There are four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive. While a writer will still incorporate their own voice in their writing, these different forms of writing each have a specific purpose and audience. Each kind of writing will dictate how the author shapes the copy, adjusting their sentence structure and word choice appropriately. 

1. __Narrative writing__: Narrative style is writing that tells a narrative storyline and includes elements often found in a novel or short story, like the main character, setting, and plot. It is most often used in fiction writing. Examples of the [narrative writing style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-essay-learn-how-to-write-a-narrative-essay-with-tips-and-examples) include fiction novels, screenplays, novellas, autobiographies, and biographies.
2. __Descriptive writing__: Descriptive writing uses figurative language and sensory detail to describe a person, place, or thing to allow readers to create a picture in their minds. In order to accomplish this, the [descriptive writing style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-descriptive-essay) employs various literary devices, such as allegories, similes, and metaphors. Descriptive writing is the style of writing often found in <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-vs-content-writing' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-vs-content-writing","linkCopy":"creative writing","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>creative writing</a> such as poetry.
3. __Expository writing__: Use an [expository writing style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-expository-essay) to inform or explain a topic to readers. Examples of expository writing include technical writing, scientific writing, business writing, high school essays, and news stories. The purpose of expository writing is to present a balanced, objective description of a topic. The format of an expository essay allows for a clear and logical explanation of complex information instead of proving a point or providing the author’s opinion on a subject. Expository writing is a valuable skill in many fields of work, including journalism, business, and science.
4. __Persuasive writing__: When you use a [persuasive writing style](https://www.masterclass.com/articles/persuasive-essay-guide), you <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> your point of view or opinion to try to influence the reader to adopt your stance on a subject. It’s important to include justifications and evidence to support your opinion. Examples of persuasive writing include letters of recommendation, cover letters, advertising campaigns, political speeches, and editorials.
Become a better writer with the [MasterClass Annual Membership](https://www.masterclass.com). Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Roxane Gay, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more.
When you begin a piece of writing, your work will generally fall into one of four broad categories. Each of the four writing styles is suited to a particular purpose. Learn how to use narrative writing, descriptive writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing to great effect.

When you begin a piece of writing, your work will generally fall into one of four broad categories. Each of the four writing styles is suited to a particular purpose. Learn how to use narrative writing, descriptive writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing to great effect.

Writing Styles: How to Use the 4 Foundational Writing Styles

There are four main types of writing: expository, descriptive, narrative, and persuasive. While a writer will still incorporate their own voice in their writing, these different forms of writing each have a specific purpose and audience. Each kind of writing will dictate how the author shapes the copy, adjusting their sentence structure and word choice appropriately. <ol class="mc-m-4"><li class="mc-my-4"> 1. Narrative writing: Narrative style is writing that tells a narrative storyline and includes elements often found in a novel or short story, like the main character, setting, and plot. It is most often used in fiction writing. Examples of the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-essay-learn-how-to-write-a-narrative-essay-with-tips-and-examples' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/what-is-a-narrative-essay-learn-how-to-write-a-narrative-essay-with-tips-and-examples","linkCopy":"narrative writing style","category":null}'>narrative writing style</a> include fiction novels, screenplays, novellas, autobiographies, and biographies. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 2. Descriptive writing: Descriptive writing uses figurative language and sensory detail to describe a person, place, or thing to allow readers to create a picture in their minds. In order to accomplish this, the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-descriptive-essay' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-a-descriptive-essay","linkCopy":"descriptive writing style","category":null}'>descriptive writing style</a> employs various literary devices, such as allegories, similes, and metaphors. Descriptive writing is the style of writing often found in <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-vs-content-writing' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/creative-writing-vs-content-writing","linkCopy":"creative writing","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>creative writing</a> such as poetry. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 3. Expository writing: Use an <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-expository-essay' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-to-write-an-expository-essay","linkCopy":"expository writing style","category":null}'>expository writing style</a> to inform or explain a topic to readers. Examples of expository writing include technical writing, scientific writing, business writing, high school essays, and news stories. The purpose of expository writing is to present a balanced, objective description of a topic. The format of an expository essay allows for a clear and logical explanation of complex information instead of proving a point or providing the author’s opinion on a subject. Expository writing is a valuable skill in many fields of work, including journalism, business, and science. </li><li class="mc-my-4"> 4. Persuasive writing: When you use a <a href='https://www.masterclass.com/articles/persuasive-essay-guide' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com/articles/persuasive-essay-guide","linkCopy":"persuasive writing style","category":null}'>persuasive writing style</a>, you <a href='https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication' target='_blank' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://masterclass.com/articles/robin-robertss-tips-for-effective-communication","linkCopy":"communicate","category":"automated-link"}' automatic='true'>communicate</a> your point of view or opinion to try to influence the reader to adopt your stance on a subject. It’s important to include justifications and evidence to support your opinion. Examples of persuasive writing include letters of recommendation, cover letters, advertising campaigns, political speeches, and editorials. </li></ol>

4 Types of Writing Styles

Become a better writer with the <a href='https://www.masterclass.com' target='_self' class='mc-text--link' data-mc-segment-trigger='true' data-mc-segment-event-type='Article Page Click' data-event-obj='{"textTag":"p","href":"https://www.masterclass.com","linkCopy":"MasterClass Annual Membership","category":null}'>MasterClass Annual Membership</a>. Gain access to exclusive video lessons taught by the world’s best, including Roxane Gay, Neil Gaiman, Walter Mosley, Margaret Atwood, Joyce Carol Oates, Dan Brown, and more.

Want to Learn More About Writing?

When you begin a piece of writing, your work will generally fall into one of four broad categories. Each of the four writing styles is suited to a particular purpose. Learn how to use narrative writing, descriptive writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing to great effect.

When you begin a piece of writing, your work will generally fall into one of four broad categories. Each of the four writing styles is suited to a particular purpose. Learn how to use narrative writing, descriptive writing, expository writing, and persuasive writing to great effect.
