Point of View
When writing, we always write from 1 of 3 points of view: 1st person, 2nd person, or 3rd person. The purpose and audience dictates the point of view for your writing. In personal writing, writers use "I" often, which is 1st person. In instructional writing, such as these lecture notes, 2nd person is often used (you). Second person is also used in informal speaking and in advertisements. In formal writing, 3rd person is often used (they, him, her). This point of view refers specifically to certain sets of pronouns listed below. The table below demonstrates the different points of view.
1st person |
*2nd person (avoid) |
3rd person |
|
Subjective |
I, we |
you |
he, she, it, they |
Objective |
me, us |
you |
him, her, it, them |
Possessive |
my, mine, our(s) |
your(s) |
his, hers, its, their(s) |
- Academic writing is generally formal or semi-formal. This means that 3rd person is used most often; 1st person is used in specific situations but sparingly. 2nd person (you, your, yours) is NEVER used in college-level essays unless directly quoting research.
- The 2nd person is used in directional process writing (instructional writing), but you will not be attempting this mode. Use of 2nd person pronouns in this course is an error that indicates you are unaware of the rules concerning second person pronouns.
- Generally, using 2nd person indicates a lack of specific examples. If you find yourself using 2nd person, think about a specific person to use instead, even if it is yourself.
Be particularly wary of 1st person, plural pronouns (we, us, our). They should only be used when the group of people being discussed is clearly defined (particularly as to whether or not the reader is supposed to be a part of that group).