I know that you shouldn't you I in an anaylitical essay but can I use "we"?

Question

I'm using "we" only in my introductory paragraph

Answer 1

You haven't said anything about why you want to use "we," which might help to answer the question. I'm anticipating that your analysis might be a literary one, in which case the "we" would refer to the experience of readers. In that case, you could say "the reader" instead of "we."

If this isn't valid for the analysis you are doing, perhaps there is some other third-person identity that is suitable to use instead of "we"? Would the reader automatically understand who "we" refered to, in any case? Third person might simply be more clear.

Answer 2

Who told you that you can't use first person pronouns? There is nothing wrong with making first person statements in an essay so long as you can back up those statements with properly cited sources. Particularly if you are doing first person research (such as conducting an interview or a survey).

The key point is for the essay to be formal, not conversational. If you use too many first person references, then you are being overly conversational. But there is no hard rule that says never to do it.

Answer 3

Here's a good website dealing with the question - see first link below, please
A sample:

"This handout is about determining when to use the first person pronoun ("I", "we," "me," "us," "my," and "our") and personal experience in academic writing."

Basically, it says it's OK:
"Determining whether to use "I" according to the conventions of the academic field:

Which fields allow "I"?

The rules for this are changing, so it's always best to ask your instructor if you're not sure about using first person. But in general:

Sciences: Generally avoid the use of "I" (see our science handout ), because scientists often view the first person as interfering with the impression of objectivity and impersonality they are seeking to create. But we are beginning to see more exceptions to this view, as for instance when a science writer is describing a project she is working on, or in a literature review when she is positioning that project within the existing research on the topic.

Social Sciences: Some social scientists try to avoid "I" for the same reasons that other scientists do. But first person is becoming more commonly accepted, especially when the writer is describing his project or perspective.

Humanities: It's usually all right to use "I" in these fields, because the purpose is generally to offer your own analysis of history, language, ideas, or a work of art. Writers in these fields tend to value assertiveness and to emphasize agency (who's doing what), so the first person is often appropriate (see also our handouts on communications and philosophy writing). But sometimes writers use the first person in a less effective way, preceding an assertion with "I think, "I feel, or "I believe" as if such a phrase could replace a real defense of an argument. While your audience is generally interested in your perspective in the humanities fields, readers do expect you to fully argue, support, and illustrate your assertions. Personal belief or opinion is generally not sufficient in itself; you will need evidence of some kind to convince your reader."
Myths about academic writing:
Each essay should have exactly five paragraphs.
Don't begin a sentence with 'and' or 'because'.
Never include personal opinion.
Never use 'I' in essays.

But if you want to avoid it, could you post the sentence in question here? Perhaps it can be avoided - by using the passive voice, for example.

Answer 4

I was taught in both my AP English Literature and AP English Language class never, ever to use first or second person, and to never use words that directly address your audience.

It's a real b*tch but it really makes a strong paper.