Sometimes people tell me that I should avoid using "you" in formal writing and insist on telling me to use "one" ("One should not use 'you'" as opposed to "You should not use 'you'"). Are there any rules governing the use of these two words in formal writing?
Learn English – Use “you” or “one” in formal writing
formalityword-choiceword-usage
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Best Answer
Using "one" when you want to address a person in general, not specifically the reader. This was considered good practice in general. Consider this:
Verses:
You might prefer the former to the latter because the latter comes across as very accusatory. This is really the only circumstance I will use "one" as opposed to "you." Generally, except in very formal writing, "one" comes across as rather pretentious or old fashioned. It puts distance between the reader and writer which might be a good thing, but often isn't.
As another commentator mentioned, often it is possible to rewrite in such a way as to avoid both. For example: