Mastering First Person Pronouns in Academic Writing: Guide & Examples
Academic writing's old guard spent decades waging war on personal pronouns, leaving students scrambling to construct elaborate passive sentences just to avoid saying "I." The result? Countless papers filled with awkward phrases like "it was observed that" when "I observed" would've worked perfectly well. But the tides have turned in modern academia, where many leading journals now accept, even encourage strategic use of first-person pronouns.
This shift recognizes what good writers have known all along: sometimes the clearest way to present research is to acknowledge the researcher behind it. From scientific papers to literary analysis, today's scholars understand that connecting with readers often means dropping the pretense of complete objectivity and embracing a more direct approach to sharing discoveries and insights.
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What Does "First Person in Academia" Mean?
At its core, the “first person” refers to using pronouns that directly signal the author’s presence:
I (singular)
We (plural)
My / Our (possessive forms)
In academic writing, these pronouns serve to highlight the author’s role, actions, or interpretations. These words explicitly position the author within the work. For example:
I argue that this interpretation better explains the evidence.
We conducted a survey across three universities.
This contrasts with third-person or passive constructions:
The author argues that this interpretation better explains the evidence.
A survey was conducted across three universities.
These constructions clarify responsibility, eliminate ambiguity, and often simplify sentence structure. Instead of a vague “The experiment was conducted”, you know exactly who performed the task.
For more context, see The First Person in Academic Writing (Duke University), which outlines the role of “I” and “we” in scholarly work.
Historical Context: Why First Person Was Once Taboo
For much of the 20th century, academic style guides insisted on avoiding first person. Strunk and White’s Elements of Style (1918) encouraged authors to place themselves “in the background,” promoting impersonal phrasing like:
The researcher observed that…
It was concluded that…
This preference aligned with broader values of objectivity and scientific detachment. By removing the author, the text seemed to focus solely on facts. However, this tradition ignores the reality that all scholarship carries interpretation.
Interestingly, before the 20th century, many scholars wrote freely in the first person. Philosophers, historians, and even scientists like Darwin regularly used “I” and “we.” The 20th-century shift reflected a cultural moment rather than a universal necessity.
<ProTip title="💡 Reminder:" description="Check your discipline’s official style guide. APA, MLA, and Chicago Manual have different recommendations on first person use." />
Why the First Person Matters Today
The landscape’s shifted for a few good reasons:
Clarity beats vagueness
Saying “I collected the data” is clear. “The data were collected” is vague and can sound like no one owned the work.
Ownership shows credibility
Your ideas and interpretations are yours. Saying “I argue” stakes your claim instead of hiding behind “it is argued.”
Transparency helps readers trust
Especially in qualitative research, admitting “I interviewed participants” shows you’re upfront about your role and potential bias.
Modern teaching encourages voice
Professors now want students to join the academic conversation as active participants, not invisible observers.
Example:
Less clear: It is believed that the results indicate bias.
More clear: I argue that the results indicate bias.
For guidance on disciplinary norms, see Academic Writing: Use of the First Person (University of Aberdeen).
<ProTip title="💡 Pro Tip:" description="Use first person sparingly in results sections, but freely in methods or reflective writing." />
Common Mistakes and How to Fix Them
Overusing passive voice
❌ “It was decided that the survey would be expanded.”
✅ “We decided to expand the survey.”
Ambiguous authorship
❌ “The author believes…”
✅ “I believe…”
Subjective hedging
❌ “I think it might be possible that…”
✅ “The results suggest…”
Switching perspectives mid-paper
Stay consistent: if you begin with first person, maintain it.
Disciplinary Differences in First Person Fits
Not all academic fields treat the first person equally. Knowing your discipline’s conventions is crucial.
Humanities and Social Sciences
Widely accepted, sometimes expected.
Used to highlight interpretation, positionality, or personal reflection.
Example: In this paper, I explore how identity shapes narrative voice.
Natural Sciences and Engineering
Traditionally discouraged, but acceptance is growing.
Used cautiously in methods sections: We measured…
Avoided in results sections where objectivity is emphasized.
Medicine and Psychology
Increasingly common in methods and discussion: We hypothesize…
Some journals explicitly encourage first person for clarity.
The Benefits of First Person Usage
Let’s break down the main advantages:
Stronger arguments: “I argue” signals confidence and originality.
Transparency: Readers see who is making claims and judgments.
Brevity: Shorter sentences compared to passive equivalents.
Reader trust: Honest acknowledgment of the researcher’s role reduces ambiguity.
Writing in the first person is like standing on stage and speaking directly to your audience instead of narrating through a curtain.
When to Avoid First Person
Despite the advantages, overuse can undermine your writing.
Excessive subjectivity: I believe… repeated often weakens authority.
Self-focus: Shifts attention from the research to the researcher.
Inappropriate tone: In highly technical or mathematical contexts, “I” may feel out of place.
Inconsistency: Mixing first person with impersonal voice confuses readers.
Example:
Poor: I think gravity is important in this experiment.
Better: We tested gravitational effects by…
<ProTip title="🧠 Writing Insight:" description="Reserve first person phrases for sections where analysis or reflection is required. Keep research findings objective and precise." />
Feature | First Person Example | Third Person Example | Best Use Case |
Clarity | We conducted interviews | Interviews were conducted | Methods |
Authority | I argue this framework is stronger | The author argues this framework | Discussion |
Objectivity | We observed anomalies | Anomalies were observed | Results |
Engagement | I challenge existing interpretations | It is argued that interpretations… | Introduction/Conclusion |
Practical Guidelines for Using First Person
To master first-person usage in your own academic writing, apply these principles:
1. Match Pronouns to Context
I = single author responsibility.
We = co-authors or researcher + reader (careful with “editorial we”).
2. Balance Subjectivity and Objectivity
Use first person for actions, arguments, and positioning. Keep data presentation objective. Example:
Good: “I collected survey responses.”
Better: “Survey responses revealed patterns in…”
3. Avoid Redundancy
Don’t overuse. Vary sentence structures for rhythm and engagement.
4. Be Transparent About Your Role
If your perspective influences interpretation, acknowledge it directly.
First Person in Different Paper Sections
Different parts of a research paper allow different levels of first-person usage.
Introduction
Acceptable: stating purpose → “In this paper, I argue that…”
Avoid: unnecessary subjectivity → “I think this is interesting.”
Methods
Increasingly common: “We administered tests to 300 subjects.”
Preferred over clunky passive voice.
Results
Typically objective. Minimal first person.
Focus on findings, not researcher.
Discussion
Strong use of first person: “We interpret these findings as…”
Helps distinguish your analysis from others’.
Conclusion
Appropriate: “I recommend further study in…”
Avoid overemphasis on personal feelings.
This advice aligns with Purdue OWL’s APA guidance, which emphasizes clarity and positioning the researcher’s role appropriately.
<ProTip title="🎯 Strategy:" description="Use first person in introductions, methods, and discussions, stay objective in results." />
Style Guide Perspectives
APA (American Psychological Association)
Allows first person in most cases, particularly methods.
Example: “We interviewed participants individually.”
MLA (Modern Language Association)
Accepts first person in analytical writing, particularly humanities.
Example: “I argue that Milton’s use of…”
Chicago Manual of Style
Flexible, often permitting first person if clarity is improved.
AMA (American Medical Association)
Permits first person in methods, but encourages neutral voice in results.
Common Myths About First Person
Myth 1: First person makes writing unprofessional.
Reality: Overuse can be distracting, but strategic use enhances clarity.
Myth 2: All journals prohibit first person.
Reality: Most major style guides now allow it.
Myth 3: First person always makes writing subjective.
Reality: Stating “I conducted the experiment” is factual, not opinion.
Checklist: Should You Use First Person?
Use this quick checklist before including first person:
Is your discipline open to first person?
Does clarity improve with “I” or “we”?
Are you describing your actions or interpretations?
Can you avoid repetition or overemphasis?
Does your journal/teacher allow it?
If most answers are “yes,” first person is likely the right choice.
Finding Your Voice with First Person in Academia
The evolution of academic writing hasn't just freed students from avoiding "I", it's opened doors to clearer, more engaging research papers. While some professors might still cling to old-school rules, the broader academic community recognizes that judicious use of first-person pronouns strengthens certain arguments.
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The key lies in understanding your field's expectations and wielding these pronouns purposefully, like any other writing tool. Master this balance, and you'll craft papers that connect with readers while maintaining scholarly credibility.