The use of “I” in the phrase “In this essay I will…” also furnishes us with a number of other informal or indirect lessons about essay writing.įirstly, the phrase “In this essay I will…” puts the author, the undergraduate student, in the mind-frame of making an argument. It is better to stick with the “I” in order to remain conscious of the difference between objective and subjective uses. It is not a panacea to the infectious “I” rather, it has a placebo effect. It is a lateral step a step to the side rather than a step forward. For instance: “This essay will…” The “I” is gone, the phrase remains objective (“will”), but it’s still a basic introduction. Removing the “I” can be a marginal improvement. “I” is a slippery slope that many academics, tutors, and teachers would rather you avoid altogether. “I,” “we,” and “they,” are the most dangerous pronouns in this regard. More accurately, pronouns can shift the nouns they are substituting for without any warning or indication. This is because the personal pronoun, like all pronouns, is a shape-shifter. The problem with the use of “I,” even in the objective sense, is that it can give way to lazy, even self-indulgent expression. In terms of the subjective use, the reader can only judge subjectively: do I think/believe/feel the same way? The facts upon which such a judgement is to be based is present in the reader. Simply put, with the objective use, the reader can judge objectively: did the write do what he or she said he or she would do? The facts upon which such a judgement is to be based is present in the text, and can be verified (or falsified) by other readers. In the case of the objective use, the reader can judge whether you’ve achieved what you said you would do in the case of the subjective use, however, the reader can only judge your opinion, which entails a different process of judgement.
The objective use of “I” always includes a verb: “I will.” The objective “I,” furthermore, is always used in reference to the essay or the argument being made in the essay: “In this essay I will argue/demonstrate/analysis/discuss/etc.” The objective use of “I” tells the reader what you are doing or going to do, not what you think or how you feel. The subjective use of “I” occurs when we say (or write) “I believe” or “I think” these are, in essence, merely expressions of opinion. Understanding this distinction is a useful lesson to learn as it helps to crystallise the whole rationale of essay writing. In essay writing, there is the objective use of “I” and the subjective use of “I”. This objection has merit, but a distinction can be made to prevent the infection of subjectivity. The use of “I” can become hopelessly subjective: “I believe,” “I think,” or worse: “I feel.” “In this essay I will…” gives implicit assent to the use of the personal pronoun “I,” and this can be dangerous for a piece of writing that is supposed to be objective and academic.
Perhaps the most convincing one revolves around the use of “I” in essays. There are a number of reasons, such as it being perfunctory or uninspired. Others are vehemently opposed to the use of these phrases, especially this one. It is a question of transition, from the basic to the more complex, and some leeway should be provided for students to progress from one point to the next. A second-year student might continue to use phrases like this to begin his or her essay, but during the editing phase change it to something a little more stylish and inviting. A third-year undergraduate, for instance, should not need to use this and similar phrases, whereas with a first-year student it should be forgiven. The further along that arc one is, the stronger the argument is against the use of such a basic introductory phrase. There are valid arguments for both sides, but I think it is important to always bear in mind that, as emerging essay-writers, undergraduates are located somewhere on a continuum, or an arc of development. There is no consensus on whether it is acceptable for undergraduate students to use a basic introductory phrase like this or not.
“In this essay I will…” No five words provoke as much debate between academics on the topic of undergraduate essays as these.
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