Final answer:
Humor in writing should be used sparingly and appropriately for the context, with greater latitude in creative writing. In formal writing, humor can be risky due to potential misunderstandings. Writers must consider their audience and the main message when using humor.
Step-by-step explanation:
Among the given options about using humor in writing, the true statement is that humor should be used sparingly and be context-appropriate. Humor can be an effective tool in writing to keep the audience engaged and make the content memorable. However, what is considered humorous can greatly vary among individuals. In formal writing, such as academic or professional communications, the use of humor can be risky due to potential misunderstandings, and it is usually advised to maintain a more serious tone. On the contrary, in creative writing, there is more freedom to employ humor as a literary device, such as through irony or satire, to make a point or critique societal issues subtly.
Writers like Charles Dickens and Jonathan Swift have masterfully used humor to criticize and provoke thought while entertaining their readers. Nevertheless, humor needs to be used carefully to ensure it doesn't overshadow the main message of the text. Maintaining appropriate tone in writing is critical, and one should always consider the audience and the context before incorporating humor into their work.