Improving Your Writing: Avoid Common Personal Pronoun Pitfalls
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Understanding Personal Pronouns
In the realm of writing, particularly among less experienced authors, a frequent issue arises: the excessive reliance on certain personal pronouns—specifically, I, you, we, and us. This is a common challenge, and many writers face it. My initial drafts often overflow with these pronouns, necessitating a thorough editing process to reduce their frequency. Fortunately, with practice, this issue can be easily remedied.
What Exactly Are Personal Pronouns?
Pronouns serve as substitutes for nouns, allowing for smoother writing that avoids redundancy. Minimizing repetition is crucial, as it can bore readers and make a writer appear inexperienced. While the intricacies of pronouns can be complex, for the purpose of this discussion, they will be simplified.
Personal pronouns replace specific nouns, often proper nouns such as names or groups of people when using plural forms. This article will focus primarily on the four most commonly misused personal pronouns: I, you, we, and us—often overused to the extent that they hinder readability.
For further exploration of personal pronouns, additional resources are provided at the conclusion of this article, or you can simply conduct a search for "personal pronouns" in your preferred search engine.
Examples of Overuse and Suggested Revisions
The following examples are derived from actual writing pieces found on Medium, particularly within publications aimed at new authors. Unfortunately, these platforms often reveal numerous instances of pronoun overuse. To maintain anonymity, I've altered the wording sufficiently to avoid singling out anyone or facing accusations of plagiarism.
Example 1
Original:
“I want to use my stories to show that you’re not alone in what you go through. I like to think that I take an open-minded approach to new experiences. I set small goals and give myself permission to try and fail. I care for myself and other people.”
Revised:
No one is alone in the world. Through storytelling, I seek to connect with others by sharing my experiences and thoughts. It is vital to remain open-minded, establish goals, and care for myself and others while allowing room for both success and failure.
Example 2
Original:
We are all here on Medium to write, share, and be open. We want to know why we are alive. We get frustrated by uncertain thoughts. We are all on this earth navigating life as we go, and it makes it a little easier for us when we can connect and communicate with others.
Revised:
Medium serves as a platform for writing and sharing ideas openly. I seek to explore the purpose of our existence and address the frustrations that arise from uncertainty. Connecting and communicating with others simplifies the navigation of life's complexities.
Example 3
Original:
You should use Medium to share opinions and observations from your experiences. Despite wanting to quit at times, you should keep going. You can meet goals and still take time to smell the daisies. You can live. You can appreciate. You can work hard.
Revised:
From my own experiences, sharing opinions and observations is encouraged on Medium. Even when the urge to quit arises, persistence is key. It's essential to pursue goals while also taking time to relax and enjoy life. Live fully, appreciate moments, and work diligently—I believe in your potential.
A Lighthearted Take on Writing
Perhaps it’s more engaging not to focus on the obvious reasons for being on Medium. Here are some fresher and more imaginative alternatives:
“I’ve come here to investigate extraterrestrial life and report my findings to an intergalactic government.”
Or,
“I’m the first feline in history capable of reading and writing in human language, including typing on a computer. Will my secret be revealed? Let’s discover together. Catnip, anyone?”
A Real-World Insight
Seeds of my writing passion were sown early on by observing my mother. I often caught her scribbling in notebooks, shrouded in secrecy—too shy to share her words. I promised myself I wouldn’t fall into the same trap.
Happy writing to everyone—both human and non-human!
Additional Resources on Personal Pronouns
For more insights on the use of personal pronouns and strategies to address excessive usage, consider the following links:
Grammar 101: Let’s Get Personal About Pronouns
A comprehensive guide on personal pronouns and their roles in writing.
What Are Personal Pronouns?
An overview of personal pronouns as simple substitutes for proper nouns.
List of Personal Pronouns
A detailed enumeration of various pronouns in the English language.
3 Ways to Avoid Using Too Many Pronouns
Practical tips to enhance sentence variety and reduce repetitive structures.
How to Fix Repetitive Sentence and Paragraph Structures
Emphasizing the importance of variety in writing for a more engaging read.