Academic Voice

Academic writing is written in the academic voice, which is meant to sound objective, authoritative, and reasonable. While a paper is likely to contain your opinion on a topic, it should present the evidence in a rational manner. If the subject matter isn’t personal, as in the case of many academic essays, write in an objective tone. Even if you're passionate about a subject, maintain professionalism.

Academic voice does not need to include fancy or abstract language. Strive to write with energy and clarity, and readers will appreciate your efforts.

Rules of Thumb

When in doubt, avoid using "I".
When in doubt, avoid using "you". You might be able to write "some people" instead.
When in doubt, avoid using "we". Under APA rules, "we" refers to co-authors, but some people also use it to refer to the local community or people in general.
Don't use contractions.
Use abbreviations when reasonable. If you want to use one, write out the proper term the first time you use it and put the abbreviation in parentheses. Subsequently, write only the abbreviation.
When writing about something close to home, such as your own school or town, for example, assume the reader is unfamiliar with the setting, and provide general information.

Exceptions

The above information applies to much academic writing. However, there are situations (e.g., persuasive essays) where you can ignore many of the aforementioned warnings. When in doubt, read the rules for the assignment, look at examples, and talk to the instructor. Finally, use your own judgment.

Examples

Here are some examples (in red) of sentences that don't have proper academic voice. They are followed by suggested alternatives (in green).

I think anyone who becomes a parent should have to take a parenting class.
→ Parenting classes should be mandatory for any biological or adoptive parents.
When you read “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” you will realize that King was writing to people besides the ministers who criticized him.
→ Upon reading “Letter from a Birmingham Jail,” readers will note that King was addressing a wider audience than the clergy who condemned his actions.
It shouldn’t be difficult to record what we feel, but many of us just can’t get our feelings down on paper.
→ It should not be difficult to record feelings, but many people are unable to do so.
It’s obvious that she’s a feminist because she makes a big deal about women who were into the suffrage movement.
→ Because of her focus on the suffrage movement, one can assume she is a feminist.
Smith was declared the official winner at the P.O. last Mon. on Jan. 6th.
→ Smith was declared the official winner at the post office last Monday, on January 6.

References

Academic Voice. (2023). Excelsior Online Writing Lab, Excelsior University. Retrieved 2024. CC BY-SA 4.0. Some of the above content was copy/pasted from here.
Academic Voice. (2023). University of Arizona Global Campus Writing Center. Retrieved 2025.
Tips on Academic Voice. (2023). Excelsior Online Writing Lab, Excelsior University. Retrieved 2024. CC BY-SA 4.0. Some of the above content was copy/pasted from here.

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