second person: meaning, definition, pronunciation and examples
C1Formal, Academic, Technical (when referring to grammar/literature); Neutral (in general reference to conversation)
Quick answer
What does “second person” mean?
In grammar, the grammatical category used to refer to the person or persons being addressed (the listener(s) or reader(s)). The pronouns 'you', 'your', and 'yours'.
Audio
Pronunciation
Definition
Meaning and Definition
In grammar, the grammatical category used to refer to the person or persons being addressed (the listener(s) or reader(s)). The pronouns 'you', 'your', and 'yours'.
A narrative perspective in literature or discourse where the storyteller addresses the listener/reader as 'you', placing them directly into the action or situation. This term can also refer to the actual individual being spoken to in a conversation.
Dialectal Variation
British vs American Usage
Differences
No significant differences in grammatical definition or core usage. Minor variations may exist in pedagogical materials or the frequency of discussing narrative perspective.
Connotations
Identical connotations in both varieties. Technical, precise.
Frequency
Equally common in academic and linguistic contexts in both BrE and AmE.
Grammar
How to Use “second person” in a Sentence
[Verb] + the + second person (e.g., 'address in the second person', 'use the second person', 'write in the second person')[Preposition] + the + second person (e.g., 'in the second person', 'from the second person')Vocabulary
Collocations
Examples
Examples of “second person” in a Sentence
adjective
British English
- The second-person perspective can be rhetorically powerful.
- It's a clever second-person narrative choice.
American English
- The author employs a second-person narrator.
- This is a second-person shooter video game (different technical usage).
Usage
Meaning in Context
Business
Rare. Might be used in training or communication workshops discussing direct vs. indirect address.
Academic
Common in linguistics, grammar, literary analysis, and composition studies to describe pronoun use or narrative technique.
Everyday
Uncommon. Typically replaced by simply saying 'you'. e.g., 'He was talking directly to you.'
Technical
Standard term in grammar, language teaching, and literary criticism.
Vocabulary
Synonyms of “second person”
Strong
Neutral
Weak
Vocabulary
Antonyms of “second person”
Watch out
Common Mistakes When Using “second person”
- Confusing 'second person' with 'third person omniscient'.
- Using 'second person' to mean 'another person' (e.g., 'I need a second person to help' is a different meaning).
- Incorrectly capitalising it as a proper noun (e.g., 'Second Person') in non-title contexts.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, 'yourselves' is the second person plural reflexive pronoun (e.g., 'Did you enjoy yourselves?').
Traditionally, it was avoided in favour of the third person or passive constructions. However, its use (e.g., 'As you can see in Figure 1...') is now more accepted in many fields to improve clarity and engagement, though style guides should be consulted.
They are closely related. 'Second person' is the specific grammatical category (the 'you' form). 'Direct address' is the rhetorical act of speaking directly to someone, which inherently uses the second person.
Yes, notable examples include 'Bright Lights, Big City' by Jay McInerney and 'If on a winter's night a traveler' by Italo Calvino, which use second person narration extensively.
In grammar, the grammatical category used to refer to the person or persons being addressed (the listener(s) or reader(s)). The pronouns 'you', 'your', and 'yours'.
Second person: in British English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈpɜːsn̩/, and in American English it is pronounced /ˌsekənd ˈpɜːrsn̩/. Tap the audio buttons above to hear it.
Phrases
Idioms & Phrases
- “Break the fourth wall (related concept in drama/film where a character addresses the audience directly, akin to second person)”
Learning
Memory Aids
Mnemonic
Think of a conversation: I (FIRST person) am talking to YOU (SECOND person) about HIM/THEM (THIRD person). You are second in line to speak.
Conceptual Metaphor
GRAMMATICAL RELATIONSHIP IS SPATIAL PROXIMITY (second person is 'closer' to the speaker than third person). ADDRESSING IS TARGETING (the second person is the 'target' of the speech act).
Practice
Quiz
Which of the following is a defining feature of a 'second-person narrative'?