First Person vs. Third Person – Which is Correct?

First person and third person refer to grammatical points of view, crucial for narrative style and academic writing. First person uses “I” and “we” to convey direct experience, while third person uses “he,” “she,” “it,” and “they” to describe events from an external perspective. Both are grammatically correct and serve distinct purposes in communication.

While first and third person are widely discussed, exploring the differences between first and second person further enriches one’s grasp of narrative techniques.

First Person or Third Person – Which is Correct?

Both “first person” and “third person” are grammatically correct and widely used terms, representing different narrative points of view. The choice between them depends entirely on the context and the desired effect of the communication. First person is characterized by the use of “I,” “me,” “my,” “we,” “us,” and “our,” placing the narrator directly within the story or argument. Third person uses pronouns like “he,” “she,” “it,” “they,” “him,” “her,” “them,” and proper nouns, positioning the narrator as an observer external to the events. To determine which to use, consider the “Swap Test”: if you want the speaker to be part of the action, use first-person pronouns; if you want the speaker to describe others or events objectively, use third-person pronouns.

Word	Part of Speech	Meaning	Example
First Person	Noun phrase (grammatical term)	A point of view where the narrator is a character in the story or the subject of the experience, using “I” or “we.”	“I walked through the forest, and we saw a deer.”
Third Person	Noun phrase (grammatical term)	A point of view where the narrator is outside the story or describing others, using “he,” “she,” “it,” or “they.”	“She watched as they crossed the finish line.”

How to Use First Person

First person is used when the narrator is a participant in the story or when expressing personal opinions, experiences, and observations. It creates an immediate, intimate, and subjective tone, often used in memoirs, personal essays, diaries, and some fiction. In academic writing, it is common in reflections, introductions outlining research scope, or when stating a personal stance, though it should be used judiciously to maintain objectivity where required.

Example 1: I believe that the new policy will have a significant impact on our community.

Example 2: When we arrived at the summit, the view was breathtaking.

Example 3: In this essay, I will argue that climate change requires immediate global action.

What are the different forms of First Person?

The “forms” of first person primarily refer to the pronouns used:

• Singular: I (subject), me (object), my/mine (possessive), myself (reflexive/intensive)
• Plural: we (subject), us (object), our/ours (possessive), ourselves (reflexive/intensive)

These forms do not change based on tense or number in the same way verbs do, but rather indicate the speaker’s relationship to the action or possession.

Etymology of the word First Person

The term “first person” derives from the Latin prima persona, meaning “first mask” or “first character.” It refers to the speaker or speakers, the grammatical category that indicates the participant or participants speaking. The concept has been integral to grammatical analysis since classical antiquity.

How to Use Third Person

Third person is employed when the narrator is an external observer, not participating in the events being described. This point of view is standard in most academic writing, news reports, and formal documents, as it lends an objective, authoritative, and impartial tone. In fiction, third person allows for a broader scope, enabling the narrator to describe multiple characters’ thoughts and actions (omniscient) or to focus on one character’s perspective (limited).

Example 1: The research team concluded that the results were statistically significant.

Example 2: She walked quickly through the bustling market, searching for a specific spice.

Example 3: In the novel, they journeyed across vast landscapes to reach their destination.

What are the different forms of Third Person?

The “forms” of third person primarily refer to the pronouns used:

• Singular: he/she/it (subject), him/her/it (object), his/her/hers/its (possessive), himself/herself/itself (reflexive/intensive)
• Plural: they (subject), them (object), their/theirs (possessive), themselves (reflexive/intensive)

Additionally, proper nouns (e.g., John, Maria, The Company) and common nouns (e.g., the student, the dog, the government) function as third-person subjects or objects.

Etymology of the word Third Person

The term “third person” comes from the Latin tertia persona, meaning “third mask” or “third character.” It refers to the person or people being spoken about, distinct from the speaker (first person) and the listener (second person). Like “first person,” its grammatical classification dates back to ancient linguistic studies.

Related Concepts

The concept of “point of view” is intrinsically linked to first person and third person. Point of view determines the perspective from which a story is told or information is conveyed. Beyond the simple first vs. third distinction, there are nuances:

• First Person POV: The story is told by an “I” character. This can be the protagonist, a secondary character, or an observer. It offers deep insight into that character’s mind but limits the reader to only what that character knows or experiences.
• Third Person Limited POV: The narrator is outside the story but focuses on the thoughts and feelings of only one character. The reader experiences the story through that character’s perception.
• Third Person Omniscient POV: The narrator is all-knowing, able to access the thoughts and feelings of all characters, and can move freely through time and space within the narrative. This offers a broad, god-like perspective.
• Third Person Objective POV: The narrator reports only what can be seen and heard, without revealing any characters’ thoughts or feelings. It’s like a camera recording events, offering a detached and journalistic style.

Understanding these variations helps writers choose the most effective way to engage their audience and deliver their message.

Examples from Media and Literature

• First Person (Literature): “Call me Ishmael.” – Herman Melville, Moby Dick. (The narrator, Ishmael, uses “I” to tell his own story.)
• First Person (Memoir): “When I was little, I remember asking my mother, ‘Why do you always speak about God as ‘He?'” – Michelle Obama, Becoming. (Obama recounts her personal experiences and thoughts.)
• Third Person Limited (Literature): “Harry had never been to a birthday party.” – J.K. Rowling, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone. (The narrator focuses on Harry’s experiences and thoughts, though not using “I.”)
• Third Person Omniscient (Literature): “It was a dark and stormy night; the rain fell in torrents…” – Edward Bulwer-Lytton, Paul Clifford. (The narrator describes the scene and could potentially delve into any character’s mind.)
• Third Person (News Reporting): “The President announced new economic measures yesterday, stating that the reforms would boost job growth.” (News reports typically use third person to maintain an objective and external perspective.)

Practice Exercises

Choose the correct point of view to complete the sentence.

1. When __________ entered the room, __________ noticed a strange aroma. (first person singular)
2. __________ argue that the economic data supports a different conclusion. (first person plural)
3. The author spent years researching the topic before __________ published __________ book. (third person singular)
4. The students completed their project, and __________ presented __________ findings to the class. (third person plural)
5. __________ believe that __________ should strive for continuous improvement. (first person plural)

Answer Key

1. I / I
2. We
3. she / her (or he / his)
4. they / their
5. We / we

First Person Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Subjective	Based on or influenced by personal feelings, tastes, or opinions.
Personal	Concerning or affecting a particular person, rather than anyone else.
Autobiographical	Relating to an account of a person’s life written by that person.
Confessional	Relating to or being a confession, often implying a revelation of personal or private matters.

Third Person Synonyms

Synonym	Definition
Objective	Not influenced by personal feelings or opinions in considering and representing facts.
Impersonal	Not showing or involving personal feelings; detached.
Detached	Separate or disconnected; aloof and objective.
Narrative (as in, a narrative perspective)	A spoken or written account of connected events; a story. Often implies a storyteller separate from the characters.

Frequently Asked Questions

Question 1: When should I use first person in academic writing?
First person (“I” or “we”) can be used in academic writing for specific purposes, such as in reflective essays, personal statements, or when stating your specific contribution to a group project. It’s also acceptable in introductions to outline your paper’s scope (“In this paper, I will argue…”) or in conclusions to offer implications or future research directions. However, always check your institution’s or publication’s style guide, as some prefer strict third-person objectivity.

Question 2: What is the difference between third person limited and third person omniscient?
Third person limited point of view focuses on the thoughts, feelings, and experiences of only one character, even though the narrator is outside the story. The reader knows only what that one character knows. Third person omniscient, conversely, means the narrator is “all-knowing,” able to access the thoughts and feelings of all characters, and can provide information that no single character would know.

Question 3: Can I switch between first person and third person in the same piece of writing?
Generally, it’s best to maintain a consistent point of view throughout a piece of writing to avoid confusing the reader. However, there are exceptions. In some creative writing, an intentional shift can be used for artistic effect. In academic or technical writing, a switch from third person (for objective facts) to first person (for personal reflection or opinion) might occur in specific sections, but such transitions should be clear and purposeful, not arbitrary.

Conclusion

Understanding the distinction between first person and third person is fundamental to effective communication. First person offers an intimate, subjective lens, ideal for personal narratives and direct engagement, using pronouns like “I” and “we.” Third person provides an objective, external perspective, best suited for formal, academic, and journalistic writing, employing “he,” “she,” “it,” and “they.” The choice between these points of view significantly impacts the tone, scope, and relationship between the narrator and the audience. Mastering their appropriate usage ensures clarity, consistency, and the desired impact in any piece of writing.

Pro Tip: Always consider your audience and the purpose of your writing. A thoughtful choice of point of view enhances readability and reinforces your credibility, making your message resonate more effectively.