RE: You VS One

["Lauren" <lauren -at- writeco -dot- net>]

I think that they are both yucky.  

The first person imperative is,
"Register by October 15 to vote in the November election." 

But that is not really directed to the subject, which in this case is
voters.

I think "you" and "one" are both best avoided by referring to the subject
directly.

"Voters who want to vote in the November election, must register by October
15."

That's my take.

Lauren

> -----Original Message-----
> From: Keith Hansen

> 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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