First, second, and third person
Address the reader directly by writing in second person.
Use the second-person pronoun “you” to refer to the reader, or imply “you” with imperative verb forms in your instructions. Use gender-neutral third-person pronouns “they” and “them” to refer to a person interacting with the application that the reader is developing.
First person (I, we)​
Don't write content in first person. Don't use first-person pronouns, like “I” and “we.” “Let’s” is a contraction for “let us,” which is also first person; do not use it.
Here are some examples of ways to avoid using first-person pronouns where they are not appropriate:
Incorrect | Correct |
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We designed the Sprite Renderer component to help you control how a sprite looks in a scene. | Use the Sprite Renderer component to control how a sprite looks in a scene. |
At runtime, we load the first script and execute it. | At runtime, Unity loads the first script and executes it. |
Next, we need to activate our account and log in to our dashboard. | Next, activate your account and log in to your dashboard. |
If you choose to not use the usages that Unity provides by default, you must let us know what you've used when submitting for certification. Be prepared to update your usage strings based on our feedback. | If you choose to not use the usages that Unity provides by default, you must let the Unity XR Inputs team know what you've used when submitting for certification. Be prepared to update your usage strings based on the XR Inputs team's feedback. |
Now that we've opened our scene, let's add some GameObjects. | Now that you've opened your scene, you're ready to add some GameObjects. |
Second person (you)​
Address the reader in second person, either with “you” or by implying “you” through an imperative instruction. Second person supports a friendly, human tone and helps avoid passive voice by focusing the discussion on the reader.
Be direct in addressing the reader with instructions. Instead of referring to what they should do, could do, or are able to do, instruct them to do it.
Incorrect | Correct |
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You should select the Next option. | Select the Next option. |
On this page, you will be able to see how many Seats are Available/Pending. | Observe how many Seats are Available/Pending. |
You can view the file by selecting Open. | Select Open to view the file. |
Third person (they, she, he)​
Don’t refer to the reader as “the user,” which is third person. Do use “the user” when discussing the end user of the application that the reader is creating.
Use “they” and “them” as non-gender-specific pronouns, whether the subject is singular or plural. Only use gender-specific pronouns when you are referring to a specific person with a known gender identity.
Incorrect | Correct |
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The user opens the Unity Editor. | Open the Unity Editor. |
The game starts when the user presses Spacebar, and pauses when he presses P. | The game starts when the user presses Spacebar, and pauses when they press P. |
To add another person to your account, make sure she has a valid email address. | To add another person to your account, make sure they have a valid email address. |
John Doe said “All creators are innovators” when they spoke at the 2022 XYZ conference. | John Doe said “All creators are innovators” when he spoke at the 2022 XYZ conference. |