Bonus Library – Writing Tones

Tone is how your writing sounds in someone’s head. The words might be the same, but the feeling can change a lot. A thank-you note can feel bubbly, businesslike, or deeply heartfelt, all depending on the tone you choose.

In the WWH framework, tone lives in the “How.” Who is the role you want ChatGPT to act like. What is the task you want it to do. How is the way you want it to sound. When you tell ChatGPT both what to write and how it should feel, the results usually fit you much better.

This guide gives you a simple menu of tones: Everyday and Friendly, Professional and Practical, Supportive and Thoughtful, Fun and Playful, and Formal and Special Occasion. Each tone comes with a short description and a sample sentence. To use it, you just drop the tone into your request, such as “Write a thank-you note to my book club in a Warm and Caring tone.”

25 Writing Tones You Can Use With AI

Everyday & Friendly

Casual & Cheerful

Use for birthday greetings, quick notes

“Happy birthday! I hope your day is special.”

Warm & Caring

Use for thank-yous, supportive notes

“Thank you so much for your kindness, it meant the world to me.”

Light & Humorous

Use when you want to bring a smile

“Don’t worry, I promise not to eat all the cookies before you arrive!”

Optimistic & Upbeat

Use for event invitations

“We’re excited to see you Saturday, it’s going to be a wonderful time!”

Simple & Plain-English

Use for clear, easy messages

“Dinner is at 6 p.m. at my place. See you then.”

Professional & Practical

Short & Professional

Use for invitations, RSVPs

“Confirmed for the 3 p.m. meeting on Thursday.”

Respectful & Formal

Use when addressing leaders or doctors

“Thank you for your time and guidance during yesterday’s appointment.”

Friendly but Businesslike

Use for club or volunteer updates

“Our next meeting is on Tuesday evening, we’d love for you to join.”

Direct & No-Frills

Use for straight-to-the-point notes

“The package arrived today and is ready for pickup.”

Polite & Traditional

Use for old-fashioned, respectful letters

“I remain truly grateful for your ongoing support.”

Supportive & Thoughtful

Gentle & Encouraging

Use when someone needs a boost

“I know this is tough, but I believe in you, keep going.”

Comforting & Sympathetic

Use for condolences or hard times

“I’m deeply sorry for your loss. My thoughts are with you.”

Reflective & Thoughtful

Use for sharing memories or life lessons

“I’ll never forget the walks we took together, those moments stay with me.”

Hopeful & Reassuring

Use to calm worries

“Things may feel uncertain now, but brighter days are ahead.”

Kind but Firm

Use for setting polite boundaries

“I wish I could help this time, but I need to focus on other commitments.”

Fun & Playful

Lively & Energetic

Use for party invitations

“Come ready to dance and celebrate. It’s going to be a blast!”

Whimsical & Lighthearted

Use for fun, light notes

“If laughter is the best medicine, consider this a big prescription.”

Chatty & Conversational

Use for a neighborly tone

“You’ll never guess what I saw at the market today, let me tell you!”

Storytelling Style

Use when sharing a memory or anecdote

“When I was a kid, we used to sit on the porch and watch the fireflies, just like tonight.”

Youthful & Spirited

Use when writing to grandkids

“You’re a rockstar! I can’t wait to hear all about your soccer game.”

Formal & Special Occasion

Ceremonial & Respectful

Use for weddings or church events

“We gather today with hearts full of joy and reverence.”

Elegant & Polished

Use for formal thank-yous or galas

“Your generosity made the evening truly unforgettable.”

Sincere & Dignified

Use when writing to someone you admire

“Your leadership and wisdom continue to inspire me.”

Official & Precise

Use for times, directions, or policies

“The event will begin at 2:00 p.m. sharp in the main hall.”

Grateful & Appreciative

Use for heartfelt thanks with formality

“I am truly grateful for your thoughtful support and kindness.”

Closing

The best way to learn tone is to try it on real messages you care about. Start with something simple, like a thank-you note, an invitation, or a short update for friends or family. Ask ChatGPT to write it in one tone from this guide, then try the same message in a second tone. Read them out loud and notice how the feeling changes.

Next, bring tone into your regular prompting. Instead of just saying what you want, add how you want it to sound. For example, “Write this in a Simple and Plain-English tone” or “Make this Comforting and Sympathetic.” If you are not sure which tone to use, ask ChatGPT to suggest a few options and show you side-by-side versions.

Over time, you will find a small set of tones that feel like “you.” You might use one for friendly notes, another for formal occasions, and a third for encouraging someone who is struggling. Save the tone names that work for you, and reuse them in future prompts. The more you practice, the easier it becomes to choose a tone on purpose and have AI write in a way that truly sounds like your voice.

Want more?

See our complete list of articles on the topic of writing better with AI.