Various tones can be used to convey different meanings in English. Here is a simple guide for authors about tones in English Writing.
You’re not the only one confused about the difference between “voice” and “tone” in English writing. Both terms are often used interchangeably by writers.
Let’s start with the tone in writing.
What is Tone in Writing?
When we speak, we convey tone (even if we don’t realize it). Take the example of you and I having an appointment, and you show up half an hour late due to traffic.
“Are you always on time?” I ask, a grin on my face.
Hence, my smile sends a clear message: I’m not upset, just sarcastic. It’s all about tone. It is no different when it comes to communicating tone in writing. Make sure you do not tell your reader how to feel. You should instead convey your feelings with carefully chosen words that create the right tone.
Tones in English Writing:
The rhythm of English is determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a sentence. There are other languages, such as Chinese or Vietnamese, where the pitch of a word can change the meaning of a word. Unlike English, which does not have tonal systems, certain syllables can change the meaning of a word.
As a result, English doesn’t have tones as do tonal languages. Despite this, English has a system of pitch contours, or intonation, which is a variation in the pitch of the voice. To indicate surprise, ask a question, or convey emotion, intonation can convey a range of meanings.
As mentioned earlier, whenever you write, your writing voice should reflect your unique personality and character. In order to communicate with your readers in a way that resonates, you have to understand the differences between novel, blog post, article, and poem.
Therefore, it is clear that in writing, tone refers to your attitude.
Voice is what you say, and tone is how you say it.
Let’s take a closer look at what that means.
Types of Tones in English Writing:
Various pitches can be used to convey different meanings in English. In English, there are many types of tones. Here are a few examples:
1. Using a rising tone indicates a question or expresses uncertainty or doubt. If you were asking a question, for example, “Do you want to go for a walk?”, the pitch of your voice might rise at the end of the sentence.
2. To indicate certainty or finality, a falling tone is used. When a statement is made, such as “I’m going to the store,” the pitch of the voice may fall at the end.
3. The neutral tone is used to convey neutral or factual statements. A person might describe a situation or explain something with a relatively flat pitch, such as “The sun rises in the east and sets in the west.”
4. An emphatic tone conveys a strong feeling or emphasis. In some cases, the pitch of the voice may rise or fall sharply when expressing strong emotion or making a strong point.
5. Whispers are used to convey secrecy or speak quietly to people close to us in a very soft or quiet voice.
Tones in English writing can take many forms. These are just a few examples. It depends on the context and the speaker’s intention how the pitch of the voice is used.
The other way of defining tone is the expression of the message. There is an almost endless list of human emotions you can show me, and I’ll show you a tone for it.
The basic ones are as follows:
1. Formal
2. Informal
3. Optimistic
4. Pessimistic
5. Joyful
6. Sad
7. Sincere
8. Hypocritical
9. Fearful
10. Hopeful
11. Humorous
12. Serious
Conclusion:
The rhythm of English is determined by the pattern of stressed and unstressed syllables in a sentence. A word’s pitch cannot change its meaning in English, unlike some other languages. English, however, does have a pitch contour system, in which a speaker changes the pitch of their voice during a speech.
Various meanings are conveyed through intonation, such as indicating surprise, asking a question, or expressing emotions. It depends on the context and speaker’s intention what kind of tone to use in English. An example of a tone is one that rises, falls, is neutral, emphatic, is whispered, is soft, is loud, is angry, is happy, and is sad.
It is important to keep the overall tone of your story consistent throughout your story, regardless of the character and scene. That way, you won’t confuse your reader and hinder your message.