How to use pronouns in academic writing
Pronouns in academic writing
The pronoun is an integral part of speech that points to objects or people but does not name them. It addresses us to a person or object that has been previously mentioned and is known to us. To date, there is no consensus on the proper use of pronouns in academic writing. Some consider it a gross violation of formal rules, while others consider it a variant of the norm. Nevertheless, the question remains open.
Sometimes in academic speech, it is simply impossible to do without pronouns because frequent tautologies of proper names spoil the impression of academic work. There are many nuances to consider before using a particular pronoun. In English, pronouns have three persons that can be used in academic speech, but there are certain restrictions and rules for each of them. Let's find out the specifics of how each type of pronoun is used in academic writing.
Using first-person pronouns in academic writing
The personal pronouns I and we are still quite controversial and ambiguous for their use in academic texts. Some experts consider them completely inappropriate, as they distract the reader's attention from the author's personality, which is a big mistake since the main purpose of the text is to convey information, not to focus on the author. Avoiding the use of personal pronouns helps maintain objectivity.
Today, however, the rules have blurred somewhat, so first-person pronouns can be used when the writer needs to express their opinion. It is not recommended to overuse personal pronouns, so as not to give the text too much subjectivity and not to depart from the academic style. As for the pronoun we, it is correct to use it if you have co-authors.
Examples of correct use:
- ✔️ In this paper, I would like to expose the topic…
- ✔️ We have analyzed information from various sources.
- ✔️ In the course of my research, I discovered…
- ✔️ Based on the available data, we can conclude that…
There is also the option of using the passive voice, which helps reduce the use of personal pronouns.
Example:
- ❌ I processed the results of the survey.
- ✔️ The results of the survey were processed.
You should not use the pronoun We to generalize people. If you want to point to a particular group, you must be specific about whom you are talking about.
Example:
- ❌ If we raise salaries, the productivity level of the company will increase.
- ✔️ If employers raise salaries, the productivity level of the company will increase.
As we can see, personal pronouns in academic writing can be used if you know certain rules and conditions that will make their inclusion in your speech harmonious.
Use of second-person pronouns in academic writing
It is not customary in an academic speech to address the reader with the pronoun you. It contradicts ethical norms and violates the style of writing. Instead, it is better to use the pronoun one.
Example:
- ❌ In order to do qualitative research, you must examine several sources of information.
- ✔️ In order to do qualitative research, one must examine several sources of information.
The pronoun one, in this case, is impersonal and carries the connotation of neutrality.
Example:
- ✔️ As you have noticed, this pattern shows an increase in economic indicators.
- ✔️ As can be seen, this pattern shows an increase in economic indicators.
Sometimes in certain documents, like statements, the second person pronoun can be used as an expression of respect.
Use of third-person pronouns in academic writing
Third-person pronouns carry information about a person's gender specification, which is considered incorrect in academic writing. Previously, the pronouns he, his were used as neutral pronouns, but today it is a very gross violation of the rules of formality and ethics. It is not recommended to combine pronouns, as this can lead to confusion, loss of meaning, and defocused attention of both the author and the recipient. If you need to refer to someone whose gender you do not know, it is better to use the neutral they/them/their, which will help avoid mistakes and convey the meaning as correctly as possible.
Example:
- ❌ A lot of information can be found about this phenomenon in her paper.
- ✔️ A lot of information can be found about this phenomenon in their paper.
If you make such a substitution, it is important that it is clear who you are talking about. If the reader or listener cannot tell from the pronoun who you are talking about, you should replace it with a noun.
Harmonicity of pronouns in an academic text
It is crucial to adhere to the common usage of pronouns. You cannot keep changing them, saying first We and then using They. You do not want to switch from one person to another, either by talking about yourself as the author or by citing other researchers. Of course, you can occasionally mention other pronouns, but do not forget that overusing them will lower the quality of your academic writing.
Using demonstrative pronouns
In academic writing, it is essential that the author and the reader on the same page about what is being said. To clarify meaning and point to the desired thought, fact, or opinion, it is necessary to use pronouns such as this, that, these, those. They clarify and prevent confusion and loss of meaning. Still, do not use them too frequently, as they might lead to low text readability.
Conclusion
How you handle pronouns is crucial in academic writing. This part of speech can make your speech not only more understandable, accessible, and beautiful, but it can also completely ruin it by being incorrect, rude, and ethically inappropriate. It is vital to understand the very type of your academic work, from which you will be able to determine how appropriate the use of a particular pronoun will be. In this article, we looked at instances and patterns of using each type of personal pronoun in academic writing and broke down the most common mistakes that people often make.