Everyone has their style when it comes to writing. Several sorts of writing are determined by both the audience and the format – whether it is an essay, research paper, diary, poetry, or any other style of writing.

Finding your writing style is essential since it becomes a part of your identity. 

This article will explain the various writing styles, so you know which to use. It will also provide you with some ideas on how to establish your writing style.

The Four Kinds of Writing

Knowing the many forms of writing is essential to finding your writing style.

There are four kinds of writing:

1. Expository Writing

Expository writing’s primary goal is to explain something. It is often employed in academic contexts since it is one of the most prevalent writing styles. 

The author’s viewpoint is unlikely to be included in expository writing. Instead, it is packed with facts that either convey knowledge about a certain topic or explain how to accomplish something.

When Should You Use Expository Writing?

• How-to manuals
• Recipes
• Writing for academic purposes
• Papers on technical and scientific subjects
• Editorials and news

2. Narrative Writing

Narrative writing is exactly what it sounds like: it relies on narration and narrative. This kind of writing necessitates the author’s creation of characters and, at times, conversation. 

It follows a plot that introduces the characters and takes the reader on their trip.

When Should You Use Narrative Writing

• Stories of brevity
• Novels
• Poetry
• Pieces that are biographical or autobiographical
• The oral history
• Anecdotes

3. Persuasive Writing

Persuasive writing comprises arguments to persuade the reader. The author shares their point of view and provides evidence for why you should agree with them on a particular issue.

When Should You Use Persuasive Writing?

• Advertorial
• Recommendation letter
• Opinion and editorial articles
• Statements of Personal Interest
• Reviews

4. Descriptive Writing

Descriptive writing is concerned with explaining something in great detail. 

Descriptive writing, in addition to short and to-the-point language, builds a picture for the reader.

When Should You Use Descriptive Writing?

• Journaling
• Poetry
• Fiction
• Writing about nature

First, Choose Your Purpose, then Select a Style

When writing, you’ll often be reminded to consider your audience before you begin. 

Understanding your “why” will assist you in deciding on your “how.” That is why it is important to understand the many sorts of writing styles. 

It will assist you in making your writing more effective and carefully crafted.

Why Does It Matter?

Knowing why you’re writing will assist you to fulfil the piece’s purpose. Furthermore, if you have a clear objective, you will be able to build your unique writing style.

What Is Your Writing Style?

Writing is a kind of communication, and everyone has something to say and a distinct method of saying it.

Consider the following while defining your writing style:

1. Tone and Voice:

Voice refers to who is speaking, but tone refers to how you are speaking. When you write, you are essentially placing words that you might utter out. 

As a result, when someone reads it, they may notice a specific cadence, or rhythm, in how you put the words together. 

This becomes one of your writing style’s most evident characteristics.

2. Examine Your Point of View:

Take a step back to understand how and why you view things the way you do. 

Then, in your writing, strive to portray that thinking process so that the reader understands where you’re coming from.

3. Avoid Cliches:

Refrain from using overused terms in your writing. While cliches provide truth, they detract from your unique style since they have been overused.

4. Understand the Writing Rules:

Ensure to follow basic writing norms and language, especially when writing for academics or business. 

It will be simpler to concentrate on the real topic of the work if you master these guidelines before you begin.

You can use various online tools like Hemingway editor, Grammarly, etc…

If you want to write in Spanish you can use iScribo to ensure you’re free from any grammatical errors.

5. Daily Practice:

The more you do it, the better you become at it. You will automatically improve if you write a little bit every day.

Final Thoughts

You will take a different strategy each time, depending on what you want to write.

You may pick the sorts of writing that are most suited for each work by identifying your objectives and understanding your audience.

As you continue to write, you will begin to build a style that is unique to you.  Best wishes and happy writing!