Reclaiming "I" How To Use First-Person Without Going Off The Rails

So we’ve talked a lot about why banning “I” in writing doesn’t really make sense. We’ve covered how professional writers use it, how the rule hurts student engagement, and what experts say about it. But now comes the part that’s actually useful if you’re a student: how to use “I” effectively in your own writing—without sounding too casual or off-topic.

Let me start by saying this: using “I” doesn’t mean your whole essay has to be about your life story. It just means you’re allowed to show up in your writing. You can express what you think, explain why you think it, and help your reader understand your perspective. It’s about clarity and connection—not about turning an argument into a journal entry.

Here’s an example. Let’s say you’re writing an argument paper about climate change. You might be tempted to avoid first-person altogether. But there’s a big difference between saying, “The data clearly shows a rise in global temperatures,” and, “Based on the data I’ve analyzed, I argue that we are seeing a clear rise in global temperatures.” That second version shows the reader where the claim is coming from—you. And that’s not a weakness. It’s transparency.

One thing I’ve started doing is using “I” when I’m presenting an argument or explaining my reasoning, and switching to a more neutral tone when I’m reporting facts or evidence. It helps separate my voice from the sources I’m using. Plus, it makes it easier for readers to follow my thought process without getting confused about what’s my opinion and what’s not.

Kimberly N. Parker says that students need to feel present in their writing, and I think that’s really true. When I’ve written papers where I wasn’t allowed to use “I,” I felt disconnected from what I was saying—even when I cared about the topic. But when I’m allowed to be myself in my writing, I write better. It’s that simple.

Julia Molinari also encourages this kind of thinking. She believes that students should be taught how to use first-person intentionally—not just told to avoid it. That’s where the difference is. Instead of banning it across the board, we should learn how to make it work for our writing.

So, if you’re a student wondering whether to use “I” in your next paper, here’s my advice: do it. Use “I” when it helps you clarify a point, show your reasoning, or connect with your audience. Just make sure it’s on purpose, not by accident. And if your teacher still says not to? Ask them why. Starting that conversation is part of changing the rule in the first place.

Final thought:
What would your writing look like if you stopped worrying about sounding “too personal” and started focusing on being clear and real? Give yourself permission to show up in your words. You might be surprised by the difference it makes.

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