Learning how to write impersonal sentences can significantly enhance the clarity and professionalism of your writing, especially in academic, scientific, and formal contexts. Impersonal writing removes the focus from the individual and places it instead on the subject matter. This style of writing is useful in technical documents, research papers, and reports, where objectivity is essential. Mastering impersonal sentence construction involves more than simply avoiding personal pronouns it’s about building sentences that deliver information neutrally and authoritatively.
Understanding Impersonal Sentences
Impersonal sentences are those that do not reference a specific person or group. Instead of focusing on who is performing the action, they emphasize the action itself or its result. This makes the writing feel more objective and less biased. Impersonal writing helps maintain a formal tone, which is particularly important in academic and professional communication.
Common Features of Impersonal Sentences
When learning how to write impersonal sentences, it’s important to understand the features that make them impersonal. These include:
- Use of passive voice
- Use of general statements
- Avoidance of personal pronouns (I, we, you)
- Use of formal vocabulary and structures
- Use of dummy subjects like it or there
Using Passive Voice
The passive voice is a popular tool for constructing impersonal sentences. It allows you to focus on the action or result rather than the person performing it. Instead of saying The scientist conducted the experiment, an impersonal version would be The experiment was conducted. This style is particularly useful in scientific writing.
Examples of Passive Voice in Impersonal Sentences
- Active: The manager approved the proposal.
- Impersonal: The proposal was approved.
- Active: We measured the temperature every hour.
- Impersonal: The temperature was measured every hour.
Using General Statements
Another technique for writing impersonal sentences is to make generalizations that are not tied to specific individuals. This is useful in stating widely accepted facts or ideas. Phrases like it is known that or research suggests are frequently used.
Examples of General Impersonal Statements
- It is believed that climate change is accelerating.
- There is evidence to support this theory.
- It has been observed that students perform better with regular feedback.
Avoiding Personal Pronouns
Personal pronouns such as I, we, or you shift the focus to the person speaking or being addressed. In impersonal writing, these should be avoided. Instead of saying We can see that the data is conclusive, say The data is conclusive. This removes the human element and keeps the tone objective.
Alternatives to Personal Pronouns
- Use passive structures: The system was tested, instead of We tested the system.
- Use noun phrases: The results indicate, instead of You can see from the results.
Employing Dummy Subjects
Dummy subjects like it or there are often used to construct impersonal sentences. These words serve a grammatical function without adding personal reference. For example, instead of saying You must ensure that all equipment is turned off, an impersonal sentence would be It is important to ensure that all equipment is turned off.
Examples of Dummy Subjects
- It is necessary to complete all forms before submission.
- There appears to be a mistake in the data.
- It seems that productivity increases with flexible work hours.
Formal Vocabulary and Structures
Using formal vocabulary is another essential part of writing impersonal sentences. Informal or conversational language often includes personal elements and should be avoided in academic or professional writing. Choose words that reflect neutrality and professionalism.
Examples of Formal vs. Informal Language
- Informal: We found out the solution.
- Formal: The solution was discovered.
- Informal: You should take care when handling chemicals.
- Formal: Caution is required when handling chemicals.
When to Use Impersonal Writing
Knowing how to write impersonal sentences is especially useful in certain contexts. These include:
- Academic writing: Research papers, dissertations, and journal topics
- Scientific writing: Lab reports, technical papers, and case studies
- Business communication: Reports, proposals, and formal memos
- Official documents: Policies, instructions, and legal texts
Benefits of Impersonal Sentences
There are several advantages to mastering impersonal sentence construction. These include:
- Objectivity: Keeps writing unbiased and neutral
- Formality: Maintains a professional tone
- Clarity: Focuses on facts and actions rather than people
- Consistency: Aligns with academic and corporate standards
Practice Exercises
To get better at writing impersonal sentences, practice is essential. Try converting personal sentences into impersonal forms:
Personal to Impersonal Examples
- Personal: I believe this solution will work.
- Impersonal: It is believed that this solution will work.
- Personal: You need to complete the form before noon.
- Impersonal: The form must be completed before noon.
Final Tips for Impersonal Writing
- Review your writing and look for any personal pronouns to replace.
- Use tools like grammar checkers to spot personal language.
- Practice writing abstracts and summaries using impersonal style.
- Read examples of academic writing to observe how impersonal structures are used.
Mastering how to write impersonal sentences takes time and deliberate effort, but it is a skill that will serve you well in many areas of writing. Whether you are preparing a university essay, a business proposal, or a research report, understanding the structure and function of impersonal language can elevate the quality of your work significantly. With consistent practice and attention to detail, your writing will become more polished, credible, and effective.