Personal vs. Impersonal — What's the Difference?

In the realm of grammar and style, the term "personal" refers to the use of language or construction that conveys an individual's identity, emotions, or perspective. It often includes personal pronouns and reflects the speaker's personality or opinion. Conversely, "impersonal" language is characterized by a lack of personal reference, creating a sense of objectivity and detachment. It is often used in formal writing and scientific reports to maintain neutrality and universal validity.

The personal approach in communication involves expressions that are subjective, often employing first-person narratives. Such language can engage the reader by offering a human element to the text. On the flip side, impersonal language, devoid of any subjective bias, tends to present information more formally, without the influence of the writer's personal feelings, making it ideal for professional or academic contexts.

When discussing tone, personal language gives a voice to individual experience and is often seen in diaries, letters, and memoirs. It invites readers into the writer's world. Impersonal tone, however, is detached, focusing on facts without the filter of personal experience, frequently found in textbooks and legal documents, prioritizing information over the individual.

Personal writing uses pronouns like "I," "me," "we," and "us," making it clear who is speaking or being referred to. This can establish a connection with the audience. In contrast, impersonal writing avoids these pronouns, using constructions such as "one," "the reader," or passive voice to generalize the subject and remove personal presence.

In summary, personal language is intimately tied to the author's identity and point of view, making it unique and subjective. Impersonal language stands in stark contrast, striving for an unbiased and universal expression that distances the author from the content, aiming for a broad and inclusive appeal.