First and third person are grammar points that show the perspective of the speaker, writer, or subject. They indicate who is performing the action and determine how verbs and pronouns are used in sentences.
Understanding the difference between first and third person is essential for writing clearly, speaking accurately, and mastering English grammar.
First Person
First person refers to the speaker or writer themselves. It is used when you are talking about yourself or a group you belong to.
Pronouns for First Person:
- Singular: I
- Plural: We
Examples of First Person:
- I am happy.
- I go to the park every Monday.
- I do yoga.
- We ate pizza.
- We are adventurous people.
Note: Some people include “you” as first person, but grammatically, “you” is second person because it addresses the listener directly.
- You are funny.
- You go to the shopping mall once a week.
- You ate my food.
Third Person
Third person refers to someone or something else. It is used when talking about people, animals, objects, or groups that are not the speaker or listener.
Pronouns for Third Person:
- Singular: He, She, It
- Plural: They
Examples of Third Person:
- He goes to the cinema twice a week.
- She ate pizza yesterday.
- It feels warm outside today.
- They are really kind people.
- David goes running every day.
- This English school teaches students from all over the world!
Tip: Remember that verbs often change in the third person singular. For example:
- I run → He runs
- I eat → She eats
- I go → It goes
Why First and Third Person Matter
- Verb Agreement: Using the correct person ensures verbs are grammatically correct.
- Perspective: Choosing first or third person sets the point of view for your writing or speaking.
- Clarity: Helps readers or listeners understand who is performing the action.
Practice Exercises
Try writing sentences in both first and third person:
- First Person: I _______ / We _______
- Third Person: He/She/It _______ / They _______
Example:
- First Person: I love reading books every evening.
- Third Person: She loves reading books every evening.
Frequently Asked Questions About First and Third Person
Q: What is first person?
It is a perspective used when the speaker or writer talks about themselves or their group.
Q: What is third person?
It is a perspective used when talking about someone or something else.
Q: How do verbs change with different persons?
- In first person, verbs usually remain in their base form: I eat, we go.
- In third person singular, verbs often take an -s or -es ending: He eats, She goes, It rains.
Final Thoughts
Understanding first and third person is crucial for clear communication in English, whether speaking, writing, or reading. By practicing pronouns, verb changes, and sentence formation, you can express ideas accurately and naturally.
Don’t forget to check the Grammar Page for more English grammar lessons.
