Mastering the Art of Writing Without Using 'I'

Learning how to write without using personal language can be tough. It is especially tricky to find alternatives to clauses such as 'I think' or 'I will argue.' However, by adopting certain strategies, you can enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing. This article provides insight into techniques to avoid the use of 'I' in your academic essays and general professional writing.

Tips for Avoiding the Use of 'I'

1. Make Direct Statements: Avoid using subjective phrases such as 'I believe that Y and Z show X.' Instead, state 'Y and Z show X.' This direct approach removes the personal bias from your statements and focuses on the evidence or findings. 2. Begin Sentences with Nouns: To avoid personalizing your sentences, try beginning them with nouns. For example, instead of saying 'I know young people love music,' say 'Music is loved by young people.' This method shifts the focus from your personal opinion to the statement itself. 3. Encourage Reader Participation: Engage your audience by including them without using 'I.' For instance, instead of saying 'I realized that I had to make difficult decisions at some point,' say 'Every human being must make difficult decisions at some point.' This involvement of the reader makes the statement universal and less personal.

Eliminating Personal Phrases

To eliminate the use of phrases like 'I believe,' 'I think,' or 'In my opinion' in your paper, try replacing them with more direct language. For example, if you say 'I believe everyone should have the right to vote,' simply state 'Everyone should have the right to vote.' Similarly, instead of saying 'You should support the right to vote,' you can say 'Support the right to vote.' This approach makes the statement more assertive and less personal.

Conveying Objectivity

Personal pronouns like 'I' and 'my' often convey a subjective message. To maintain objectivity, writers must explain their perspectives through their writing rather than directly stating them. For instance, instead of saying 'I have researched this topic using abc...' you could say 'My research on this topic was completed using abc.' This subtle shift in language emphasizes the factual nature of the research rather than your personal involvement.

To further illustrate the use of alternative language, consider the following examples:

Original

I went to the bank. I have researched this topic using abc. I believe that Y and Z show X. I know that young people love music. I realized that I had to make difficult decisions at some point. In my opinion, everyone should have the right to vote.

Revised

Jumper went to the bank. My research on this topic was completed using abc. Y and Z show X. Music is loved by young people. Every human being must make difficult decisions at some point. Everyone should have the right to vote.

By making these changes, you can improve the clarity and professionalism of your writing, making it more engaging and focused on the content and evidence rather than your personal experience.

Conclusion

Mastering the art of avoiding personal language in your writing is a valuable skill for any academic or professional pursuit. By using direct statements, beginning sentences with nouns, and engaging your readers, you can enhance the clarity and objectivity of your work. Remember to keep your focus on the evidence and findings, rather than personal opinions or experiences. Best wishes in your academic and professional writing endeavors!