the tone of the essay bores is

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BORES - LUCAS - BASIC ENGLISH NOTES - SEMESTER I - QUESTIONS AND ANSWERS

Answer the following questions in a sentence or two.

1) How does the author show his humbleness in the beginning of the essay?

Ans:   A true bore is always conscious of his boorishness and usually thinking of himself as the most companionable men, to write as one of them is to acquit oneself of the stigma.

2) How can bores stop flourishing?

Ans:   The only remedy suggested by Lucas is to train ourselves to be offensive.

3) What are the requirements to write about bores?

Ans: The author says it requires a sense of superiority, assurance and self-confidence.

4) What is a true bore unconscious about?

Ans:   boorishness is a true bore unconscious about.    

5) What is the foundation stone of a bore?

Ans: Egotism is a bore’s foundation stone.

6) Why bores are happy?

Ans: Bores are happy because they have a lot to tell, and they also find listeners easily.

7) What is the tragedy of bores?

Ans: The tragedy is, they can always find their listeners, me almost first.

8) Who are bores?

Ans: A true bore is always conscious of his boorishness and usually thinking of himself as the most companionable men.

9) Who is the most repellent specimen of bores?

Ans: Of all bores the most repellent specimen is the one who comes close up; the buttonholing bore.

10) What is remedy against bores?

Ans: The only remedy suggested by Lucas is to train ourselves to be offensive.

11) What is the theme of the essay “Bores”?

Ans: The theme of sympathy, desperation, perseverance, awareness, alienation and ignorance.

12) How to avoid bores?

Ans: Lucas's friend to avoid the bore, so he engaged an attendant for this purpose. Whenever a bore came to him, the attendant would come to him to tell him that there was an urgent telephone call. The friend would take leave from the bore, and this way, the bore was forced to leave him.

13) What are the types of bores?

Ans: Buttonholing bore and word type of bore are the types of bores.

Explain the following statements with reference to their context.

1) I fear, everybody is a bore, because everybody now and again has a fixed idea to impart.

Ans:   The writer shows his humbleness in the beginning by acknowledging that he may also be a boring person so he could take the liberty about a bore. He explains that he cannot say that he is a bore with confidence because an important characteristic of a bore is that a bore himself does not know that he could described as a bore. He also wishes to avoid resentment from bores. Ironically, bores consider themselves to be very friendly. Bores usually have fixed ideas with which they life to impress everybody. However, everyone may not accept their interest as they may have different likes and dislikes. In the light of this statement, it could also be accepted that every now and then we all could be boring for someone and someone will have to bear the boredom we give them. Even the humblest person may feel that he is interesting when he is describing his personal experiences to others. He may actually be inflicting a lot of pain instead of pleasure to his listeners his uninteresting topic.

2) Egotism is beyond question the bore’s foundation stone.

Ans: In order to write about bores, a person must have a sense of superiority, assurance and self-confidence about himself. A true bore is egoistic as he is of the belief that what interests him and involves himself would certainly appeal to others. The ‘notorious bores’ can be also be assure of an audience because people are too kind to shun them away and therefore have to either listen and endure them. Bores as a rule are bores always, for egotism is beyond question the bore’s foundation stone; his belief being that what interests him and involves himself as a central figure must interest you. His Ego does not allow him to realize that he is a boring person. In fact, his ego supports his false notion for him that he is actually very interesting. His ego leads him to believe that the topic that interests him or involves him and on what he speaks about is actually very important to the listener. He thinks that by speaking on the topic he is getting due importance.

3) These are the happy men, these world’s axle-trees.

Ans: A bore is never short of topics because as long as he’s alive and has personal experiences, he always has something to talk about and his topics center around him simply because they have happened to them. Again due to obvious reasons his topics are those that are related to only him, so his topics usually are about himself and his house, his garden, his wife, his children, his car, his handicap, his health, his ancestry, the way people tell him their secrets and ask for his expert advice, his humorous way with waiters, his immunity from influenza, his travels, the way he is able to choose the best restaurants, his clothes, his dentist, his freedom from unimportant people, his extreme love and reverence to the beauty of nature, his likes despite the fact that he may have no interest in arts,   his victory over the income-tax people. These men are happy and think that the world exists because of them.

4) The tragedy is, they can always find their listeners, me almost first.

Ans: In a way, bores are never short of topics to speak on. The reason they speak so much is that always find listeners who have to listen to what they have to say. The writer is very disappointed that bores find him usually of all people to speak to. What is secret behind their success? How do they find their audience? The reason is the kindness that exists in human nature, which disallows the bored or uninterested listener from frankly telling the bore to go away as he is boring them. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry.

5) Why can even notorious bores always be sure of an audience?

Ans:   In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed.

6) For Heaven’s sake, go away, ‘you weary me.’

Ans: The reason is the kindness that exists in human nature, which disallows the bored or uninterested listener from frankly telling the bore to go away as he is boring them. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry.   In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed.

7) Astute, crafty men are seldom bores; very busy men are seldom bores.

Ans: The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed. No disappointment could be seen on his frank and proud face. Why? Because to understand this, one needs to be clever, cunning and busy. A bore does not possess any of the three characteristics.

8) ‘Where should we be without our sense of humour?’

Ans: It is easier to deal with a bore who keeps distance but it is very difficult to deal with those who cannot keep within their limits. They come close to you, look directly into your eyes and tell you a joke which is not funny. Out of courtesy you have to laugh at their jokes as he accepts it from you. Another kind of bore that the writer describes is the one who starts narrating you funny story and once he starts his story he cannot get himself to stop despite you telling him that you have heard it before. It is very difficult to stop him.

9) ‘Nothing but my unfailing sense of humour saved me.’

Ans: Bores come close to you, look directly into your eyes and tell you a joke which is not funny. Out of courtesy you have to laugh at their jokes as he accepts it from you. Another kind of bore that the writer describes is the one who starts narrating you funny story and once he starts his story he cannot get himself to stop despite you telling him that you have heard it before. It is very difficult to stop him. There are other bores who keep on bragging,, using phrases which means they have high respect for humour or those who keep quoting someone else.

10) “Live and let live,” as my poor dear father used to say.’

Ans: A kind of bore that the writer describes is the one who starts narrating you funny story and once he starts his story he cannot get himself to stop despite you telling him that you have heard it before. It is very difficult to stop him. There are other bores who keep on bragging, using phrases which means they have high respect for humour or those who keep quoting someone else.

11) “You’ll dine with us this evening, won’t you?”

Ans: The writer informs us about an eccentric peer whom he does not remember well. The man had unconsciously developed a habit of thinking out loudly. One day he met an acquaintance in St. James’ Street, and, he thought, and thus spoke out in a voice audible to the acquaintance that he was irritated at the fact that it had been a great nuisance that he had met the man whom he did not like and because of the meeting he would have to invite him for dinner. After having spoken with himself, he invited the man for dinner.

12) “I’ll avoid that man in future; I know I bore him.”

Ans: The writer expresses the helplessness of a common man in front of a bore. The best thing to do would be to avoid the bore completely because it is very difficult for us due to our normal human nature to think aloud and let the bore know that we feel for him or to offend him. The problem is that no bore accepts that he is a bore despite your best efforts to give him hints to know of his boring nature.

13) “Good enough for Punch.”

Ans: The writer writes jokingly that if the weekly humorous paper- Punch for which he works and in which the essay is being published stops publication (although he hates the thought), then the bores may run out of topics to speak on because they get   a lot of their material from the said magazine.

Answer the following questions in 300 words.

1) Bring out irony in E.V. Lucas’s Bores.

Ans: The writer shows his humbleness in the beginning by acknowledging that he may also be a boring person so he could take the liberty about a bore. He explains that he cannot say that he is a bore with confidence because an important characteristic of a bore is that a bore himself does not know that he could described as a bore. He also wishes to avoid resentment from bores. Ironically, bores consider themselves to be very friendly. Bores usually have fixed ideas with which they life to impress everybody. However, everyone may not accept their interest as they may have different likes and dislikes. In the light of this statement, it could also be accepted that every now and then we all could be boring for someone and someone will have to bear the boredom we give them. Even the humblest person may feel that he is interesting when he is describing his personal experiences to others. He may actually be inflicting a lot of pain instead of pleasure to his listeners his uninteresting topic.

The reason is the kindness that exists in human nature, which disallows the bored or uninterested listener from frankly telling the bore to go away as he is boring them. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry.   In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed.

The writer informs us about an eccentric peer whom he does not remember well. The man had unconsciously developed a habit of thinking out loudly. One day he met an acquaintance in St. James’ Street, and, he thought, and thus spoke out in a voice audible to the acquaintance that he was irritated at the fact that it had been a great nuisance that he had met the man whom he did not like and because of the meeting he would have to invite him for dinner. After having spoken with himself, he invited the man for dinner. The writer expresses the helplessness of a common man in front of a bore. The best thing to do would be to avoid the bore completely because it is very difficult for us due to our normal human nature to think aloud and let the bore know that we feel for him or to offend him. The problem is that no bore accepts that he is a bore despite your best efforts to give him hints to know of his boring nature.

2) “Bores are actually frustratingly cumbersome to tolerate.’ Discuss.

Ans: Bores as a rule are bores always, for egotism is beyond question the bore’s foundation stone; his belief being that what interests him and involves himself as a central figure must interest you. His Ego does not allow him to realize that he is a boring person. In fact, his ego supports his false notion for him that he is actually very interesting. His ego leads him to believe that the topic that interests him or involves him and on what he speaks about is actually very important to the listener. He thinks that by speaking on the topic he is getting due importance. In a way, bores are never short of topics to speak on. The reason they speak so much is that always find listeners who have to listen to what they have to say. The writer is very disappointed that bores find him usually of all people to speak to. What is secret behind their success? How do they find their audience? The reasons is the kindness that exists in human nature, which disallows the bored or uninterested listener from frankly telling the bore to go away as he is boring them. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed.

The reason is the kindness that exists in human nature, which disallows the bored or uninterested listener from frankly telling the bore to go away as he is boring them. In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry.   In order to deal with bores, we act as cowards and we either beat their talks or try to escape them. On seeing them, many change their paths or leave the room in a hurry. The writer gives the example of a man he knew who made a page boy ( a boy who is employed to run errands) of his club to save him from a bore by quickly coming to him and informing him that he is wanted on the phone whenever the bore would try to speak with him. According to the writer, such a deceit will not give the bore the implicit message that he is being avoided and he will not feel disappointed. It is easier to deal with a bore who keeps distance but it is very difficult to deal with those who cannot keep within their limits. They come close to you, look directly into your eyes and tell you a joke which is not funny. Out of courtesy you have to laugh at their jokes as he accepts it from you. Another kind of bore that the writer describes is the one who starts narrating you funny story and once he starts his story he cannot get himself to stop despite you telling him that you have heard it before. It is very difficult to stop him.

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Definition of Tone

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.

Common Examples of Tone Used by Writers

Famous examples of tone in movie lines, difference between tone and mood, three types of tone: non-assertive, aggressive, and assertive, use of tone in sentences, 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 .

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.

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.

 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.”

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.

Synonyms of Tone

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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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What Is the Tone of an Essay: an Important Aspect of Writing

Table of contents, defining tone in writing, identifying different tones, importance of tone, 1. formal tone:, 2. informal tone:, 3. objective tone:, 4. subjective tone:.

• Trimble, J. R. (2005). Writing with style: Conversations on the art of writing (2nd ed.). Prentice Hall.
• Williams, J. M., & Bizup, J. (2019). Style: Lessons in clarity and grace (12th ed.). Pearson.
• Elbow, P. (2012). Vernacular eloquence: What speech can bring to writing. Oxford University Press.
• Clark, R. V. (1995). Writing tools: 50 essential strategies for every writer. Little, Brown and Company.
• Lanham, R. A. (2003). Revising prose (5th ed.). Pearson.

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Reading Skills

How to identify author’s tone.

• The Albert Team
• Last Updated On: November 29, 2023

What We Review

Introduction

Have you ever wondered why some stories make you laugh while others make you think deeply? This is often the work of an element known as ‘tone’ in literature. Authors use tone to give their writing a distinct feeling, whether it’s light and humorous or serious and thoughtful. As a student, understanding the concept of author’s tone is vital for fully appreciating and comprehending the texts you read.

In this post, we’ll explore the ways to identify and analyze an author’s tone in different writings. Developing this skill will not only enhance your reading experience but also deepen your understanding of the intentions behind the stories you encounter.

What is Author’s Tone?

When we talk about an author’s tone, we’re referring to the attitude or feeling that their writing conveys. It’s like when someone talks to you; their voice, choice of words, and way of speaking can show if they’re excited, sad, or joking. In writing, tone is created through the author’s choice of words, their sentence structure, and even the imagery they use.

For example, a story that describes a sunny, vibrant park with laughing children has a cheerful tone, while a story set in a dimly lit, quiet room might have a more serious or mysterious tone. Understanding an author’s tone helps us get a better sense of the story’s mood and the message the author wants to share. It’s like having a conversation with the author through their words.

How to Determine Author’s Tone

Determining an author’s tone might seem challenging, but it becomes much easier when you know what to look for. Just like detectives gather clues to solve a mystery, we can gather clues from a text to understand its tone. Three key elements – Word Choice , Sentence Structure, and Imagery – serve as our main tools in this detective work. By closely examining how an author chooses their words, constructs their sentences, and paints pictures with their descriptions, we can uncover the tone hidden within the lines of any story. Let’s break down these tools one by one to see how each contributes to revealing the author’s tone.

Word Choice

The words an author chooses are like the individual brushstrokes in a painting; each one contributes to the overall impression. Word choice is a powerful tool in establishing tone. Think about how a writer’s use of words like ‘exhilarating,’ ‘terrifying,’ or ‘melancholic’ can instantly convey excitement, fear, or sadness.

It’s not just about the meaning of the words, but also their connotations – the feelings or ideas they evoke. For instance, describing a day as ‘glowing’ versus ‘blazing’ can create very different atmospheres; one suggests a pleasant, bright day, while the other might imply oppressive heat. Authors carefully select each word to craft a specific mood and guide our emotional response to the story. By tuning into these choices, you can start to sense the tone the author is aiming for, whether it’s hopeful, despairing, playful, or serious.

Sentence Structure

Just as important as word choice, the structure of an author’s sentences can greatly influence the tone of a piece. Think of sentence structure as the rhythm of the story. Short, abrupt sentences might create a sense of urgency or tension, making the reader feel the quick pace of the events. On the other hand, long, flowing sentences often bring a more calm or reflective mood, allowing the reader to ponder and absorb the details.

For example, a suspenseful scene might use brief, choppy sentences to keep you on the edge of your seat, while a descriptive passage about a serene landscape might use longer sentences to immerse you in the setting. By observing how sentences are constructed, you can gain insight into the emotional pacing of the story and the tone the author is conveying.

Imagery, the vivid pictures that authors create through descriptive language, plays a pivotal role in setting the tone of a story. It’s all about the visual details the author provides to bring scenes to life in our minds. These descriptions can range from the lush greenery of a tranquil forest to the stark, grey buildings of a bustling city, each setting a different tone.

Think of imagery as the backdrop against which the story unfolds. If an author describes a setting sun casting long shadows and painting the sky in hues of orange and red, it might evoke feelings of calmness or reflection. Conversely, a description of a thunderstorm with jagged lightning could create a tense or ominous atmosphere. By closely examining the imagery in a text, you can uncover the emotional landscape the author is painting and better understand the tone they are aiming to convey.

Context Matters: The Role of Setting and Circumstance

In the quest to understand an author’s tone, context is a crucial piece of the puzzle. The setting and circumstances of a story often provide key insights into the tone the author is trying to convey. Think of context as the backdrop against which the story unfolds. The historical period, cultural background, and even the geographical location can influence the mood and tone of the writing.

For instance, a story set in a war-torn country will likely have a different tone than one set in a peaceful, idyllic village. Similarly, the personal circumstances of the characters, such as their emotional state or life experiences, can greatly affect the tone. A narrative from the perspective of a character who just experienced loss will have a different tone than that of a character celebrating a victory. Recognizing these contextual elements helps you better understand not just what the author is saying, but how and why they’re saying it, offering a more complete picture of the story’s tone.

List of Tone Words

In literature, a wide array of tone words can be used to describe the feeling or atmosphere a text conveys. These words help to categorize and articulate the emotional undercurrents of a story. Here are some examples:

• Positive Tones : Optimistic, jubilant, lighthearted, amused, enthusiastic.
• Negative Tones : Pessimistic, mournful, bitter, cynical, foreboding.
• Neutral Tones : Reflective, informative, objective, detached, contemplative.
• Serious Tones : Solemn, grave, earnest, intense, impassioned.
• Playful Tones : Whimsical, humorous, ironic, satirical, witty.
• Tense Tones : Anxious, suspenseful, apprehensive, alarming, tense.

Understanding these tone words and being able to identify them in a text can greatly improve your ability to grasp the author’s intended message. As you read different texts, try to think about which of these words best describe the tone of the piece. As a result, this practice will not only improve your comprehension but also enrich your overall reading experience.

Step by Step Guide to Analyzing Author’s Tone

Although analyzing the tone of a text may seem daunting, breaking it down into manageable steps can simplify the process. Here’s a straightforward guide to help you:

• Initial Impression : Start by reading a section of the text and note your first impressions. Ask yourself, what is the general mood? Does it feel light, dark, serious, or playful?
• Identify Key Elements : Look for the elements that contribute to this mood. Focus on the word choice, sentence structure, and imagery. Are there any words or phrases that particularly stand out? How are the sentences constructed? What kind of imagery is used?
• Refer to the List of Tone Words : Use the list of tone words to help put a name to the tone you’re sensing. Is it optimistic, whimsical, grave, or something else?
• Contextual Clues : Consider the context of the text. What is happening in the story at this point? How might the events, characters, or setting influence the tone?
• Reflect and Conclude : After considering these aspects, reflect on how they come together to create the overall tone. Try to articulate your thoughts, either in discussion or by writing them down. This reflection will deepen your understanding of the text and the author’s intentions.

Remember, practice is key. The more you analyze different texts, the more intuitive this process will become. This practice will enhance your ability to appreciate the nuanced craft of writing.

Application: Analyzing Author’s Tone in George Washington’s Farewell Address

Let’s put our tone analysis skills into action with a real example: George Washington’s Farewell Address from 1796. This historical speech offers a perfect opportunity to see how our step-by-step guide works in practice.

• Initial Impression : Reading the address, you might sense a formal and serious atmosphere. Washington’s words carry a weight of importance and reflection.
• Word Choice : Notice Washington’s use of dignified language, like “steadfast confidence” and “inviolable attachment.” These terms help create a tone of solemnity and respect.
• Sentence Structure : The complex and methodical structure of his sentences, such as “In offering to you, my countrymen, these counsels of an old and affectionate friend…,” adds to the formal and thoughtful tone.
• Imagery : Washington employs evocative imagery, referring to “the edifice of your real independence” and “the mansions of rest,” which contributes to a reflective and historical mood.
• Refer to the List of Tone Words : The overall tone of this excerpt is best described as solemn, respectful, and contemplative. Washington’s choice of words and sentence construction conveys a deep sense of duty and reflection.
• Contextual Clues : Remember, Washington was addressing a young nation as its first President, a context that underscores the seriousness and gravity of his tone.
• Reflect and Conclude : Combining these elements, the tone of Washington’s address emerges as one of solemn reflection and earnest advice. His language and structure reflect the responsibility he feels towards the nation’s future, emphasizing unity and caution in times of change.

This exercise demonstrates how using our step-by-step guide can help you identify the tone in even the most historical and formal texts.

Practice Makes Perfect

Now that you understand how to identify the author’s tone, it’s time to continue practicing these important skills. Albert offers many opportunities to test your new knowledge of the impact of an author’s word choice on the tone of the text.

Our Short Readings course provides short passages that focus on a specific skill. For example, check out our questions about citing text evidence or analyzing how word choice shapes meaning and tone. You can also find more questions to practice close reading skills with our Leveled Readings course. This course includes a passages about the same topic written at 4 different Lexile® levels so you can tailor the reading content to your needs.

Albert’s platform is user-friendly and gives you quick feedback, so you can learn from your mistakes and keep growing as a reader. Whether it’s analyzing the author’s tone or determining the central idea, Albert is your go-to resource!

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Tone: The Complete Guide to Writing with Tone

There are many elements needed to write well. In addition to learning technical skills, like correct spelling and grammar, conveying your intended tone in your writing is equally valuable. 

Here’s a tip: Want to make sure your writing shines? Grammarly can check your spelling and save you from grammar and punctuation mistakes. It even proofreads your text, so your work is extra polished wherever you write.

Write exactly what you mean Grammarly helps you strike the perfect tone with every colleague Write with Grammarly

Learning how to master tone—whether you’re writing a business correspondence or writing short fiction—helps you convey your true attitude about a topic to your reader. Here’s what you need to know about tone, including what it is and how to discover what tone to use .

Table of contents

What is tone.

Examples of tone in writing  

How to use the right tone

How word choice supports tone.

How Grammarly’s tone detector can help  

Tone reveals the author’s attitude about a subject or topic to their reader. It can be delivered in different ways, like through word choice , punctuation, and sentence structure . 

It’s similar to when you’re engaging with someone in person. Your facial expression, vocal pitch, and body language might convey a certain tone that informs the language you use in conversation.

By using the right tone in your writing, your readers can better understand your emotions regarding a topic. It’s a signal to your reader about how your writing should make them feel. Your tone might be delightful or sarcastic, lighthearted or aggressive, among other types of tones, all through your writing.

Examples of tone in writing 

The following excerpt from “Do Not Go Gentle into That Good Night”, a poem by Dylan Thomas, conveys a tone of urgency and desperation:

“Do not go gentle into that good night, 

Old age should burn and rage at close of day; 

Rage, rage against the dying of the light.”

Professional writing , however, might suggest a cordial—but urgent—tone, like in this example:

“Thanks for agreeing to help me with this project! I’d really appreciate your PowerPoint slides ASAP so we have enough time to practice before our 8 a.m. presentation tomorrow.”

When writing a note to a friend that shares an urgent message (but in a playful tone), it might look like this:

“Hey, Jocelyn! Thanks for dog-sitting Cooper for me tonight. I forgot to give him his medicine so can you PLEAAASE help me out and give him one pill ASAP? Have I ever told you that you’re the BEST?! :)”

Choosing the right tone might feel like a monumental task. To help you bring out your intended tone from your writing, answer a few questions:

1 Who are you writing this for? 

Your audience can help you narrow down an appropriate tone as you’re writing. A letter to a business client might take a formal tone while a holiday card for your hairstylist might use a playful and casual tone.

2 What’s its purpose? 

Determine the reason for your writing. Your purpose, like gaining a prospective client’s business versus sending a close friend a holiday greeting will result in different tones.

3 What do you want the reader to take away? 

Your writing communicates an idea, topic, or other information. Think about what you’d like your recipient to learn, feel, or act on after reading your writing.

After considering these questions, you’ll have a clearer sense of the types of tone that might be appropriate for your writing.

The words you choose in your writing give your reader tremendous clarity about its tone. Although you can decide between a handful of words with a similar meaning, deliberate word choice gives your writing added connotation that informs tone. 

For instance, “listless” denotes a lack of energy or spirit, while “tired” can also suggest a similar meaning. But choosing “listless” has a deeper meaning of indifference and apathy. Thus, the connotations of your word choices affect the tone and meaning of your writing.

How Grammarly’s tone detector can help 

As you become more aware of how you write tone, the attitude you’re sharing with your reader will be more consistent throughout your writing. Another way to check in on this skill is by using Grammarly’s tone detector . 

Landing an effective tone can be hard to get right on the first try, but tools like Grammarly ease this learning curve by helping you become a better writer.

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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.

• Colloquialism
• Connotation
• Figurative Language
• Rhetorical Question
• Slant Rhyme
• Tragic Hero
• Point of View
• End-Stopped Line
• Common Meter

• Quizzes, saving guides, requests, plus so much more.