Table of Contents

Writing in the Third Person Level 7

Introduction

Writing in the third person can elevate your writing by providing a more objective and professional tone, especially in biographies. This approach allows the writer to present facts and narratives without personal bias, making the content more relatable and credible to readers. In this article, we will explore the concept of third-person writing, its importance, and how to effectively use it in your writing.

Definition and Concept

Third-person writing refers to the use of pronouns such as ‘he,’ ‘she,’ ‘they,’ and ‘it’ to describe people, places, and events. It contrasts with first-person writing, which uses ‘I’ and ‘we,’ and second-person writing, which uses ‘you.’

Relevance:

  • Academic Writing: Third-person writing is often required in essays, reports, and research papers for a formal tone.
  • Biographies: It helps present a more factual and unbiased account of a person’s life.

Historical Context or Origin​

The use of third-person narration dates back to ancient literature, where writers like Homer and Virgil employed it to create epic tales. Over time, third-person narration became a standard in storytelling and academic writing, allowing for a more comprehensive view of characters and events.

Understanding the Problem

When writing in the third person, the goal is to maintain an objective viewpoint while conveying information about the subject. This involves using appropriate pronouns and avoiding personal opinions or feelings. Let’s break this down with an example:
Example Sentence: ‘John loves basketball.’
In third person, it could be rephrased to: ‘He enjoys playing basketball.’ This simple change makes the statement more formal and objective.

Methods to Solve the Problem with different types of problems​

Method 1: Identify the Subject

  • Determine who or what you are writing about.
  • Use third-person pronouns consistently throughout your writing.

    • Example:
    Original: ‘I think Sarah is a great artist.’
    Third Person: ‘She is considered a great artist by many.’

    Method 2: Avoid Personal Opinions

  • Focus on facts and observations rather than personal feelings.

    • Example:
    Original: ‘I believe that the book is fascinating.’
    Third Person: ‘Many readers find the book fascinating.’

    Method 3: Use Descriptive Language

  • Enhance your writing with descriptive adjectives and adverbs.

    • Example:
    Original: ‘She is a good student.’
    Third Person: ‘She is an exceptionally diligent student.’

    Exceptions and Special Cases​

  • First-Person Accounts: In certain contexts, such as memoirs, first-person narratives may be appropriate.
  • Dialogue: When characters speak, first-person dialogue can be used even in third-person narratives.

    • Step-by-Step Practice​

    Problem 1: Rewrite the following sentence in third person: ‘I enjoy reading science fiction.’
    Solution: ‘She enjoys reading science fiction.’

    Problem 2: Rewrite: ‘We think that the project will succeed.’
    Solution: ‘They believe that the project will succeed.’

    Examples and Variations

    Example 1:

    • Original: ‘I love to travel and explore new cultures.’
      Third Person: ‘She loves to travel and explore new cultures.’

    Example 2:

    • Original: ‘We had a wonderful time at the beach.’
      Third Person: ‘They had a wonderful time at the beach.’

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    Common Mistakes and Pitfalls

    • Using first-person pronouns accidentally.
    • Inconsistency in pronoun usage.
    • Including personal opinions instead of objective statements.

    Tips and Tricks for Efficiency

    • Read your writing aloud to ensure clarity and objectivity.
    • Keep a list of third-person pronouns handy for quick reference.
    • Practice rewriting first-person sentences into third-person to build confidence.

    Real life application

    • In academic settings, writing in the third person is often required for essays and reports.
    • In professional environments, third-person writing is used in resumes, cover letters, and business communications.
    • In journalism, third-person narratives provide an unbiased view of events.

    FAQ's

    Yes, third person is commonly used in creative writing to provide a broader perspective on the story.
    You can include your opinion in a third-person context by attributing it to a group or expert, e.g., ‘Experts believe…’.
    Generally, it’s best to stay consistent within a piece of writing to avoid confusing the reader.
    You can practice by rewriting first-person sentences into third-person or by writing short biographies about others.
    It provides an objective tone, making the writing more credible and relatable to a wider audience.

    Conclusion

    Writing in the third person is a valuable skill that enhances the professionalism and objectivity of your writing. By practicing this technique, you can improve your ability to convey information clearly and effectively, making it essential for academic and professional success.

    References and Further Exploration

    • Purdue Online Writing Lab: Guidelines for third-person writing.
    • Book: ‘The Elements of Style’ by Strunk and White.

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