RE: You VS One

["Leonard C. Porrello" <Leonard -dot- Porrello -at- SoleraTec -dot- com>]

Since "you" address the reader directly, you'd use it when you want to
draw the reader into the text or evoke a response from the reader. In
other words, "you" is right in the readers face.

"One", on the other hand, works better when you want the reader to
consider something in the abstract. In other words, "one" makes it
easier for the reader to consider ideas at arm's length.

Leonard



-----Original Message-----
From: techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
[mailto:techwr-l-bounces+leonard -dot- porrello=soleratec -dot- com -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- c
om] On Behalf Of Keith Hansen
Sent: Wednesday, June 04, 2008 1:54 PM
To: techwr-l -at- lists -dot- techwr-l -dot- com
Subject: You VS One

Folks,

What is the generally accepted position today for "you" vs. "one"? 

For example, assume an election official wants to mail a letter to all
registered voters. He can choose either of the following sentences for
his letter:

* "If you want to vote in the November election, you must register by
October 15."
VS.
* "If one wants to vote in the November election, one must register by
October 15."

Back long ago (the Victorian era?), "one" was used in such situations
instead of "you." Today, outside of very formal writing (such as an
academic paper), does anyone still advocate using "one" instead of
"you"? 

I think "one" sounds ridiculously pompous. However, at least one person
I know thinks "you" is wrong here (too informal, she says)!

Thanks.

Keith
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