Answered By: Paul Lai
Last Updated: May 25, 2016     Views: 1384

Use of the first-person singular pronoun "I"

Both Walden and APA allow for and encourage the appropriate use of the first-person pronoun "I" in scholarly writing. However, doctoral capstone abstracts should remain in third person.

   

Use of the first-person plural pronouns "we," "our," or "us"

The general use of "we," "our," or "us," however, is not acceptable in APA style. By using these pronouns, you may be making assumptions about the reader and allowing a conversational tone that is not scholarly in nature.

Note: The second-person pronoun "you" is also not acceptable in APA style. Similar to general uses of "we," "our," or "us," the second-person "you" assumes information about the reader and could create a combative tone in writing.

 

Additional Resources:

Further Questions?

Other questions about your doctoral capstone or the form and style review? Email the Form and Style editors at [email protected].

More Information

Need more information? Ask us!

Or browse Quick Answers by Topic.