Note 106 – First, second and third person

FIRST PERSON 

When writing in the first person you would use the following pronouns:  

• First person singular pronoun =  I
• First person plural pronoun = we

Example:

• I like the new wine bar.
• How many times do we have to tell you.

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook (Penguin Reference Library) explains that the first person is also used to describe the form of the verb used with I or we, as in ‘like’ and ‘sat’ in the example above.

SECOND PERSON

When writing in the second person you would use the same pronoun for singular and plural as follow:  

• Second person singular pronoun =  you
• Second person plural pronoun = you

Example:

• You are to attend the court hearing alone.
• I would like you all to join me for a drink at 5pm.

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook explains that the second person is also used to describe the form of the verb used with you.

THIRD PERSON

When writing in the third person you would use the following pronouns:

• Third person singular pronoun =  he, she, it
• Third person plural pronoun = they

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook explains that the third person is also used to describe the form of the verb used with he, she, it or they.

Example:

• “I like carrots,” he said.
• She turns the corner and sees three of her favourite shops.
• They don’t like the dark.

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Until tomorrow…

Sandra

My writing challenge: http://wp.me/p1x6Ui-4

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Twitter: @madeirasandra and @tipsandluxuries

Reference list:

The Pocket Writer’s Handbook by Martin Mander & Stephen Curtis (Penguin Reference Library)