1st Person vs. 2nd Person – Which is Correct?
Both “1st person” and “2nd person” are grammatically correct and refer to distinct points of view in writing. 1st person uses “I” or “we” to tell a story from the narrator’s perspective, while 2nd person uses “you” to address the reader directly. Neither is inherently “more correct” than the other; their usage depends entirely on the desired effect and context.
1st person or 2nd person – Which is Correct?
Both “1st person” and “2nd person” are correct grammatical terms used to describe different narrative points of view. They are not interchangeable but rather represent distinct ways a writer can engage with their audience or tell a story. The choice between them depends on the purpose of the communication, the desired tone, and the relationship the writer wishes to establish with the reader. Understanding their core differences in pronoun usage is key to employing them effectively.
| Word | Part of Speech | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st person | Noun phrase (referring to a point of view) | A narrative perspective where the narrator is a character in the story, using “I,” “me,” “we,” “us.” | “I walked down the street, feeling the cold wind.” |
| 2nd person | Noun phrase (referring to a point of view) | A narrative perspective that addresses the reader directly, using “you.” | “You open the door and step into the mysterious room.” |
How to Use 1st person
The 1st person point of view places the narrator directly into the story as a character. This perspective is characterized by the use of 1st person pronouns such as “I,” “me,” “my,” “mine,” “we,” “us,” “our,” and “ours.” It offers an intimate and subjective experience, allowing readers to see events through the narrator’s eyes and access their thoughts, feelings, and biases. This creates a strong connection between the narrator and the reader, making it popular in memoirs, personal essays, and many forms of fiction.
Example 1: I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw the giant sequoia for the first time; it was even grander than I had imagined.
Example 2: As a team, we decided that our best course of action was to approach the problem from a new angle.
Example 3: “I apologize for the delay,” the speaker announced, “but I promise you it will be worth the wait.”
What are the different forms of 1st person?
When discussing “forms” of 1st person, we primarily refer to the pronouns associated with this point of view, which change based on number (singular/plural) and case (subjective/objective/possessive/reflexive). The core concept of 1st person remains consistent regardless of these pronoun variations.
- Singular Subjective: I (e.g., I went)
- Singular Objective: me (e.g., She saw me)
- Singular Possessive: my, mine (e.g., my book, the book is mine)
- Singular Reflexive: myself (e.g., I did it myself)
- Plural Subjective: we (e.g., We went)
- Plural Objective: us (e.g., She saw us)
- Plural Possessive: our, ours (e.g., our book, the book is ours)
- Plural Reflexive: ourselves (e.g., We did it ourselves)
Etymology of the word 1st person
The term “1st person” is derived from the grammatical concept of “person,” which categorizes pronouns and verb conjugations based on who is speaking (1st person), who is being spoken to (2nd person), or who/what is being spoken about (3rd person). This classification system has roots in ancient Greek and Latin grammar. The numerical designation (first, second, third) emerged as a clear way to distinguish these roles, with “first” naturally referring to the speaker or speakers.
How to Use 2nd person
The 2nd person point of view directly addresses the reader, using the pronoun “you.” This perspective pulls the reader into the narrative, making them a participant in the story or the recipient of instructions. It’s less common in traditional fiction due to its intense directness, which can sometimes feel intrusive, but it is highly effective in certain contexts. These include instructional manuals, “choose your own adventure” books, self-help guides, advertisements, and persuasive essays where the writer wants to create an immediate, personal connection or compel action.
Example 1: Before proceeding, you must ensure that all safety precautions have been thoroughly reviewed.
Example 2: If you ever find yourself lost in the woods, the first thing you should do is find a water source.
Example 3: “You are the hero of this story,” the game’s narrator proclaims, “and your choices will determine the fate of the world.”
What are the different forms of 2nd person?
Similar to 1st person, the “forms” of 2nd person refer to the pronouns associated with this point of view. English notably uses “you” for both singular and plural, simplifying its forms compared to some other languages. Historically, “thou” and “ye” were singular and plural forms, respectively, but these are now archaic.
- Subjective: you (e.g., You went)
- Objective: you (e.g., She saw you)
- Possessive: your, yours (e.g., your book, the book is yours)
- Reflexive: yourself (singular), yourselves (plural) (e.g., You did it yourself/yourselves)
Etymology of the word 2nd person
Like “1st person,” the term “2nd person” is rooted in the grammatical concept of “person.” It designates the person being addressed. The pronoun “you” itself has a long history in English, evolving from Old English “ēow” (dative/accusative plural) and “ġē” (nominative plural). Over time, “you” replaced the older singular forms “thou” and “thee,” becoming the universal 2nd person pronoun in modern English for both singular and plural, and for all cases except the possessive forms “your” and “yours.”
Related Concepts
Understanding 1st and 2nd person is fundamentally about grasping the concept of point of view (POV) in writing. Point of view refers to the angle from which a story is told or an argument is presented. Beyond 1st and 2nd person, the most common POV is 3rd person, which uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “him,” “her,” “them,” and character names. In 3rd person, the narrator is an outside observer. This perspective can be further broken down into 3rd person limited (narrator knows only one character’s thoughts) and 3rd person omniscient (narrator knows all characters’ thoughts and feelings). The choice of POV significantly impacts how readers perceive the narrative, the level of intimacy, and the scope of information presented.
Examples from Media and Literature
- 1st Person (Literature): “Call me Ishmael. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick
- 1st Person (Memoir): “I know I have a voice. I know I have a story. I know I have a purpose.” – Malala Yousafzai, I Am Malala
- 2nd Person (Instructional): “First, you must gather all your ingredients. Then, you will mix the dry components in one bowl and the wet in another.” – A recipe book
- 2nd Person (Interactive Fiction): “You are standing in an open field west of a white house, with a boarded front door. There is a small mailbox here.” – Zork (text-based adventure game)
- 2nd Person (Marketing): “Are you tired of slow internet? We have a solution for you.” – An advertisement
Practice Exercises
Choose the correct word to complete the sentence.
- When writing a personal essay, the ______ point of view is often used to share one’s own experiences.
- Instructional manuals frequently employ the ______ point of view to give direct advice to the reader.
- “I believe that we should always strive for excellence” is an example of the ______ perspective.
- In a “choose your own adventure” book, the narrative typically uses the ______ pronoun “you.”
- To create an intimate connection and allow the reader into the narrator’s thoughts, writers often opt for the ______ point of view.
Answer Key
- 1st person
- 2nd person
- 1st person
- 2nd person
- 1st person
1st person Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Autobiographical | Relating to an account of a person’s life written by that person. |
| Subjective | Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions. |
| Personal narrative | A story told from the perspective of the individual who experienced it. |
2nd person Synonyms
| Synonym | Definition |
|---|---|
| Direct address | Speaking directly to the audience or reader. |
| Instructional | Designed to teach or guide. |
| Imperative | Relating to a verb form that expresses a command or exhortation. |
Frequently Asked Questions
Question 1: Can 1st person and 2nd person be used in the same piece of writing?
While generally advisable to maintain a consistent point of view, skilled writers can strategically blend 1st and 2nd person for specific effects. For instance, a 1st person narrative might occasionally switch to 2nd person to directly address the reader for emphasis or instruction, though this should be done sparingly to avoid confusion.
Question 2: Which point of view is best for academic writing?
Academic writing traditionally favors the 3rd person to maintain objectivity and formality. However, 1st person (using “I” or “we”) is increasingly accepted in certain academic contexts, particularly in reflections, methodologies, or when discussing one’s own research. 2nd person is almost never used in formal academic writing due to its direct and informal nature.
Question 3: Is 2nd person ever used in novels?
Yes, though it is rare, some novels are written entirely in 2nd person to create a unique and immersive experience, often making the reader feel like the protagonist. Examples include “If on a winter’s night a traveler” by Italo Calvino or certain “choose your own adventure” books. It can be challenging to sustain but powerfully engages the reader.
Conclusion
Both 1st person and 2nd person are valid and powerful tools in a writer’s arsenal, each offering distinct advantages depending on the communicative goal. 1st person excels at creating intimacy, subjectivity, and a deep dive into a character’s internal world, while 2nd person uniquely engages the reader by placing them directly into the narrative, making it ideal for instructions, persuasive texts, or immersive experiences. The key is to understand their fundamental differences in pronoun usage and narrative effect. Choosing the appropriate point of view is crucial for effective communication and storytelling.
Pro Tip: Always consider your audience and purpose when selecting a point of view. Misusing 1st or 2nd person, especially in formal or professional contexts, can detract from your message and undermine your credibility. A conscious choice reflects a mastery of language and a respect for your readers.