Pronouns: Use of you

Pronouns: Use of you

In writing, do not use the pronoun you for general reference, to mean "people generally." Use you only to address the reader directly.

Example

If you turn to the next page, you will find an excerpt from Edith Wharton's novel that will help you appreciate the accuracy of the details in this film.

	Faulty	A difficult task during adolescence is for you to figure out exactly who you are and what you want to do in life.
	Revised	A difficult task during adolescence is for young people to figure out exactly who they are and what they want to do in life.

Avoid shifting from third person pronouns to you:

	Faulty	It doesn't matter if young professionals are avid music admirers or comedy fans; you can find anything they want in the city.
	Revised	It doesn't matter if young professionals are avid music admirers or comedy fans; they can find anything they want in the city.