In writing, what does 'tone' refer to?

Tone in writing refers to the author's attitude toward the subject or audience. It encompasses the emotional quality conveyed through word choice, sentence structure, and stylistic elements. For instance, the tone can range from formal and serious to casual and humorous, influencing how the reader perceives the message or experiences the narrative. Recognizing the tone helps readers understand the emotional context and intended impact of the writing, making it an essential aspect of effective communication.

The subject matter deals with what the writing is about, rather than how it is conveyed. The overall length of the writing refers to the extent of the text and doesn't directly relate to the emotional feel or attitude expressed. While humor can be a component of tone, it represents just one possible expression of an author's attitude, rather than defining tone as a whole. Thus, understanding tone allows for a deeper grasp of both the text and the author's intent.