Every writer has a voice. You have one too—even if you don’t think of yourself as a “writer.”

Whether you’re typing out a last-minute essay, drafting a blog, or texting your friend about how awful that group project was, you’re using style. It’s how your personality, tone, and structure show up in your words. And if you want your writing to actually stand out—especially at uni—understanding writing style is essential.

This isn’t just for English majors. Knowing your writing style (and how to switch it when needed) can help with academic essays, personal statements, social media, newsletters, presentations, and even class notes.

Let’s break down exactly what style in writing is, the different types, and how to level up your own—with examples students can relate to.

What Is Style in Writing?

Style in writing is the way you express your thoughts through tone, word choice, sentence structure, and voice. Think of it like fashion: two people might wear the same black jeans, but one adds Doc Martens and chains, while another goes with white sneakers and a cardigan. Same foundation—totally different vibe.

In writing, you can say the same thing in totally different ways, and how you say it affects how it lands.

Example:

Formal: The results of the experiment demonstrated a clear correlation between caffeine intake and productivity.
Casual: Turns out, drinking coffee actually helps you get stuff done. Who knew?

Same core idea. Different style. Different audience. Different effect.

Why Style in Writing Actually Matters

You might be thinking, “Okay, but I just want to pass my essay, not win a Pulitzer.” Fair. But even in assignments, style helps your ideas come through clearly and persuasively.

Here’s why mastering style helps:

• You write faster because your tone is intentional.

• You sound more confident (great for essays and applications).

• You avoid sounding like ChatGPT vomit or last-minute word salad.

• You become a better communicator in real life—emails, texts, pitches, presentations.

The Four Main Types of Writing Style

Let’s talk about the big four writing styles. These are categories that describe your purpose for writing, and they influence your tone, structure, and word choice.

1. Expository

Used when you want to explain something clearly and logically. No fluff, just facts.

Where you use it: Essays, textbooks, lab reports.

Example:

The water cycle includes four stages: evaporation, condensation, precipitation, and collection. Each stage plays a critical role in distributing water throughout the Earth's ecosystems.

Style markers: Clear structure, neutral tone, third-person, no opinions.

2. Descriptive

Used to paint a picture using sensory detail—what you see, hear, feel, or imagine.

Where you use it: Creative writing, poetry, personal narratives.

Example:

The air was thick with the smell of instant noodles and the faint buzz of someone’s speaker playing Bad Bunny three rooms away.

Style markers: Imagery, metaphor, emotional tone, longer sentences.

3. Persuasive

Used to convince someone of an idea, opinion, or argument.

Where you use it: Argumentative essays, speeches, blog posts, personal statements.

Example:

Every student should have access to AI-powered learning tools—not just because they’re convenient, but because they can actually reduce academic burnout and level the playing field.

Style markers: Strong tone, emotional appeal, rhetorical questions, call to action.

4. Narrative

Used to tell a story. May include dialogue, characters, and a sequence of events.

Where you use it: Memoirs, short stories, personal essays.

Example:

I didn’t expect to cry over a PowerPoint. But when I clicked the last slide, something about it—my lecture notes turned into a visual summary, no effort from me—made me feel seen. Like I might actually pass this exam.

Style markers: First-person POV, dialogue, pacing, emotional build-up.

Tone vs. Style vs. Voice (What’s the Difference?)

Let’s clear this up. These terms often get mashed together, but they’re slightly different:

• Tone is the mood or attitude: serious, sarcastic, hopeful, bitter.

• Voice is the personality of the writer (your vibe).

• Style is the full combo of tone + structure + diction + rhythm.

Think of it like this:

• Voice is your personality.

• Tone is your mood.

• Style is your outfit.

You can have the same voice but use a different tone depending on the situation—just like you might wear a suit to an interview and sweats to brunch.

How to Find Your Writing Style

Here’s the truth: you already have a style. You just need to become aware of it and refine it.

Start by noticing:

• Do you use long, complex sentences or short, punchy ones?

• Are your word choices more casual or formal?

• Do you lean into humor or keep things strictly serious?

Then try this:

1. Mimic writers you like: Pick authors, bloggers, or even TikTok captions that resonate. What’s their rhythm? Their word choice?

2. Write how you talk (then edit): Don’t filter yourself too early—get your ideas out, then polish them.

3. Switch styles on purpose: Try rewriting the same paragraph in 3 different styles. Great practice.