What Is Writing Style? Words Fitted Perfectly to the Task!
Posted On February 16th, 2012 | Topics! Topics! Topics!
Do you wonder what writing style is? Do you think perhaps you need to improve your own? Or perhaps you have the sneaking suspicion that what your writing style is sometimes may not match what’s called for? Congratulations, if you understand the need for different approaches for different papers, you are on the right track! This means you have a real chance of success. Luckily, this is a condensed writing style manual, which will help you to understand when to write in which fashion.
What is writing style? Defined in simple terms
Writing style is the manner in which you usually present your ideas in writing. Even though it is highly individual like your signature, there are a number of criteria which can be used to evaluate any writing style:
- grammar;
- sentence structure;
- clarity;
- assertiveness;
- use of metaphors;
- word choice;
- tone.
What is writing style? Don’t confuse it with citation style!
Easily confusing writing style with citation style, a student might ask, “What is APA writing style?” Various citation styles, such as APA, MLA, Chicago, Harvard, Turabian and others, prescribe the format of reference lists and in-text citations.
Warning: Citation styles never vary. A Harvard reference list will always display bibliographic data the same way. Writing style can vary from writer to writer, and from genre to genre by the same writer.
What is writing style? Main elements
Has your instructor ever warned you that if you plagiarize, he/she will know it even without using special software? Sad but true! As a bird is known by its call, or a car by the sound of its motor, you can be recognized by your writing style. To see how this is possible, look closely at the elements of style which mark your writing unmistakably:
- word choice;
- sentence structures;
- punctuation;
- figures of speech;
- clichés.
What is writing style in literature?
Using these elements, you could discuss the writing style of an author in Literature courses. All outstanding writers and poets have their unique writing styles. For instance, the writing style of Hemingway is characterized by straightforward grammar, Anglo-Saxon words, and short, action-oriented sentences. In contrast, the writing style of Charlotte Bronte was more complicated. Metaphors and descriptive words illuminated her characters’ interior lives.
What is your writing style and when to change it?
Read more »

Yes, you must be a really outstanding student if you want to apply to one of the most prestigious law schools. If you have weighed your chances to get through the Harvard Law School admission process successfully, we are glad to help you.