What are the 7 styles of writing with examples?

Understanding the different styles of writing can help you write more effectively, whether you're penning a persuasive letter, a story, or a formal document. Each style has a distinct purpose, tone, and structure. If you’ve ever wondered why your writing doesn’t always hit the mark, it may simply be a matter of choosing the wrong style for the task at hand. In this article, we’ll walk you through the seven main writing styles, provide clear examples, and explore how to apply them in everyday writing.

1. Narrative Writing

Narrative writing tells a story. It has a beginning, middle and end, often with characters, dialogue, and conflict. It's commonly found in novels, biographies, and memoirs.

• Purpose: To entertain, engage or inform through storytelling.

• Tone: Personal, descriptive and often emotional.

• Example: She stared at the blank letter, her pen trembling. This was the moment she would finally tell him the truth.

  
  

Narrative writing can be a powerful tool in personal writing projects, or when creating emotional case studies for brands or campaigns.

2. Descriptive Writing

This style paints a picture using sensory details. You’ll often find it in poetry, travel blogs, and creative prose.

• Purpose: To create a vivid experience or image for the reader.

• Tone: Artistic, expressive and immersive.

• Example: The paper was rough beneath her fingers, ink spreading like spilled wine under the dim light of the lamp.

  
  

Descriptive writing helps you set a strong scene, especially useful in persuasive writing where visualisation can strengthen emotional appeal.

3. Expository Writing

Expository writing aims to inform or explain a topic clearly and logically. Think of it as educational writing.

• Purpose: To educate or present facts.

• Tone: Neutral and objective.

• Example: There are four types of sentences in English: declarative, interrogative, imperative and exclamatory. Each serves a unique purpose in communication.

  
  

This style is widely used in blogs, manuals, how-to articles and business writing. Websites like SkillsYouNeed offer excellent breakdowns for developing this style.

4. Persuasive Writing

Used to convince the reader of a viewpoint or to take action, persuasive writing blends emotion with logic.

• Purpose: To persuade or argue a position.

• Tone: Confident, assertive and sometimes emotive.

• Example: Without proper funding for schools, our children are being left behind. We must act now to invest in their future.

  
  

It is especially effective in letters of complaint, cover letters and calls to action. For guidance, Harvard's guide to persuasive writing is a trusted resource.

5. Reflective Writing

Reflective writing explores thoughts, experiences, and learning moments. You’ll often see this in journals, portfolios or personal development essays.

• Purpose: To reflect and learn from experiences.

• Tone: Personal, introspective and analytical.

• Example: At first, I found public speaking terrifying, but with practice, I began to see it not as a performance, but a conversation.

  
  

Reflective writing is key in academia and self-assessment. Platforms like Open University provide structured help for reflective practice.

6. Technical Writing

Technical writing explains complex information in a clear and concise way. It's found in user manuals, legal documents, and instruction guides.

• Purpose: To explain processes or technical concepts.

• Tone: Precise, direct and objective.

• Example: To replace the cartridge, first disconnect the printer from the power source. Open the top panel and lift the old cartridge out carefully.

  
  

This style is essential in professional communications. For compliance and clarity, referencing the UK Government’s Plain English Guide is strongly advised.

7. Creative Writing

This style prioritises originality, imagination and unique voice. It appears in poetry, screenplays, flash fiction and experimental formats.

• Purpose: To entertain or express creatively.

• Tone: Varies widely based on content and voice.

• Example:The sun yawned awake, spilling gold over the rooftops as the city blinked into consciousness.

  
  

Creative writing pushes boundaries. It's a brilliant way to showcase your style and connect emotionally with readers. Many writers hone their creativity with resources like NaNoWriMo and creative writing courses from FutureLearn.

How This Relates to Letter Writing

At LetterLab, we use all of these styles depending on the type of letter you need. A cover letter blends persuasive and expository styles. A character reference may lean on narrative and reflective tones. A complaint letter needs persuasive clarity, while a legal letter must follow technical conventions.

Whether you're requesting financial aid, writing a letter to a judge, or simply want your message to hit home, choosing the right style is key.

Final Thoughts

So, what are the 7 styles of writing with examples? They are narrative, descriptive, expository, persuasive, reflective, technical and creative. Each has its own rhythm, purpose and power.

Understanding these styles is not just about writing better, it’s about thinking better, communicating clearly and getting results.

If you’d like help choosing the right tone and structure for your next letter, explore our letter writing services or browse through our portfolio of example letters for inspiration.