First-Person Point of View

When is first person point of view used?

First person point of view is often used in personal narrative—when the writer is telling a story or relating an experience. This perspective is writer’s point of view, and the writer becomes the focal point. First person personal pronouns include I, we, me, us, my, mine, our, and ours.

Examples of sentences written from the first person point of view:

  • I was only seven years old when my family moved to the United States.
  • We took a vacation that allowed us to explore our nation from east to west and north to south.
  • My friend and I finally relaxed once we got to the beach and waded into the ocean.
  • How long will it be before our car is repaired and we can continue our trip home?
  • Our ability to construct a convincing argument grew after our participation in a rousing debate.

When should first person point of view be avoided?

Writing from the first person point of view can, at times, weaken the credibility of the writer in research and argument papers. When the paper is written in first person, the work may sound like it is based only on personal opinion.

Weak: I am writing this paper to let you know how bad I think bullying is. (1st person)

Stronger: Bullying is a social issue that may result in devastating physical, mental, and emotional consequences for its victims. (3rd person)

First Person Personal Pronouns

  Subjective  Objective Possessive
1st person  I, we me, us my, mine, our, ours

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