What Are Tone and Style?

Tone is the author's attitude toward the subject or audience, while style is how the author expresses that attitude through word choice, sentence structure, and literary devices.

How to Identify Tone

Pay attention to:

• Word choices (formal/informal, positive/negative)
• Sentence types (short and punchy or long and complex)
• Imagery and figurative language

Why Style Matters

Style shapes how a message is received. A sarcastic style creates a different impact than a sincere one, even if the argument is the same.

Real-World Applications

Understanding tone and style helps you read between the lines, detect sarcasm, or spot hidden biases in writing.

Tips for Detecting Tone and Style

• Look for emotionally charged words.
• Notice repetition or unusual sentence structures.
• Ask yourself: How does this writing make me feel?