50+ Types of Tone to Master

It’s not just what you say that matters; it’s how you say it, too. Fail to strike the right tone in your writing, and your message will flop. Or worse, your audience will be appalled by the inappropriate tone of your piece. That said, there are many types of tone to choose from, such as:

1. Informal
2. Formal
3. Subjective
4. Objective
5. Pessimistic
6. Optimistic
7. Humorous
8. Persuasive
9. Encouraging
10. Serious

But these are just the ten most widespread types of tone in writing you might come across. In fact, our experts routinely employ over 50 distinct types of tone.

Need a piece that hits the right tone for your message, audience, and context? WritePaper will connect you with the right expert to deliver one. Our help is just one short form away!

What Is Tone in Writing?

When you write a piece, its tone conveys your attitude towards its content, providing extra context for the audience. For example, it can reveal that you’re feeling optimistic, disapproving, or enthusiastic about something. Think of the tone as one of the types of subtext.

Striking the appropriate tone also helps elicit the intended response from the audience. For example, if you want to inspire your readers, the inspirational tone is the obvious choice.

12 Most Common Types of Tone in Writing

1. Formal Tone

If your writing is meant for an academic and professional setting, you’ll have to use a formal tone. It’s neutral, concise, thorough, and direct yet polite. Slang, contractions, and deviations from strict grammar and punctuation rules are a no-go.

Formal Tone Examples

• “The board would like to reiterate its full commitment to supporting diversity, equality, and inclusion initiatives.”
• “It is imperative to conduct a thorough review of the existing data pipelines.”

2. Informal Tone

An informal tone is the complete opposite of its formal counterpart. Think of it as how you’d speak to a long-time friend: you’d use slang, contractions, and idioms, and be more expressive and subjective in your writing.

Informal Tone Examples

• “Hey there! Just wanted to check in with you. Hope you’re doing alright after getting canned. Give me a call!”
• “Can’t believe it took almost a month to get that application approved.”

3. Objective Tone

Using an objective tone means leaving no room for opinions or feelings. Objective writing presents verifiable facts and information in a detached, neutral, and unbiased way. You’ll come across this tone in scientific reports and news articles.

Objective Tone Examples

• “The 2025 survey states that 97% of U.S. small and medium-sized businesses are already using cloud services.”
• “The author lists five key benefits of a vegetarian diet in the article.”

4. Subjective Tone

A subjective tone is colored by personal opinions and feelings. Opinion pieces, creative writing, and personal essays that focus on personal, subjective experiences usually employ this tone.

Subjective Tone Examples

• “I think that everyone should spend time in another country at least once in their lifetime.”
• “Personally speaking, playing this game was one of the most enjoyable pastimes I’ve ever had.”

5. Serious Tone

If you want to assert how crucial your message is or draw attention to a certain matter, go for a serious tone. It’s direct and conveys a sense of gravitas, without any humor or fluff.

Serious Tone Examples

• “We must come together and reduce our carbon emissions to avoid the worst-case scenario.”
• “Children’s safety should be our main concern in the gun control debate.”

6. Humorous Tone

Want to entertain, break the tension, or lighten the mood? Opt for a humorous tone. It doesn’t have to boil down to making jokes: wordplay, wit, and hyperbole can also bring a smile to the reader’s face.

Humorous Tone Examples

• “Would you rather give a speech to a bunch of thirteen-year-olds or stand in a river full of leeches? Those leeches seem way more approachable to me, anyway.”
• “Ah, yes, marshmallows, those sticky pillows!”

7. Optimistic Tone

If you want to come across as hopeful and uplifting, an optimistic tone will help you convey your positive outlook. This tone focuses on the positive side of things, as opposed to downsides or challenges.

Optimistic Tone Examples

• “With the right approach and widespread participation, we can shift to an economy that runs fully on renewable energy.”
• “Several countries have already weathered the storm, and there’s no reason why ours will fail.”

8. Pessimistic Tone

On the other hand, a pessimistic tone tells the audience that you doubt that a positive outcome is possible. To strike it, underscore the worst aspects of a situation — and leave little room for hope.

Pessimistic Tone Examples

• “Considering recent events, our company is unlikely to turn a profit this fiscal year.”
• “No matter what rebranding initiative the corporation undertakes, its customers are already turning elsewhere, and bankruptcy seems inevitable.”

9. Persuasive Tone

This tone seeks to convince your audience to opt into your message. It focuses on making a compelling argument, often through the use of ethos, pathos, and logos.

Persuasive Tone Examples

• “Investing in cybersecurity is a must for staying one step ahead of attacks and protecting your business.”
• “Review your past purchases and ask yourself: Where could you reduce your consumption?”

10. Sarcastic/Ironic Tone

This tone tells your reader you actually mean the opposite of what your words say, often to ridicule or criticize an idea. It’s one of the more difficult tones to communicate in writing, but it’s not impossible.

Sarcastic/Ironic Tone Examples

• “Of course, no one would ever mind their representatives voting to raise their taxes.”
• “No one in the history of mankind ever thought of doing this, surely.”

11. Encouraging Tone

If you’re trying to motivate, support, or reassure the reader, opt for an encouraging tone. It’s meant to be understanding, supportive, and reassuring to help readers overcome their challenges and work towards success.

Encouraging Tone Examples

• “Every 15-minute workout brings you one step closer to a healthier lifestyle, so don’t give up!”
• “Even the best writers encounter writer’s block, so don’t despair.”

12. Nostalgic Tone

Want to reminisce about the “good old days” in your piece? You’ll need to strike a nostalgic tone, then. It underscores a sentimental longing for the past, when things seemed simpler or better in some way.

Nostalgic Tone Examples

• “We used to play baseball in the field right behind my grandpa’s barn, for hours on end.”
• “Every time I hear a jazz recording, I’m transported back to my childhood home.”

40 More Types of Tones You Should Know

1. Inspirational Tone

Want to lift someone’s spirits, convince them that anything is possible, or motivate them to be their better selves? Then you’ll need to strike an inspirational tone.

Inspirational Tone Examples

• “The only limits that exist are the ones we set for ourselves.”
• “Success is a mindset, and it’s up to you whether you want to opt in.”

2. Hopeful Tone

A hopeful tone shows you’re optimistic about the topic and expect positive things to come out of a situation.

Hopeful Tone Examples

• “There’s a risk we don’t succeed, but I believe we can.”
• “If we focus and do our best, we can manage anything.”

3. Enthusiastic Tone

If you want to convey the feeling of jumping out of your seat in expectation of something, an enthusiastic tone is the way to go.

Enthusiastic Tone Examples

• “I was too wired, I needed to get out on the field!”
• “I couldn’t believe I was selected! My mind started racing: What should I do next?”

4. Empathetic Tone

Empathy is your capability to put yourself into another person’s shoes. An empathetic tone, therefore, gets across your compassion and support for others’ struggles.

Empathetic Tone Examples

• “I could imagine all too well what that kind of failure could do to a person.”
• “I know how challenging it can be to express your grief; take your time.”

5. Compassionate Tone

Compassion shows that you don’t just understand the feelings of others but also care about them and want to lessen others’ suffering.

Compassionate Tone Examples

• “I know the future seems bleak right now, but I promise it will get better. ”
• “If you ever want to have a shoulder to cry on, I’ll be there for you.”

6. Joyful Tone

A joyful tone is akin to a riptide of intense happiness that tells the world that you’re over the moon.

Joyful Tone Examples

• “Life can never get better than that!”
• “That was the best trip of my entire life — and that’s saying something!”

7. Optimistic Tone

Used to wearing rose-tinted glasses? Or just optimistic about this one thing? Either way, an optimistic tone will help you convey that you expect good things to come.

Optimistic Tone Examples

• “I might’ve been drenched in the rain, but at least I didn’t miss the last bus home!”
• “Things will sort themselves out eventually; I know it.”

8. Grateful Tone

A grateful tone shows your appreciation for another person’s actions or even just the circumstances you’ve found yourself in.

Grateful Tone Examples

• “It was a relief to have someone by my side at a time like this.”
• “Those twenty bucks might have been nothing for him, but they changed my life.”

9. Aloof Tone

If you want to distance yourself from your statement or show you’re indifferent to it, an aloof tone is the one to choose.

Aloof Tone Examples

• “She shrugged, ‘Sure, whatever.’”
• “I would be satisfied with the decision either way.”

10. Admiring Tone

An admiring tone shows that you approve of or respect another person, object, event, or concept and highlights the subject’s best qualities.

Admiring Tone Examples

• “His proposed solution is the best one, and we’d be fools not to listen to him.”
• “Mr. Smith was the wittiest teacher I’ve ever had.”

11. Calm Tone

A calm tone leaves no room for agitation, excitement, or any other powerful emotions. It’s neutral, somewhat detached — but not cold or passive-aggressive.

Calm Tone Examples

• “I know tensions are running high, but I’m certain we can reach an agreement.”
• “Let’s take a break and return to this question later.”

12. Cheerful Tone

A cheerful tone will dispel any gloom or worry by keeping your writing bright, merry, and full of positive energy.

Cheerful Tone Examples

• “I couldn’t stave a smile off my face (not that I tried).”
• “I was just taking it all, not a care in the world.”

13. Curious Tone

If you want to come across as inquisitive, a curious tone will convey your interest in the topic at hand.

Curious Tone Examples

• “I couldn’t help but wonder: Why is the sky blue, exactly?”
• “But what could cause that light to go off?”

14. Encouraging Tone

An encouraging tone helps readers overcome their fears and doubts, motivating them to take action and supporting them in their endeavors.

Encouraging Tone Examples

• “Changing your habits may be a daunting prospect at first, but it’s worth the effort.”
• “It might sound cliché, but you can do whatever you put your mind to.”

15. Lighthearted Tone

If you want to make your readers feel at ease and have fun, a lighthearted tone is the perfect candidate. It’s carefree, easygoing, and cheerful.

Lighthearted Tone Examples

• “No one can give a speech like him, right?”
• “Even traffic jams can change your life for the better!”

16. Sympathetic Tone

A sympathetic tone conveys that you understand another person’s feelings and want to alleviate their distress. Use it for somber topics.

Sympathetic Tone Examples

• “I’ll be by your side, no matter what; just know that.”
• “I know it’s hard. Let me know if I can help in some way.”

17. Playful Tone

A playful tone makes for a fun pastime for your audience. Its ingredients include mischief, humor, light teasing, and banter.

Playful Tone Examples

• “How about we stop pulling our punches? I’m itching for a good challenge!”
• “Be careful, you might just have fun if you don’t keep it together!”

18. Energetic Tone

As its name suggests, an energetic tone is upbeat and fast-paced. It can be infused with enthusiasm or focus on the action.

Energetic Tone Examples

• “Run, run, jump — that was all I could focus on.”
• “She zoomed past the shopping carts with a whoosh.”

19. Confident Tone

A confident tone leaves no room for speculation, doubt, or nervousness. It tells the world about your conviction and self-assurance.

Confident Tone Examples

• “There can be no doubt: we failed to keep global warming under 1.5 degrees.”
• “There is only one way forward: we have to repeal this law.”

20. Casual Tone

A casual tone will help you seem nonchalant about the topic. It’s also a good choice if you want to speak your audience’s language in an informal setting.

Casual Tone Examples

• “Who knew something so ominous could turn out to be fun? Not me!”
• “Yes, writing is hard. But not writing is even harder!”

21. Apologetic Tone

Opting for an apologetic tone in your writing means acknowledging a failure or fault and conveying remorse and regret over it.

Apologetic Tone Examples

• “I hope you find it in your heart to forgive me.”
• “My apologies for arriving late; I was stuck in a traffic jam.”

22. Candid Tone

Writing in a candid tone is akin to opening up to your closest friend. It’s open, honest, and sincere, with no deception or pretense.

Candid Tone Examples

• “Frankly, I don’t see how we could get out of this without incurring any losses.”
• “To be honest, I believe the Paris Agreement is not working at all.”

23. Descriptive Tone

If you want to immerse someone in the scene, a descriptive tone will help you achieve this goal with vivid imagery and sensory details.

Descriptive Tone Examples

• “The wind whispered, its murmur somehow louder than the squeaking of seagulls and the creaking of the wood.”
• “The mural towered over the residents, its central figure watching over them with a solemn, benevolent expression.”

24. Impartial Tone

To strike an impartial tone, stay neutral and objective in your word choice, sentence structure, and statements.

Impartial Tone Examples

• “Both solutions have their advantages and disadvantages.”
• “The data indicates that there may be a link, but further studies are necessary.”

25. Direct Tone

Want to get your point across without beating around the bush or unnecessarily embellishing the truth? Use a direct tone.

Direct Tone Examples

• “We need to make a decision now. So, do we accept the offer or decline it?”
• “Late submissions will not be reviewed.”

26. Indifferent Tone

An indifferent tone signals to your reader: you’re not particularly concerned, interested, or enthusiastic about the subject, and you don’t take sides in a debate.

Indifferent Tone Examples

• “Both options are fine by me, so it’s up to you.”
• “I don’t mind doing either, just let me know what you’d prefer.”

27. Ironic Tone

Whether you’re writing satire or you just want to highlight a single contradiction or absurdity, irony will convey your disdain.

Ironic Tone Examples

• “Yet another essay to write, just great! I don’t have enough on my plate at all, sure!”
• “Oh yes, our company could use another PR nightmare; we haven’t had those in a while!”

28. Cautious Tone

Encouraging the reader to take precautions to minimize risks and avoid adverse outcomes calls for a cautious tone.

Cautious Tone Examples

• “I don’t want to sound alarmist, but we should check for signs of internal fraud.”
• “Considering the cost of making a mistake, it’s best to make a safer investment.”

29. Authoritative Tone

An authoritative tone commands attention and leaves no room for debate. It can be used to tell your reader: you’re an expert in the matter.

Authoritative Tone Examples

• “Every team member must be present at the next meeting to go over the backlog.”
• “Hybrid cloud is the best option for businesses that handle sensitive data.”

30. Cold Tone

A cold tone is indifferent and impersonal, but it’s often perceived as unapproachable and unfriendly.

Cold Tone Examples

• “My decisions regarding the schedule are none of your concern.”
• “I will inform you about my decision later in the day. That will be all.”

31. Defensive Tone

This tone will come naturally to you if you want to shield yourself from criticism or attacks by preemptively addressing potential counterarguments or challenges.

Defensive Tone Examples

• “Before you say anything: I was just following the instructions from the guidebook!”
• “I know, the car is ruined, but it wasn’t my fault: another driver crashed into me.”

32. Disapproving Tone

If you want to dissuade the reader from acting a certain way or simply show your condemnation, go for a disapproving tone.

Disapproving Tone Examples

• “There were better ways to handle the conflict, but he chose the most antagonistic one.”
• “I hope you will give more thought to your actions from now on.”

33. Demanding Tone

A demanding tone stems from your authority and commands action or compliance. It might come across as insistent and exigent.

Demanding Tone Examples

• “I expect you to send me the full report by the end of the day, no ifs or buts.”
• “Stop goofing around and help me carry these boxes, now.”

34. Judgmental Tone

While disapproval is a somewhat neutral response, a judgmental tone is harsher and often biased. It condemns someone based on their inability to meet the author’s subjective standards.

Judgmental Tone Examples

• “No one could excuse this level of disdain or hatred; that just shows how terrible he is.”
• “I can’t believe he just ignored the court’s ruling like that!”

35. Dramatic Tone

A dramatic tone is marked by exaggeration; it’s overly emotional, extremely vivid, and highly intense.

Dramatic Tone Examples

• “I could barely breathe, I was so exhausted from the jog!”
• “If we don’t get this right, our lives are over!”

36. Hostile Tone

Hostility is more than just being unfriendly. A hostile tone is openly inhospitable, antagonistic, and even offensive and intimidating.

Hostile Tone Examples

• “Stop apologizing and start doing your job as you’re supposed to!”
• “No one will be here to hold your hand once you graduate, snowflake.”

37. Condescending Tone

Being condescending equals coming across as patronizing, as if you think you’re superior to others in some arbitrary way or simply “know better.”

Condescending Tone Examples

• “Of course, we can’t all be experts in marketing.”
• “Don’t worry, you’ll figure out how to do the right thing. Eventually.”

38. Bitter Tone

A bitter tone conveys that you’re reproachful, resentful, or disappointed in something or someone. It’s often cynical in nature.

Bitter Tone Examples

• “Time and time again, nations fail to agree on a common policy.”
• “We keep scrolling through all these corruption scandals, but they never stop.”

39. Angry Tone

An angry tone reflects an intense negative emotional response to someone or something, one marked by displeasure, antagonism, and frustration.

Angry Tone Examples

• “Give me one good reason not to fire you on the spot!”
• “You will go back there, and you will apologize, or there will be consequences!”

40. Aggressive Tone

Being aggressive isn’t the same as being angry. An aggressive tone is more hostile and confrontational, and it’s usually meant to assert domination.

Aggressive Tone Examples

• “Who died and left you in charge, exactly? Stop interrupting me!”
• “Either you will change your tone, or we’re going to have a problem.”

In Closing

The types of tone in writing are as diverse as the emotions and attitudes you want to convey. That said, the five most common ones among them are:

• Informal tone
• Formal tone
• Optimistic tone
• Humorous tone
• Persuasive tone

Struggling to strike the right tone? WritePaper has your back. Our experts can turn your ideas into papers or improve your drafts based on the paper’s context, audience, and purpose. Our help is one simple order form away!