1. Second-person pronouns (you, your, yours): Formal writing usually aims for an objective tone and addresses the reader indirectly. Using "you" can sound overly casual or even accusatory.
* Example: Instead of "You should always cite your sources," write "Sources should be cited appropriately."
2. First-person pronouns (I, me, my, we, us, our): Formal writing focuses on the topic and avoids personal opinions or perspectives. Using "I" or "we" can make the writing seem subjective.
* Example: Instead of "I believe that the study has significant implications," write "The study suggests significant implications."
Exceptions:
* There are exceptions to these rules, especially in academic writing, where using "I" or "we" can be acceptable to clearly indicate authorship or responsibility.
* Using "you" can also be appropriate in certain contexts, like instructions or advice. However, it's best to err on the side of caution and avoid them unless absolutely necessary.