I have a bit of an issue. My professor assigned an essay where we have to write a 5 paragraph essay describing a best friend of ours. However, he said that we cannot use possessive pronouns whatsoever (My, me, you, I, your). At first I thought I would have no trouble doing this but here i am struggling not to use these words. Normally it’s easy since you usually have no personal connection to the topics you write in an academic essay but this time is different since we have to write about a personal friend. Anyone have any advice on how to get around this?
Just use the words “a close friend” instead of “my friend” or “he/she”.
He’s actually allowing us to use “he/she”. I’m having more trouble not using the word “you” when describing him.
You are confused about what possessive pronouns are. (Hint: “I” is not one.) Don’t expect good help until you communicate the assignment correctly.
Use either his name or a descriptor:
Robert was always getting into hot water
or
This irrepressible class clown was always getting into hot water.
Why wd u descibe him as a “you”?
I think what OP means is saying something like “You would think that Robert was shy from how little he talked” or “Anna had a way of making you feel important”
Could you just use “people” or “one” instead of “you?”
Although, as pointed out, “you” and “I” are not possessive pronouns…
“You would think that Robert was shy from how little this humble young man talked”
“Anna had a way of making a friend feel important”
^left in the “you” by keeping it in the subjunctive.
Move it into the indicative mood: “Robert appears shy because he rarely speaks,” and not only do you avoid using “you,” but you also cut out almost half the words from wonderland’s example.
I agree with others that it’s kind of unclear what you’re actually forbidden from using. I’m guessing he said 1st/2nd person pronouns as they are traditionally considered to be inappropriate in formal, academic writing.