Personal pronouns should be avoided when writing formally or professionally. A few examples are as follows: “you,” “your,” “my,” and “I.” Using these personal pronouns shows a lack of understanding of the audience reading the piece of writing. Keep in mind that the writing being submitted is clearly yours; your name is on the assignment! We, as the audience reading the assignment, already know the ideas are yours; there is no need to restate the obvious. Additionally, when the words “you” or “your” are used, it is as if a big, pointed index finger is now being used at the reader (your teacher, professor, or employer). People do not like being pointed at, whether it be in real life or in writing.

 

EXAMPLES

 

Original - “You should not view the law as an unjust one.”

Revised - “The law should not be viewed as an unjust one.”

 

Original - “I followed ten steps to completed the experiment.”

Revised - “Ten steps are required in order to complete the experiment.”

 

Original - “I think that the central meaning is clear.”

Revised - “Arguably, the central meaning is shown in several ways throughout the text.”