When students write formal papers for classes, they may be expected to write their papers in the third person. This means that the use of first person pronouns as well as the use of the understood or indefinite you is avoided throughout the paper. Though it is not always the case, the use of third person is expected for the more formal papers students write for classes. Some papers that are less formal and more personal, such as personal narratives, require the use of first person pronouns and are generally enhanced by their use.

• Third Person: Though there are many speeders on the interstate highways, there is a noticeable absence of Highway Patrol officers assigned to enforce the limits.
• First Person: Though I have seen many speeders on the interstate highways, I seldom see Highway Patrol officers enforcing the limits.
• Indefinite You: Though there are many speeders on the interstate highways, you seldom see Highway Patrol officers enforcing the limits.
• Understood You: Notice that there are many speeders on the interstate highways, but there is a noticeable absence of Highway Patrol officers assigned to enforce the limits. ("You notice…" The you is understood, even though it is not written in the sentence.)