Literature
Avoiding First-Person Language in Analytical Essays or Historical Papers
How to Avoid Using First-Person Language in Analytical Essays or Historical Papers
Avoiding first-person language in analytical essays or historical papers can significantly enhance the objectivity and formality of your writing. Here are some strategies to help you achieve this goal, ensuring your work is more credible and scholarly.Strategies for Maintaining Objective Writing
Use Passive Voice
Passive voice can help eliminate the subject of the sentence, making them more impersonal. For instance, instead of writing,“I analyzed the historical trends in the Industrial Revolution.”
you can write,“The historical trends in the Industrial Revolution were analyzed.”
This approach shifts the focus from the author to the subject matter.Center Your Writing on the Subject Matter
Focusing on the topic itself, rather than your personal perspective, is crucial. For example, instead of saying,“I believe that the causes of World War II were complex and multifaceted.”
you can write,“The causes of World War II were complex and multifaceted.”
This centers the argument on the topic, making the writing more objective.Employ Third-Person Language
Using third-person pronouns like "he," "she," and "they" can help remove the author from the writing. For instance,“The author advocates for...”
should be transformed to,“He or she advocates for...”
This third-person perspective allows the reader to focus on the analysis rather than the author's opinion.Cite Evidence and Sources
Using evidence from primary and secondary sources to support your claims is essential. This strengthens your argument and shifts the emphasis from personal opinion to research. For example,“John Smith argues that...”
is better supported by,“It is suggested by John Smith that...”
or,“John Smith’s research shows that...”
By using phrases like “it is suggested,” “research shows,” “it was reported,” and “observers say,” you can maintain a formal and objective tone.Use Objective Language
Choosing words that convey objectivity is also important. Phrases like “it is likely,” “it seems probable,” and “observations indicate” contribute to a formal and neutral tone. For instance,“I think that...”
can be transformed into,“It seems likely that...”
or,“Observations indicate that...”
These phrases eliminate personal bias and enhance the reliability of your writing.Structure Your Argument Logically
Organizing your analysis through a clear structure with headings and subheadings guides the reader through your arguments without needing to reference yourself. For example,Introduction
Introduce the topic and state the thesis.Body Paragraphs
Topic Sentence 1: (Relevant evidence and analysis)
Topic Sentence 2: (Further evidence and analysis)
and so on.Conclusion
Summarize the main arguments and restate the thesis.Avoid Personal Reflections
Refrain from including personal opinions, experiences, or reflective statements. Focus on the analysis, interpretation, and synthesis of information. For example, instead of writing,“In my opinion, the reasons for the French Revolution were economic.”
you can write,“The evidence suggests that the economic factors played a significant role in the French Revolution.”
Transforming Examples
First Person
“I concluded that the Industrial Revolution began primarily as a result of political changes.”
Third Person
“It was concluded that the Industrial Revolution began primarily as a result of political changes.”
By following these strategies, you can maintain a formal and objective tone in your analytical essays and historical papers, enhancing their credibility and scholarly impact.Beyond Formulating the Argument
When writing an essay or paper, it is essential to think and write as if you are a critic or analyst. Never use phrases indicating personal thoughts, such as "think," "suppose," "assume," "presume," or "know" from a first-person perspective. Instead, use phrases like:"Research suggests..."
"It is suggested by..."
"There is evidence that..."
"It was reported that..."
"Observers/commentators say or have written..."
"This opinion is/was informed by..."
"It has been found that..."
"It is possible/probable that..."
"There seems to be/has seemed to be..."
These phrases help maintain a formal and objective tone, making your argument more credible and persuasive.