Using 'one' & 'we' interchangeably or not?

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Peaceblinkfriend

#574167 Tue, 07 Oct 08 05:19 PM

Should we use 'one', 'we' and 'I' interchangeably in a piece of writing? Or should we stick to one of them throughout?

For instance, if I am writing about my opinion on a particular event, and I say 'If one looks at previous incidents, it is evident that...' while saying 'we should be able to...' somewhere within the piece of writing. What should I do?

Thanks

PBF

Peaceblinkfriend

Joined on Wed, May 9 2007

Australia

Contributing Member (1,676)

Clive

#574168 Tue, 07 Oct 08 05:24 PM

Hi,
Very generally speaking, try to be consistent.

If you are writing specifically about your opinion, say 'I'.

In very formal essay writing, it's good to avoid both 'I' and 'we'. Instead, the third person is recommended.

Clive

Clive

Joined on Thu, Oct 28 2004

Canada

Veteran Member (22,193)

El tango argentino es un pensamiento triste que se puede bailar (The tango argentino is a sad thought which can be danced) Enrique Santos Discépolo

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Peaceblinkfriend

#574178 Tue, 07 Oct 08 05:45 PM

Thanks for replying Clive.

When you said the third person is recommended, you were referring to 'one', right?

Also, I was wondering if you know of any good book or guide that I could refer to about things like this?

Thank you again

PBF

Peaceblinkfriend

Clive

#574244 Tue, 07 Oct 08 10:04 PM

Hi,

When you said the third person is recommended, you were referring to 'one', right? Yes. Or, instead of things like 'I believe that . . . ', you can say for example 'Some people believe that . . . '.

Also, I was wondering if you know of any good book or guide that I could refer to about things like this? I'm not familiar with such guides myself, although there are plenty around. Here is a list of some, and some discussion of them.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Style_guide

Best wishes, Clive

Clive