There are several writing styles, but many of them use basic
vocabulary, short phrases, and straightforward language to captivate readers.
While you should maintain your own authorial tone, you may also improve your
writing style by making conscious structural and use decisions.
What Does Writing Style Mean?
The voice and tone with which a writer conveys a tale or
expresses a concept is referred to as writing style. Every writer has a
distinct writing style defined by how they use words, the formality with which
they write, the structure of their sentences, and their general approach to the
craft of writing. A competent writer employs several writing styles depending
on the aim of their content. Blogging, for example, has a more relaxed tone
than corporate writing, which demands more official language.
4 Types of Writing Styles
Writing may be classified into four different style groups.
The goal of these many sorts of writing styles distinguishes them. Writers will
use one of these main styles into their article while also including their own
distinctive style:
Expository writing: Rather than narrative, an expository
writing style is utilised to present facts and information. Nonfiction
literature, scientific writing, technical writing, and news stories are all
examples of expository writing.
Descriptive writing: A descriptive style employs figurative
language and sensory information to create a mental image for the reader. This
is the sort of writing style used by poets.
Narrative writing: The narrative style is employed in creative
writing and contains a plot, characters, and setting. It is the method of
writing a novel, novella, or screenplay. The short tale "The Old Man and
the Sea" by Ernest Hemingway and Stephen King's The Shining are both
examples of narrative writing style.
Persuasive writing: A persuasive writing style attempts to
persuade readers to agree with the writer's point of view. Letters of
recommendation, academic writing, and cover letters are all examples of
persuasive writing.
8 Tips for Improving Your Writing Style
You must know how to be straight and clear while yet putting
your personal stamp on your writing to improve as a writer. To improve your
writing style, follow these eight guidelines:
In your writing, be straightforward - Clear and simple
writing is essential. Filler words, such as needless adverbs and prepositional
phrases, take up space and slow down a sentence. Express yourself in the most
straightforward manner possible.
Choose your words wisely - There are various ways to create
a statement, and different words might express the same concept. Always go with
the simpler of two options. Instead of using high English terms, stick to
common terminology. Simple words are more direct and easy to grasp for all
readers. If you need a little assistance finding a replacement or a simpler way
to phrase things, consult a thesaurus.
Short sentences are more powerful than long sentences - Wordiness
kills a story's momentum. Readers love short phrases because they are easy to
understand. Avoid cramming too much information onto a single line. A single
notion or idea should be contained in each sentence.
Write short paragraphs - Make your paragraphs brief and easy
to read. Each one should be made up of phrases that all support the same point.
Short paragraphs are more digestible. They also make the page's arrangement
more aesthetically attractive. Academic writing typically has longer paragraphs
since each subject requires more detail. Shorter paragraphs are the norm in
less formal writing.
Always use the active voice - Stick to the
subject-verb-object sentence structure and use the active voice. It's the
quickest way to get your argument across. The active voice involves the subject
doing something, which is more thrilling than the passive form, which involves
the subject being done to. Although the passive voice is grammatically valid,
it produces long, complicated phrases and is a less effective manner of
conveying information.
Review and edit your work - Before you send your story over
to a professional editor, you should proofread your first draught. To enhance
your style, tighten your writing, double-check your word choice and sentence
structure, and develop your voice.
Use a natural, conversational tone - Your writing style is
defined by your own voice. Communicate in your natural habitat. In other words,
write as though you were speaking. Shape ideas with your own thoughts and
voice, and avoid clichés as much as possible. Your writing style should be a
reflection of yourself.
Read famous authors - You can tell its Mark Twain's work
just by looking at the tone of the narrative and the language he employs. Great
authors use their own style to stamp their work. Read Strunk and White's famed
style guide The Elements of Style in addition to fiction. Understanding how
other authors develop their style. Then apply the same principles to your own
work.