ACADEMIC AND BUSINESS WRITING – SELECTIVE USE OF THE FIRST PERSON
Points of view in writing
There are three different points of view that can be used in writing: first person, second
person, and third person. In academic and business writing, the third person point of view
is usually clearer and allows a writer to come across as more credible. Due to this and other
reasons, the third person point of view is considered the best in academic writing. The third
person, a key components of academic writing, is a voice intended to convey an objective
point of view. One can easily implement the third person by avoiding words and phrases
from the first or second person perspective.
First person occurs primarily through the use of the pronoun “I.” This is the point of view
used when a writer is writing about himself. There may be times when it is okay to
incorporate personal examples into an essay, and if so, the first person will be used.
However, it is generally best to avoid referring to yourself, as the writer. Statements like “I
believe” or “I think” tend to weaken writing and are better when written in the third
person. (example: “The government needs to pass this law” is better and stronger than “I
believe the government needs to pass this law.”)
Second person involves the use of the pronoun “you” to refer to the reader. There are few
times to use the second person in academic writing, as it can alienate the reader. Let’s look
at the following example:
All first-year university students should learn how to write well. Doing so will allow you to
do better in school, and you will receive better grades.
Points of view in writing
There are three different points of view that can be used in writing: first person, second
person, and third person. In academic and business writing, the third person point of view
is usually clearer and allows a writer to come across as more credible. Due to this and other
reasons, the third person point of view is considered the best in academic writing. The third
person, a key components of academic writing, is a voice intended to convey an objective
point of view. One can easily implement the third person by avoiding words and phrases
from the first or second person perspective.
First person occurs primarily through the use of the pronoun “I.” This is the point of view
used when a writer is writing about himself. There may be times when it is okay to
incorporate personal examples into an essay, and if so, the first person will be used.
However, it is generally best to avoid referring to yourself, as the writer. Statements like “I
believe” or “I think” tend to weaken writing and are better when written in the third
person. (example: “The government needs to pass this law” is better and stronger than “I
believe the government needs to pass this law.”)
Second person involves the use of the pronoun “you” to refer to the reader. There are few
times to use the second person in academic writing, as it can alienate the reader. Let’s look
at the following example:
All first-year university students should learn how to write well. Doing so will allow you to
do better in school, and you will receive better grades.
