What person should I write a report in?

Writing in the Right Voice: Choosing the Correct Person for Academic Reports

When crafting an academic report, one of the most common questions students face is: which person should I write in? Unless your instructor specifies otherwise, the answer is typically the third person. This approach keeps your writing formal, objective, and focused on the content rather than the writer.

Using third-person voice means avoiding personal pronouns like “I,” “we,” or “you.” Instead of saying, “I argue that climate change is accelerating,” you’d write, “This report argues that climate change is accelerating.” Notice how the focus shifts from the writer to the work itself. Phrases like “this essay,” “this review,” or “this study” become your go-to tools for maintaining an academic tone.

Why does this matter? Academic writing aims to present ideas logically and impartially. When you write in the third person, you create distance between yourself and the argument, which helps reinforce objectivity. It’s not about personal opinion—it’s about evidence, analysis, and scholarly discussion.

Of course, there are exceptions. Some disciplines or assignments may invite a more reflective or first-person approach, especially in fields like education or creative arts. But unless instructed otherwise, sticking to the third person is a safe and effective choice.

Remember, clarity and professionalism go hand in hand. By grounding your writing in the third person and using phrases that center the work—not the writer—you align with academic conventions and strengthen the credibility of your report. So next time you sit down to write, ask yourself: am I letting the content speak, or am I stepping into the spotlight? In most academic contexts, the spotlight belongs to the ideas, not the author.