Style

Arthur C. Brooks uses a mixed style of writing in the article “The Link Between Happiness and a Sense of Humor”. The mix of formal and informal language fits the purpose of the article, which is to present scientific facts on the topic of humor and happiness. 

On the one hand, Brooks uses formal language when he expresses his ideas through scientific and academic terms, like “incongruity” (, l. 3), “mitigate” (l. 29), and “conviviality” (l. 47). The formal language is also illustrated through complex phrasings, like “insofar as grimness is not winsome to others” (l. 55) and “this kind of humor tends to be nihilistic as opposed to lighthearted” (l. 73). In general, Brooks engages his readers through the use of academic language, which makes his style seem knowledgeable a...