Can you use personal pronouns in term papers?
Asked by kellyduhhhlike for a personal story.
Favorite Answer
Answered by Bronwen
If the assignment is for you to write something in first person, then naturally you may use first person personal pronouns. If the assignment is not specifically for you to write something in first person, then you should avoid the first person personal pronouns. I know it sounds cumbersome, but instead of writing, "Reading 'Oliver Twist' really gave me a good idea of what life was like in Victorian England," you should go with something like, "Reading 'Oliver Twist' gives the reader a good idea of what life was like in Victorian England." The general rule is that when writing formal papers, there should be no direct references to the writer. The only exception is when the assignment specifically states that you should include personal information. Otherwise, you should avoid using words like "I" and "me." I hope that makes sense. Best of luck.
If the assignment is for you to write something in first person, then naturally you may use first person personal pronouns. If the assignment is not specifically for you to write something in first person, then you should avoid the first person personal pronouns. I know it sounds cumbersome, but instead of writing, "Reading 'Oliver Twist' really gave me a good idea of what life was like in Victorian England," you should go with something like, "Reading 'Oliver Twist' gives the reader a good idea of what life was like in Victorian England." The general rule is that when writing formal papers, there should be no direct references to the writer. The only exception is when the assignment specifically states that you should include personal information. Otherwise, you should avoid using words like "I" and "me." I hope that makes sense. Best of luck.
