editorial we
LowFormal, Academic, Journalistic
Definition
Meaning
The use of 'we' by a single author to represent the viewpoint of an institution, publication, or collective rather than a personal opinion.
A rhetorical device where an individual writer or speaker uses first-person plural pronouns (we, us, our) to create an impression of institutional authority, shared consensus, or to distance themselves from personal responsibility for the statements made.
Linguistics
Semantic Notes
The term specifically refers to a convention in formal writing. It is a type of 'pluralis auctoris' or 'author's plural.' It can be employed sincerely (to represent an editorial board) or disingenuously (to mask individual opinion as collective wisdom).
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant difference in definition or usage. The convention is equally established in British and American formal prose.
Connotations
In both varieties, it carries connotations of formality and institutional authority. It can also sometimes be perceived as pompous or evasive, especially when the 'we' is clearly a single individual.
Frequency
Usage frequency is similar. Slightly more common in high-brow publications (e.g., The Economist, The New Yorker) than in tabloid journalism.
Vocabulary
Collocations
Grammar
Valency Patterns
[Author] + uses/employs + the editorial we + [to-infinitive clause]The editorial we + is used + in + [text type]Vocabulary
Synonyms
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “The royal 'we' (a closely related, often more pompous, usage)”
Usage
Context Usage
Business
Rare. May appear in formal company statements or white papers issued under a collective departmental identity.
Academic
Common in peer-reviewed journals or multi-authored textbooks to represent the research group or field's consensus view.
Everyday
Virtually never used. Its use in casual conversation would be ironic or mocking.
Technical
Specific to linguistics, rhetoric, and journalism studies as a descriptive term for the stylistic device.
Examples
By Part of Speech
verb
British English
- The columnist subtly editorial-we's his way through the piece.
American English
- She editorial-we'd her entire blog post to sound more authoritative.
adverb
British English
- He wrote editorial-wely, avoiding any personal accountability.
American English
- The statement was phrased editorial-wely, using 'our findings' throughout.
adjective
British English
- His editorial-we style is quite off-putting in a personal memoir.
Examples
By CEFR Level
- The teacher wrote 'we must do our homework' on the board.
- In the school newsletter, the headteacher often uses 'we' to talk about the school's plans.
- The journalist employed the editorial we throughout the column, giving the impression the entire newspaper endorsed the view.
- Critics have lambasted the prime minister's memo for its persistent use of the editorial we, a rhetorical strategy seen as an attempt to manufacture consensus and deflect personal criticism.
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a newspaper EDITOR writing an opinion piece alone but saying 'WE believe...' to sound like the whole paper agrees.
Conceptual Metaphor
ONE IS MANY (a single individual metaphorically represents a larger group or institution).
Watch out
Common Pitfalls
Translation Traps (for Russian speakers)
- Avoid translating it literally as 'редакторское мы'. The concept is best explained descriptively.
- Confusion with the Russian use of 'мы' for general statements (e.g., 'Мы знаем, что...'), which is more akin to the generic 'you' in English.
Common Mistakes
- Using 'editorial we' to refer to any use of 'we' by multiple authors (that's just standard plural).
- Confusing it with the 'inclusive we' (we = speaker + listener).
Practice
Quiz
In which context is the 'editorial we' LEAST likely to be used appropriately?
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
No, they are related concepts (both are types of 'nosism'). The 'royal we' (pluralis majestatis) is traditionally used by monarchs to refer to themselves. The 'editorial we' is used by writers to represent an institution, publication, or collective viewpoint.
It depends on context and sincerity. In formal editorials or academic writing representing a group, it is standard and expected. If used by a single individual to disguise a personal opinion as a collective one, it can be seen as pretentious or evasive. Modern style guides often recommend using 'I' for personal opinions.
It is primarily a written convention. In speech, a similar effect might be achieved by a spokesperson saying 'we at Company X believe...' However, the specific term 'editorial we' is almost exclusively used in meta-discussion about writing style.
Be clear about who 'we' refers to. If you are the sole author of a text, consider if 'I' is more honest. If you must use 'we,' establish early on that it represents your institution, team, or the publication, not just yourself.