a sense of suspense and fear, while a cheerful tone creates a light-hearted and joyful mood.

7. Aids in Pacing

The tone can influence the pacing of a narrative. A tense, urgent tone can quicken the pace and create a sense of immediacy, while a relaxed tone can slow down the narrative, allowing for more detailed descriptions and reflections.

8. Supports Theme Development

Tone supports the development of the theme by reinforcing the central ideas and messages of the text. For instance, a solemn tone can underscore themes of loss and grief, while an enthusiastic tone can highlight themes of adventure and discovery.

9. Enhances Authenticity

A consistent and appropriate tone enhances the authenticity and credibility of the writing. It ensures that the writer’s voice is genuine and aligns with the subject matter and audience expectations.

10. Influences Reader’s Response

Ultimately, tone influences the reader’s response and reaction to the text. It can persuade, entertain, inform, or provoke thought, making it a powerful tool in the writer’s arsenal.

Tone vs. Mood

Synonyms & antonyms for tone, how to use the right tone, how to use a tone as a literary device.

There are many types of  tones in Literature that can be used to set your attitude in writing . Some examples of the types of tones are called, formal, informal, happy or optimistic, assertive, etc. You can easily set the tone of your writing by inserting specific words or phrases into your writing.

1.) Selecting or Choosing a Tone to Use

First, you must select what type of tone you want to use in your writing. Do some research on what type of tone you want to use and what the specific tone does to your writing. You must also keep this tone in mind when you are writing, to do this it is best to either write down the specific tone and its description on a document or a piece of paper that is within arms reach.

2.) Adopting Specific Structure in Your Tone

After you have selected your tone, do some research on how this tone should be structured and what types of words can help push this tone onto your writing. You can write down onto your reference specific words, phrases, and keywords that you can use to enhance your tone.

3.) Inserting Specific Statements or Words in Your Writing

It is not enough that you will insert specific words, phrases, and keywords into the body of your work. Strategic placement of these words can significantly improve the tone, structure, and readability of your work. As a general rule of thumb, it is best if you do not use the same words over and over again to push the tone.

4.) Maintaining the Tone

You have to maintain your tone throughout your work because an unclear tone can miscommunicate the emotions the writer wants to convey.

What is tone in writing?

Tone refers to the writer’s attitude or emotional stance towards the subject or audience, conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and style.

How does tone differ from mood?

Tone is the writer’s attitude, while mood is the overall emotional atmosphere created for the reader.

Why is tone important in writing?

Tone shapes readers’ perceptions, influences their emotional response, and helps convey the writer’s perspective and intent.

How can a writer establish tone?

Writers establish tone through word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and stylistic elements.

Can tone change within a text?

Yes, the tone can change to reflect shifts in the writer’s attitude or the narrative’s direction.

What are common types of tone?

Common types include formal, informal, serious, humorous, sarcastic, optimistic, pessimistic, and sincere.

How does tone affect the reader?

Tone influences how readers perceive the text and their emotional reaction to it.

Can tone be misinterpreted?

Yes, tone can be misinterpreted if readers do not pick up on the writer’s cues or context.

What is the difference between tone and voice?

Tone is the attitude expressed, while voice is the unique style and personality of the writer.

How can I identify the tone in a text?

Look for cues in word choice, sentence structure, punctuation, and the overall writing style to identify the tone .

Text prompt

• Instructive
• Professional

10 Examples of Public speaking

20 Examples of Gas lighting

What are Tone Words? List of 300+ Useful Words

Table of contents

• 1 What is a Tone?
• 2.1 Positive Tone Words
• 2.2 Negative Tone Words
• 2.3 Neutral Tone Words
• 3 How to Find the Right Tone for Your Work
• 4 Tone Words Examples in Various Texts

In writing, tone plays a significant role in conveying emotions, setting the atmosphere, and establishing a connection with readers. The tone of every piece of writing – whether an argumentative essay, a page-turning novel, or a moving poem – can be set by the author’s choice of words.

It would be best to balance the subtleties of language and freedom of thought to get the desired effect. Today, we share a definitive collection of tone words to help you and every writer achieve their goals in this area.

What is a Tone?

Tone, in writing, is the author’s emotional response with deep respect to either the subject matter or the readers. It helps to create a particular atmosphere and direct the reader’s feelings by revealing the author’s point of view.

The tone is the author’s voice (in this case, their attitude, not their personality), and how the words on the page are emotion-tinted to make the reader feel a specific way.

Word choice, tone list sentence structure, imagery, and figurative language are all examples of literary methods that can be used to communicate tone. It comprises more than just the words themselves.

Also, it includes the author’s general tone and approach. To provoke various feelings and responses from the reader, a talented writer might switch tones within the same piece of writing.

Recognizing and employing tone is fundamental to effective communication because it influences the writer’s attitude and how the recipient interprets the message. It can potentially affect a message’s readability, retention, and recall. When writers use the right tone, they may impress readers, hold their attention, and get their point over.

As they delve further into the nuances of tone and tone words in literature, authors gain access to many expressive vocabularies.

The Ultimate List of Tone Words

Now for our ultimate list of tone words in literature. This comprehensive compilation encompasses a range of words that can help authors like you effectively communicate their intended emotions and engage readers on a profound level. And we are talking about a deep level indeed!

Positive Tone Words

Positive tone words inspire happy thoughts and feelings in the reader. They spark positive emotions and are incredibly powerful. Powerful? How so? Positive tone words can make you think well of someone and have a favorable impression of them even without meeting. Here are some other good tone words, word examples, and their meanings:

• Joyful: Filled with happiness, delight, and great pleasure.
• Optimistic: Expecting positive outcomes, hopeful, and confident about the future.
• Enthusiastic: Displaying intense excitement, passion, and eagerness.
• Serene: Calm, peaceful, and tranquil.
• Endearing: Inspiring warmth or affection
• Grateful: Feeling or expressing appreciation and thankfulness.
• Empowered: Feeling confident, capable, and in control of one’s life or circumstances.
• Radiant: Emitting brightness, happiness, and positivity.
• Inspirational: Providing motivation, encouragement, and a sense of upliftment.
• Energetic: Full of vigor, liveliness, and vitality.
• Confident: Having self-assurance, belief in one’s abilities, and a positive outlook.
• Empathetic: showing empathy; feeling the emotions of others.

Negative Tone Words

The use of negative tone words can considerably influence the perceptions produced by readers, regardless of whether they describe a location, a literary work, or a collective of individuals. Simply put, just as positive tone words spark positive emotions, negative ones spark negative ones.

Hence, when applying negative tone phrases, you must exercise caution and ensure your criticisms remain fair, constructive, and objective, and that is very important.

By attentively picking your words, you can provide a well-rounded perspective while keeping your message’s moral sense and integrity. Striking the correct balance between negative and positive judgments provides for a full understanding and encourages effective interactions.

• Miserable: Extremely unhappy, sorrowful, or distressed.
• Disgusting: Causing intense revulsion, repugnance, or strong aversion.
• Aggressive: Hostile, confrontational, or prone to initiating conflict.
• Chaotic: Marked by disorder, confusion, and lack of organization or control.
• Repulsive: Evoking strong feelings of dislike, aversion, or disgust.
• Arrogant: Displaying an exaggerated sense of superiority, self-importance, or entitlement.
• Hateful: Full of intense dislike, animosity, or prejudice towards someone or something.
• Depressing: Causing feelings of sadness, dejection, or hopelessness.
• Inferior: Of lower quality, value, or importance compared to others.

Neutral Tone Words

Neutral tone words help maintain a fair and unbiased approach, allowing readers to form their opinions without undue influence. Here are examples of neutral tone words along with their meanings:

• Ordinary: Usual, commonplace, or unremarkable.
• Standard: Conforming to established norms, expectations, or criteria.
• Common: Frequently occurring, widely experienced, or generally known.
• Typical: Representing a characteristic example or pattern.
• Balanced: Exhibiting equality, equilibrium, or impartiality.
• Objective: Unbiased, based on facts, and devoid of personal opinions or feelings.
• Rationale: Logical, reasoned, and based on sound judgment or reasoning.
• Neutral: Impartial, unbiased, or not taking sides.
• Moderate: Neither excessive nor extreme, characterized by a reasonable and measured approach.
• Unbiased: Fair, impartial, and free from prejudice or favoritism.
• Indifferent: Having no particular preference or bias, lacking interest or concern.
• Matter-of-fact: Devoid of emotional embellishment, straightforward, and focused on facts.

How to Find the Right Tone for Your Work

So far, we have established that finding the right, powerful tone words is the key to successfully delivering your message through writing. To figure out which examples of tone words used work best for your goal, ask these reflective questions:

• Why am I writing this?

It helps to know why you’re writing in the first place to set the right words of tone in your writing. What effect do you hope to have on the reader? Each goal requires specific words and unique words for the tone of the literature to be adequate.

• Who exactly am I writing for?

When deciding on a tone for your writing, it is essential to keep your readers in mind. Is it an official report, a casual blog post, or a rigorous research paper? The interest and understanding of your readers will increase if you modify your author’s tone to match their expectations and preferences.

• What do I hope the reader will take away from this experience?

The tone of your communication can be improved by first determining the key idea or message you wish to express. Whatever you’re trying to do through your writing – persuade, inform, or evoke an emotion – matching your tone to your intended result is crucial!

The tone of any formal writing must be clear, concise, confident, and courteous. Attempt refinement without straying into pretentiousness; balance formality and readability.

However, creative writing allows for greater latitude in tone. Still, focus on effectively using tone words, regardless of the genre. The tone you go for will be influenced by the genre you’re writing in, but ultimately, you want to get your point across, make the reader feel something, and pull them into the story.

Suppose writers take the time to evaluate these factors carefully. In that case, they can master using an appropriate tone to describe words that will connect with their target audience, improve readability, and have the desired effect. We hope you become one such writer.

Tone Words Examples in Various Texts

Again, tone words play a vital role in shaping the atmosphere and evoking emotions in different types of writing. The choice of tone words varies based on the formality of the writing and is further influenced by the genre, whether creative or formal.

Let’s explore some examples of tone words in various types of writing:

• Melancholic: Conveys a tone of sadness, longing, or introspection, often found in poems exploring themes of loss or nostalgia.
• Whimsical: Creates a playful and lighthearted tone, commonly used in poems that embrace imagination and fantasy.
• Serene: Establishes a calm and peaceful tone, often seen in verses that celebrate nature or meditate on inner peace.
• Euphoric: Creates a tone of extreme joy, vitality, or ecstasy, frequently found in poems expressing moments of joy or bliss.

Romantic Novel

• Passionate: Sets an intense and vibrant tone, typically associated with love, desire, and emotional depth.
• Sentimental: Evokes tender and nostalgic emotions, often found in romantic novels emphasizing deep emotional connections.
• Yearning: Conveys a tone of longing or desire, frequently employed in books that explore unrequited love or longing for a lost connection.
• Tender: Establishes a gentle and affectionate tone, often used to depict tender moments of intimacy or vulnerability.

Horror Fiction

• Eerie: Creates a tone of unease, suspense, and impending dread, frequently found in horror fiction to heighten tension.
• Sinister: Evokes a dark, malicious, or hateful tone, often depicting evil or foreboding circumstances.
• Terrifying: Establishes a tone of extreme fear, horror, or terror intended to invoke a visceral response from the reader.
• Macabre: Conveys a tone of fascination with the gruesome death or the supernatural, often seen in horror fiction that explores the darker aspects of human existence.

Informative News Article

• Objective: Establish a neutral and unbiased tone, presenting facts and information without personal opinions or emotions.
• Authoritative: Conveys a tone of expertise, credibility, and confidence, frequently employed in news articles to establish trustworthiness.
• Informative: Sets a tone of clarity, providing straightforward and concise information to educate the readers.
• Balanced: Establishes a fair and even-handed tone, presenting multiple perspectives and avoiding bias or favoritism.

What Is the Difference Between Tone and Voice?

Tone and voice are sometimes misunderstood or used interchangeably by writers. However, they couldn’t be more dissimilar. We’ve established that tone conveys the author’s or a character’s feelings about the subject.

Tone words in nonfiction writing reveal the author’s point of view. Tone words are helpful in fiction because they indicate a scene’s or conversation’s emotional state, whether the reader might expect tension, happiness, sadness, etc.

While the term “voice” describes the overall character of a piece of writing. One author’s scathing tone may be another’s instructive or friendliness.

What Is the Difference Between Tone and Mood?

The word for tone in literature is the mood or atmosphere that the author intends for the reader to experience while reading the text, while mood is the experience that the reader has while reading the story.

How the author feels about the setting or the character and how he wants the reader to feel determines the tone. On the contrary, the reader’s emotional response establishes the mood. Setting the mood at the opening of a story prepares the audience for what is to come.

How do you identify tone words?

Identifying tone words in a piece of writing is essential for understanding the intended emotions and attitudes conveyed by the author. Here are some key approaches to identifying tone words:

• Contextual Clues: Pay attention to the overall context and the writer’s purpose. Examine the subject matter, the writer’s attitude, and the intended audience. These factors can provide valuable hints about the tone.
• Word Choice: Look for words that evoke emotions or convey a particular attitude. Tone words often carry emotional weight or reveal the author’s perspective. Words with strong connotations, such as “brutal,” “uplifting,” or “serene,” can indicate the tone.
• Go with your Gut: Sometimes, the best way to explain a tone is to say that you just “get it.” The text makes you feel a specific way, whether it’s urgent or melancholy. After reading it, you feel angry and get the impression that the author is also angry. Or sometimes, there is nothing specifically humorous about the writing, yet you find yourself laughing anyhow. As a result, go with your instinct when deciding how to interpret the author’s tone in passages like these.

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