One of the most common questions thesis writers ask is:<\/p>\n
\nAm I allowed to say \u2018I\u2019 in academic writing?<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Academic writing often comes with a long list of rules\u2014some real, some assumed\u2014and many students believe that using first person pronouns like \u201cI\u201d<\/em> or \u201cwe\u201d<\/em> will make their thesis sound unprofessional. For decades, students were taught to avoid first person entirely and to favour passive constructions or third-person phrasing instead.<\/p>\n
But here\u2019s the truth:<\/p>\n
\n\u2705 Yes, you can use first person in your thesis\u2014if you use it strategically.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
In this article, we\u2019ll explore the evolving norms around first person in academic writing, when and where it\u2019s appropriate, and how to use it to clarify your research without undermining your credibility.<\/p>\n
Why This Is Even a Question<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Historically, academic writing was expected to sound detached, objective, and impersonal. Students were taught to let the data \u201cspeak for itself\u201d and avoid inserting their own voice into the work. The result? Sentences like:<\/p>\n
\nIt was determined that the results supported the hypothesis.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Instead of:<\/p>\n
\nI found that the results supported the hypothesis.<\/em><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
While the passive version may sound formal, it often introduces ambiguity and wordiness, and can make your writing harder to follow. That\u2019s why many modern style guides<\/a> and universities now support the judicious use of first person, especially when it improves clarity.<\/p>\n
When You Can<\/em> Use First Person in a Thesis<\/strong><\/h2>\n
In many disciplines\u2014especially in the humanities, social sciences, education, and qualitative research\u2014first person is not only allowed, it\u2019s encouraged in specific contexts.<\/p>\n
Here are common places where using \u201cI\u201d or \u201cwe\u201d is appropriate:<\/p>\n
1. Describing your methods<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Use first person to clarify what you did, particularly in your methodology chapter.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nI conducted semi-structured interviews with 15 secondary school teachers.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\ud83e\uddea Related: How to Write a Methodology Chapter for Your Thesis<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Justifying research choices<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You can use first person to explain why you selected certain theories, tools, or approaches.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nI chose thematic analysis because it allowed for greater flexibility in interpreting interview data.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\ud83e\udde0 Want to learn how to analyse qualitative data? See: Braun & Clarke\u2019s Six-Phase Framework<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Stating your research aim or argument<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Your thesis is your contribution to knowledge\u2014own it. Don\u2019t be afraid to say what you\u2019re arguing.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nIn this thesis, I argue that personalised feedback significantly enhances student engagement.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
\n\u270d\ufe0f See also: How to Write a Great Thesis Introduction<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Reflecting on your role as a researcher<\/strong><\/h3>\n
In qualitative or practice-based research, it\u2019s common to reflect on your own position<\/strong>, background, or potential bias.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nAs a former classroom teacher, I acknowledge that my perspective may have influenced my interpretation of the interview data.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Describing group work<\/strong><\/h3>\n
If you worked as part of a research team or lab group, using \u201cwe\u201d is completely acceptable.<\/p>\n
Example:<\/strong><\/p>\n
\nWe developed a questionnaire based on the variables identified in the literature review.<\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
When to Avoid First Person<\/strong><\/h2>\n
While first person is often helpful, there are still situations where it\u2019s better to maintain a more neutral tone.<\/p>\n
Here are common pitfalls to avoid:<\/p>\n
1. Overuse<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Don\u2019t start every sentence with \u201cI.\u201d It can make your writing sound self-centred or repetitive.<\/p>\n
\u2718 \u201cI analysed the survey results. I then created a chart. I noticed a pattern.\u201d<\/em>
\u2714 \u201cThe survey results revealed a pattern, which is illustrated in the chart below.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n2. Informal reflections<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Avoid casual language that sounds like journaling.<\/p>\n
\u2718 \u201cI didn\u2019t really get what the participants meant.\u201d<\/em>
\u2714 \u201cThe participant\u2019s response was unclear and required further clarification.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n3. Literature reviews<\/strong><\/h3>\n
You\u2019re not the subject of the literature review\u2014the existing research is. Keep the focus there.<\/p>\n
\u2718 \u201cI found that Smith (2020) talks about motivation.\u201d<\/em>
\u2714 \u201cSmith (2020) argues that motivation is context-dependent.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\n\ud83d\udcd8 Related: How to Write a Literature Review for a Thesis<\/a><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n
Making unsupported claims<\/strong><\/h3>\n
Even if you use \u201cI,\u201d avoid phrases like \u201cI believe\u201d<\/em> or \u201cI think\u201d<\/em> without evidence.<\/p>\n
\u2718 \u201cI believe this proves the theory is valid.\u201d<\/em>
\u2714 \u201cThese findings support the validity of the theory.\u201d<\/em><\/p>\n\ud83d\udcd8 Related:\u00a0How to Evaluate Source Credibility for Your Literature Review<\/a><\/p>\n
What the Style Guides Say<\/strong><\/h2>\n
Still unsure? Let\u2019s see what the official sources recommend:<\/p>\n
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