Can you use they in a research paper?

she/her/hers, they/them/their In academic or college writing, most formal essays and research reports use third person pronouns and do not use I or you.

Is it okay to use personal pronouns in a college essay?

You can use first-person pronouns in your essays, but you probably shouldn’t. My sense is that teachers usually tell their students to avoid I or me (or we, us, my, and our) because these pronouns are often used poorly.

Can you use second person in a research paper?

Generally, it is best to avoid second person pronouns in scholarly writing because they remove the distance between the reader and the writer. Instead, try to use first or third person pronouns to enhance clarity. Most Walden programs and APA (2020) allow the appropriate use of first person.

What is the primary point of view used in academic writing?

Third person also includes the use of one, everyone, and anyone. Most formal, academic writing uses the third person.

How do you start an assignment in third person?

For a third person paragraph, use a name or he, she, or it instead of using I. Since this paragraph is about your own opinion, use your own name (for example, Joe spoke) or he, she, or it (for example, He spoke). How do I write in second person? Use “you” instead of “I.” Like you’re referencing your reader.