The Debate on Using 'am' Instead of 'I am': A Linguistic Perspective

When it comes to the use of personal pronouns in English writing, there are often debates surrounding the grammatical and stylistic rules. One common question is whether 'am' can be used in place of 'I am,' particularly in formal writing settings. Many believe that 'am' is too informal for such contexts, but the reality is more complex and nuanced than that.

Why Many Disagree with 'am' in Formal Settings

Several arguments support the strict use of 'I am,' suggesting that it's too informal to be used in writing. As Frank Dauenhauer points out, 'am' can never be used in place of 'I am' in formal speech or writing, according to some rules. However, such a rigid stance might overlook the flexibility and effectiveness of pronoun usage.

Grammatical and Stylistic Flexibility in Writing

Many editorial styles emphasize the avoidance of pronouns to enhance formality and clarity. However, a blanket prescription against pronoun use is overly simplistic. In academic and formal writing, the first person 'I' is often seen as a sign of arrogance and a lack of objectivity. Instead, authors typically use other pronouns or third-person references to maintain a neutral tone.

Example in Academic Writing

For instance, in academic papers, authors often refrain from using 'I' to avoid personal bias. However, some linguists, such as Aaron Braver, use 'I' prolifically to stress their unique perspective. The choice largely depends on the context and the writer's goals.

Rules and Exceptions

English has arbitrary rules that sometimes present exceptions to the norm. For example, when using 'and' in a sentence, a comma is required only if the next clause has both a subject and a predicate. This leads to rules like 'I saw the movie and am content' having no comma, while 'I saw the movie and I am content' requires one.

Subordinate Clauses and Pronoun Usage

In subordinate clauses, keeping pronouns can add clarity or allow for stylistic reasons such as the use of a comma. An example from McAllister et al. (2024) in 'Nature' demonstrates the importance of pronouns for readability:

Original: "In time the different wave groups appear quite similar but in space they appear very different."

Reworded: "In time the different wave groups appear quite similar but in space they appear very different."

Both versions are equally formal, and the second version benefits from a comma to improve readability. Similarly, in Petrova et al. (2024), another comma provides a much-needed break to aid understanding:

Original: "Using past observational data of LAD and EC we calibrate twenty-first-century LAD projections and reveal regions in which future LAD and the subsequent drought-associated risks to societies and ecosystems are potentially misrepresented in current climate-model projections."

Reworded: "Using past observational data of LAD and EC we calibrate twenty-first-century LAD projections and reveal regions in which future LAD and we argue/say/propose/calibrate/whatever the subsequent drought-associated risks to societies and ecosystems are potentially misrepresented in current climate-model projections."

Beyond Formal Writing: Personal Conformity

In less formal settings, such as personal writing or fan fiction, the use of pronouns becomes even more fluid. For instance, in my recent Star Wars fan fiction, I often exploit the conventional rules of English writing to enhance readability. Consider the following sentence:

Original: "Still I bump into this conundrum all the time pause with a comma and pronoun and exploit one of the stupidest rules of English writing to make my sentences more readable."

Revised: "Still, I bump into this conundrum all the time, with a comma and pronoun, and exploit one of the stupidest rules of English writing to make my sentences more readable."

While the revised version is slightly longer, it's no more or less formal than the original. The key is to find a balance between formality and clarity by strategically using pronouns to improve readability and flow.

Conclusion

The debate around using 'am' instead of 'I am' is not a binary issue. While some adhere strictly to the rules, others find value in the flexibility that pronouns offer. By understanding the rules and exceptions, writers can effectively use pronouns to enhance their text without compromising formality. Whether in formal academic writing or personal creative endeavors, the wise use of pronouns can greatly improve the clarity and readability of any piece.

References

[1] McAllister, M. L., Draycott, S., Calvert, R., Davey, T., Dias, F., van den Bremer, T. S. (2024). Three-dimensional wave breaking. Nature, 633(8030), 601-607.

[2] Petrova, I. Y., Miralles, D. G., Brient, F., Donat, M. G., Min, S. K., Kim, Y. H., Bador, M. (2024). Observation-constrained projections reveal longer-than-expected dry spells. Nature, 633(8030), 594-600.