MLA Format: Using “You” in Your Research Paper
When writing a research paper, the style guide you use will determine whether or not it is appropriate to use “you” in your paper. The Modern Language Association (MLA) style, one of the most commonly used formats for liberal arts and humanities papers, generally advises against using “you” when writing in the third person. However, “you” can be used strategically in certain cases when discussing your research, arguments, or conclusions. This article will explore the MLA guidelines around using “you” and provide examples of when and how it may be acceptable.
MLA Style and Avoiding “You”
The core principle of MLA style is writing in the third person to remain as objective as possible. Using phrases like “you,” “your,” or directing statements at the reader tends to shift the tone from an objective analysis to a more casual or conversational style. Some key reasons MLA advises avoiding “you” include:
It can undermine the formal, academic tone expected in a research paper.
Directly addressing the reader reduces the distance between the writer and subject matter, making arguments seem less credible or objective.
Overuse of “you” can distract the reader from the content and analysis being presented.
Including the reader reduces the scope of the arguments to just that individual, rather than presenting conclusions that could potentially apply more broadly.
Referring to “you” requires defining or describing the implied reader, which takes away from discussing the research topic.
So in the body of your paper, where you are making an analytical argument supported by evidence and research, avoid using “you” whenever possible in favor of more objective third person constructions. For example, instead of “When you analyze the data…” say “When one analyzes the data…”
Limited Use of “You”
While “you” generally disrupts the objective tone of a research paper, there are some contexts where it may be acceptable on a limited basis:
Introductions and conclusions: These sections frame your research for the reader, so a bit of “you” can be used to directly address them. But keep it brief.
Making general recommendations: Constructing a brief list of “you might…” suggestions in the conclusion to outline potential next steps is allowed.
Transitional sentences: an occasional “you can see…” to link concepts can work, just don’t overdo it.
Metadiscourse phrases: Very brief uses like “as you will learn…” or “as mentioned earlier, you saw that…” are okay in moderation.
References to surveys/interviews: If collecting primary research involving human subjects, “you responses…” is necessary.
Dialogue/quotes: Quotes using “you” from sources or examples you directly reference do not count.
So in limited, controlled ways like these, a research paper can incorporate “you.” But keep the bulk of your analysis and argument firmly in third person to stay true to MLA objective tone expectations.
Examples of Appropriate “You” Usage
To illustrate appropriate uses of “you” in a research paper, here are a few sample passages showing how it could be smoothly incorporated:
Introductory paragraph: “In this paper, you will explore how transportation policies have impacted community development in Smalltown over the last 50 years. Through an analysis of government records and interviews with local leaders, you will seek to understand both positive and negative effects of the decisions that were made.”
Transitional sentence: “Returning to the data from 2010, you can see ridership levels began to recover as gas prices rose.”
Recommendation: “Some options city planners might consider going forward include expanding bus routes to newly developed areas, creating park-and-ride locations outside the urban core, and incentivizing electric vehicle usage. Any of these approaches could help alleviate traffic and parking issues you may have observed.”
Conclusion: “In closing, the research presented here offers insight into both past successes and failures of Smalltown’s transportation policies. As the city looks ahead to continued growth, you now have a better understanding of how to balance the needs of community members with budget and infrastructure constraints.”
As these samples show, limited, strategic use of “you” to guide the reader or offer suggestions can help conclude and frame an MLA research paper appropriately. Just be sure not to overuse it or let “you” distract from your objective analysis of sources and evidence on the research topic. With a light touch, “you” statements can aid readability and engage the intended audience.
The MLA style guide advises against “you” in the body of a research paper where analytical arguments are made. Well-placed uses of “you” in introductions, conclusions, recommendations and some linking/metadiscourse phrases are acceptable as long as they do not compromise the objective, third-person tone expected in academic writing. Carefully integrating “you” statements in research papers, when done sparingly and strategically, can help address readers while maintaining MLA format’s focus on credibility through a removed scholarly voice.