14+ Other Ways to Say “In This Essay, I Will” (Formal, Informal & Professional Alternatives)

Last updated: September 29, 2026

“In this essay, I will” is one of the first phrases students learn for stating a thesis — and one of the first phrases teachers get tired of reading. It’s clear, but it’s also flat, repetitive across a stack of papers, and often marked down for sounding too basic in upper-level academic work.

If you’re writing an essay, a report, or a research paper and want your opening to sound sharper without losing clarity, you need real alternatives that still tell the reader exactly what’s coming.

I’ve graded hundreds of student essays, and I can tell within the first line whether someone reached for the first phrase that came to mind or actually thought about their opener. The phrase itself isn’t wrong — it’s just overused to the point where it reads like a fill-in-the-blank template.

This guide breaks down 14+ natural alternatives to “in this essay, I will,” grouped by formal academic tone, professional report style, and casual writing — plus where each one fits in your essay and mistakes to avoid.

Why “In This Essay, I Will” Needs an Alternative

“In this essay, I will” is grammatically fine, but it’s a first-person announcement that many academic style guides discourage in formal writing. Many universities ask students to avoid “I” statements in essays, especially in research and argumentative writing, because the focus should stay on the argument, not the writer.

The deeper problem is repetition. If every student in a class opens with “In this essay, I will discuss,” a grader reads the same six words thirty times before lunch. That’s not a grammar issue — it’s a style issue that affects how engaged your reader feels from sentence one.

Here’s what I flag most often when editing essays:

• Students use it as a placeholder without revising it in later drafts.
• It’s paired with vague verbs like “discuss” or “talk about” instead of specific ones like “argue” or “examine.”
• It shows up in formal academic papers where instructors specifically ask for third-person, objective language.

Choosing a stronger opener signals to your reader — and often your grader — that you’ve thought about your argument, not just your assignment checklist.

What Is a Thesis Statement, and Why Does the Opener Matter So Much?

A thesis statement is the single sentence (or two) that tells the reader what your essay claims and, often, how you’ll support that claim. It’s the sentence a grader looks for first, because everything else in the essay is supposed to serve it.

“In this essay, I will” and a thesis statement are not the same thing. That’s the mix-up I see most often in early drafts:

• “In this essay, I will discuss education” announces a topic. It tells the reader what general subject is coming, but not what you actually think about it.
• “Education access strongly predicts long-term economic mobility” is a thesis. It makes a specific, arguable claim the rest of the essay has to support.

Why this distinction matters for your opener:

A simple test: could a classmate write the exact same opening sentence about a completely different essay on the same topic? If “In this essay, I will discuss the effects of climate change” could open literally any climate change essay, it’s not doing any real work. A thesis like “Coastal cities are underestimating relocation costs in their climate adaptation budgets” could only open one essay — yours.

How this connects to the alternatives in this guide: phrases like “this essay argues” or “this paper contends” are useful precisely because the verb (“argues,” “contends”) forces you to commit to a claim, not just a topic. If you can’t finish the sentence “This essay argues that ___” with something specific, the thesis itself needs more work before the opener will fix anything.

Formal Academic Alternatives

Formal academic alternatives remove the first-person “I” and shift the essay itself into the subject of the sentence, which fits research papers, dissertations, and most college-level writing.

This essay examines

A strong, neutral opener for analytical essays. “Examines” signals a close, detailed look rather than a surface-level summary.

Example: “This essay examines the economic effects of remote work on urban housing markets.”

This paper argues

Best for persuasive or argumentative essays where you’re taking a clear stance. “Argues” tells the reader upfront that a position is coming, not just a description.

Example: “This paper argues that early literacy programs significantly reduce high school dropout rates.”

The purpose of this essay is to

A classic, safe academic phrase that works across nearly every essay type. It’s slightly more formal than “in this essay, I will” without sounding stiff.

Example: “The purpose of this essay is to compare two theories of child language acquisition.”

This study explores

Common in research-based writing, especially when your essay draws on data, case studies, or existing literature rather than pure opinion.

Example: “This study explores the relationship between sleep quality and academic performance in college students.”

This analysis focuses on

Works well when your essay narrows in on one specific angle of a larger topic, which helps signal scope to your reader right away.

Example: “This analysis focuses on the portrayal of grief in three of Toni Morrison’s novels.”

Professional and Report-Writing Alternatives

Professional alternatives suit business reports, workplace proposals, and formal presentations where you’re outlining what a document will cover rather than making an academic argument.

This report outlines

A clean, direct way to preview the structure of a business or technical document. It works especially well before a bulleted list of sections.

Example: “This report outlines the key findings from our Q3 customer satisfaction survey.”

The following sections will cover

Useful when your document has multiple distinct parts and you want to set expectations early, common in white papers and internal memos.

Example: “The following sections will cover budget projections, staffing needs, and implementation timelines.”

This proposal presents

A confident, professional phrase for pitches, grant applications, or business proposals where you’re introducing a plan of action.

Example: “This proposal presents a three-phase plan for reducing operational costs by 15%.”

Here, we will address

A workplace-appropriate alternative when writing on behalf of a team or company rather than as an individual student.

Example: “Here, we will address the three main challenges identified during the client onboarding review.”

Informal and Conversational Alternatives

Informal alternatives work for blog posts, personal essays, class discussion boards, and any writing where a first-person, conversational voice fits the assignment.

I want to talk about

A relaxed, honest opener that fits reflective essays, personal statements, or informal class writing where first-person voice is expected.

Example: “I want to talk about why my hometown’s library shaped the way I read as an adult.”

Let’s take a closer look at

A friendly, inviting phrase that works well in blog-style essays or discussion posts where you’re guiding a reader through an idea step by step.

Example: “Let’s take a closer look at why so many students procrastinate on long-term assignments.”

This piece is about

Short, direct, and casual — good for informal writing assignments, reflective journals, or personal essays that don’t need a rigid academic tone.

Example: “This piece is about the moment I realized my part-time job taught me more than my classes did.”

Here’s what I’ll be covering

A conversational alternative that still previews content clearly, useful for informal presentations or discussion-based writing.

Alternatives by Essay Section

The right alternative to “in this essay, I will” often depends on which part of the essay you’re writing — the introduction, a body paragraph transition, or the conclusion.

For your introduction

Your opening line sets the tone for the whole piece, so this is where formal alternatives like “this essay examines” or “this paper argues” tend to work best in academic writing.

For body paragraph transitions

Inside your essay, you don’t need to repeat a thesis-style phrase. Instead, use transitions like “the next section considers” or “turning to the second point” to move the reader forward without sounding repetitive.

For your conclusion

When you circle back to your thesis, avoid restating “in this essay, I discussed” word for word. Try “this essay has shown” or “the evidence presented here demonstrates” to close with more authority than you opened with.

How to Choose the Right Alternative

Match your opener to your assignment type: use formal academic phrasing for research papers, professional phrasing for workplace documents, and conversational phrasing only when first-person, informal writing is expected or allowed.

A quick way to decide:

• Research paper or argumentative essay → “this essay argues” or “this analysis focuses on”
• Business report or proposal → “this report outlines” or “this proposal presents”
• Personal essay or reflective writing → “I want to talk about” or “this piece is about”
• Multi-section document → “the following sections will cover”

I tell my students to check their assignment instructions first. If a professor explicitly bans first-person pronouns, don’t reach for “I want to talk about” just because it feels natural — pick the formal, third-person option instead.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

The most common mistake is repeating the exact same opener phrase in the introduction, body, and conclusion of the same essay.

Watch for these issues in your own drafts:

• Using “I will discuss” for every topic, even when “argue,” “examine,” or “compare” would describe your actual approach more precisely.
• Mixing formal and informal tone, like opening with “this essay examines” and then writing “I just think this is really interesting” two sentences later.
• Overusing the phrase across an entire essay, restating “in this essay, I will” in the conclusion instead of using a closing-appropriate alternative.
• Ignoring instructor guidelines on first-person pronouns, which varies a lot between disciplines — science and social science papers are stricter than humanities essays.
• Choosing a vague verb like “talk about” in formal writing when a stronger, more specific verb like “evaluate” or “investigate” fits the assignment better.

What to Say Instead of In This Essay I Will Discuss

The phrase “In this essay, I will discuss” is commonly used in academic writing to introduce the main topic of an essay. However, repeating it can make an introduction sound predictable or overly simple. Using a more natural and direct expression can make your writing clearer, more engaging, and more professional.

Here are some alternatives you can use depending on your essay’s purpose:

• This essay examines: A formal alternative for introducing a topic that requires detailed analysis.
• This essay explores: Suitable for essays that investigate a subject from different perspectives.
• This paper analyzes: Ideal for academic writing that involves critical thinking or examining evidence.
• The following essay focuses on: A clear way to introduce the central subject of your writing.
• This discussion highlights: Useful when you want to emphasize important points or ideas.
• This essay addresses: Appropriate for essays that deal with a particular issue or question.
• The purpose of this essay is to examine: A formal expression that clearly establishes the essay’s objective.
• This paper investigates: Suitable for research-based essays that explore a question or problem.
• The central focus of this essay is: A direct way to introduce your main topic.
• This essay considers: A natural academic alternative when discussing different viewpoints.

Example:

• Original: In this essay, I will discuss the effects of social media on students.
• Alternative: This essay examines the effects of social media on students.
• More natural: Social media has significantly influenced students’ learning habits, communication, and academic experiences.

The most effective alternative depends on the type of essay. For an argumentative essay, this essay argues may be suitable, while this essay explores works well for a broader discussion.

Other Ways to Say In This Essay I Will Examples

There are several ways to replace “In this essay, I will” without making your writing sound repetitive. The best alternative depends on whether you are explaining a topic, presenting an argument, analyzing evidence, or exploring different perspectives.

Here are some practical examples you can use in academic and everyday writing.

• This essay will examine: This expression introduces a topic that requires careful consideration. Example: This essay will examine the relationship between education and economic development.
• This paper aims to explain: This phrase is useful when your primary purpose is to provide an explanation. Example: This paper aims to explain how climate change affects agricultural production.
• The discussion will focus on: Use this expression when you want to emphasize specific aspects of a subject. Example: The discussion will focus on the challenges faced by international students.
• This essay investigates: This is appropriate for research-based writing that examines a particular question. Example: This essay investigates the causes of unemployment among young adults.
• The following sections explore: This phrase works when an essay is organized into several sections. Example: The following sections explore the social and economic effects of urbanization.
• This paper considers: Use this alternative when presenting several ideas or viewpoints. Example: This paper considers the advantages and disadvantages of online education.
• The main objective is to analyze: This expression highlights the analytical purpose of an essay. Example: The main objective is to analyze the influence of advertising on consumer behavior.
• The essay addresses: This is a concise alternative for introducing a particular issue. Example: The essay addresses the importance of environmental protection.

For more natural academic writing, you can also remove the introductory phrase entirely and begin with your main point. This approach often makes an essay introduction more direct and engaging.

How to Say This Essay Will Discuss Without Saying It

You can communicate what an essay will discuss without explicitly announcing it. Instead of telling readers what you intend to discuss, introduce the subject, explain its importance, and establish the main argument.

This approach makes academic writing more direct and helps avoid repetitive introductory sentences.

Here are some ways to do that:

• Introduce the main topic directly: Begin with a clear statement about the subject. Example: Climate change presents significant challenges for agriculture, public health, and economic development.
• Present the central issue: Start by identifying the problem your essay addresses. Example: The increasing cost of higher education has raised concerns about accessibility and financial equality.
• State your main argument: Explain the position your essay will support. Example: Regular physical activity plays an essential role in maintaining physical and mental well-being.
• Use a topic-focused opening: Introduce the central subject without referring to the essay itself. Example: Artificial intelligence is transforming how businesses operate, communicate, and make decisions.
• Highlight the main areas of investigation: Mention the important aspects of your subject directly. Example: Social media influences teenagers’ communication habits, social relationships, and self-perception.
• Establish the significance of the topic: Explain why the subject deserves attention. Example: Access to clean drinking water remains a significant challenge in many developing communities.

Example of a complete transformation:

• Less effective: In this essay, I will discuss the importance of education in modern society.
• More direct: Education plays a fundamental role in personal development, economic growth, and social progress.
• Academic: Access to quality education contributes to economic mobility, social equality, and long-term development.

The direct versions communicate the subject without using the predictable phrase “this essay will discuss.” They also give readers a clearer idea of the essay’s central focus.

In This Essay I Will Examples

The phrase “In this essay, I will” is often used by students when writing introductions, particularly in school assignments and college essays. Although it is grammatically correct, it can sometimes sound repetitive. Replacing it with a precise statement can make your writing more fluent.

Here are examples for different essay topics.

• Education: Original: In this essay, I will discuss the importance of education. Alternative: Education is a fundamental part of personal growth and societal development.
• Technology: Original: In this essay, I will explain how technology affects our lives. Alternative: Technology has transformed communication, education, and everyday activities.
• Climate change: Original: In this essay, I will discuss the causes of climate change. Alternative: Human activities, including fossil fuel consumption and deforestation, contribute significantly to climate change.
• Social media: Original: In this essay, I will explore the impact of social media on teenagers. Alternative: Social media plays an influential role in teenagers’ communication, relationships, and online experiences.
• Mental health: Original: In this essay, I will discuss the importance of mental health. Alternative: Mental health is an essential component of overall well-being and quality of life.
• Global warming: Original: In this essay, I will explain the effects of global warming. Alternative: Rising global temperatures have far-reaching environmental and economic consequences.
• Online learning: Original: In this essay, I will examine the benefits of online learning. Alternative: Online learning provides flexible educational opportunities for students with different needs and circumstances.
• Unemployment: Original: In this essay, I will discuss the causes of unemployment. Alternative: Unemployment is influenced by economic conditions, technological changes, and labor market demands.
• Healthy lifestyles: Original: In this essay, I will explain why a healthy lifestyle is important. Alternative: A healthy lifestyle supports physical fitness, emotional well-being, and long-term health.
• Environmental protection: Original: In this essay, I will discuss ways to protect the environment. Alternative: Environmental protection requires responsible resource management, pollution reduction, and sustainable practices.

These examples demonstrate how you can replace a general announcement with a meaningful opening sentence. Choose a version that accurately reflects the argument and scope of your essay.

What to Say Instead of This Essay

The phrase “this essay” is frequently used in academic writing to refer to the written work itself. However, using it repeatedly can make sentences sound mechanical. Depending on the context, you can replace it with more specific expressions or restructure the sentence.

Here are useful alternatives:

• This paper: A common substitute for this essay, particularly in college and university assignments.
• This discussion: Suitable when referring to an explanation or examination of a particular subject.
• This analysis: Appropriate for writing that involves interpreting evidence or examining a problem.
• This study: Best suited to research-based work that presents an investigation or findings.
• The present paper: A formal academic expression used to refer to the current written work.
• The following discussion: Useful when introducing the next part of an academic argument.
• The analysis: A concise alternative when the subject has already been established.
• This examination: Appropriate when referring to a detailed investigation of a particular issue.
• The argument: Useful when referring to the central position or reasoning in an argumentative essay.
• The research: Suitable when discussing the research process or findings of a study.

Examples:

• Original: This essay explains the effects of pollution on human health. Alternative: This paper examines the effects of pollution on human health.
• Original: This essay focuses on the causes of poverty. Alternative: The analysis focuses on the causes of poverty.
• Original: This essay presents several arguments about online education. Alternative: The discussion presents several arguments about online education.
• Original: This essay explains the importance of renewable energy. Alternative: The following discussion highlights the importance of renewable energy.

However, you do not always need to replace this essay with another phrase. Often, rewriting the sentence to focus directly on the subject produces a clearer result.

In This Essay I Will Meme

The “In This Essay, I Will” meme is a humorous internet format that makes fun of the formal, predictable language commonly used in school and college essays. It usually begins with the phrase “In this essay, I will” and then introduces an exaggerated, unusual, or amusing topic.

The humor comes from the contrast between the serious tone of academic writing and the often ridiculous or highly specific subject that follows.

Common characteristics of the meme include:

• Formal introduction: It starts with a familiar academic phrase, such as “In this essay, I will discuss.”
• Unexpected subject: The sentence introduces something unusual, funny, or exaggerated.
• Academic humor: It pokes fun at the formal language students are often expected to use.
• Relatable situations: It reflects the experience of writing essays for school or university.
• Exaggeration: It often presents an ordinary interest or personal opinion as though it were a serious research topic.

Examples of the meme’s style:

• In this essay, I will explain why my cat deserves a university degree.
• In this essay, I will discuss why sleeping should be considered an essential life skill.
• In this essay, I will argue that weekends should last five days.
• In this essay, I will explore the complicated relationship between students and deadlines.
• In this essay, I will prove that coffee is an essential academic resource.

These are original examples inspired by the meme format, rather than quotations from specific viral posts.

The meme is generally used for entertainment on social media. Although it makes fun of traditional essay introductions, the phrase itself is not grammatically incorrect. It is simply a familiar expression that can sound repetitive when overused.

This Essay Will Argue Synonym

The phrase “this essay will argue” is commonly used in argumentative essays to introduce a central claim or position. It tells readers that the writer intends to defend a particular viewpoint using evidence and reasoning.

If you want to avoid repeating this phrase, you can use several alternatives, depending on the strength and purpose of your argument.

• This essay contends: A formal alternative that introduces a position supported by reasoning.
• This paper maintains: Suitable for presenting a position that the writer will defend throughout the essay.
• This essay asserts: Appropriate when introducing a clear and direct claim.
• This paper proposes: Useful when presenting a suggested explanation, solution, or approach.
• This essay demonstrates: Suitable when the essay aims to establish a conclusion through evidence.
• This paper makes the case that: A natural expression for introducing a position supported by arguments.
• The central argument is that: A direct way to communicate the main claim.
• The evidence suggests that: Appropriate when the argument is based on research or available evidence.
• This analysis supports the view that: Suitable when an essay examines evidence in favor of a particular position.
• The main claim is that: A concise alternative that identifies the central argument.

Examples:

• Original: This essay will argue that education should be accessible to everyone. Alternative: This paper contends that education should be accessible to everyone.
• Original: This essay will argue that social media has a negative impact on teenagers. Alternative: The central argument is that certain patterns of social media use can negatively affect teenagers.
• Original: This essay will argue that renewable energy is essential for sustainable development. Alternative: This essay makes the case that renewable energy is essential for sustainable development.
• Original: This essay will argue that public transportation should be improved. Alternative: This paper proposes that improving public transportation can help address urban mobility challenges.

Choose a synonym that accurately reflects your argument. For example, contends and maintains introduce a position, while demonstrates suggests that the essay will establish a conclusion through evidence.

This Essay Will Explore Synonym

The phrase “this essay will explore” is frequently used in academic writing when introducing a topic that requires investigation, discussion, or examination. It is particularly suitable for descriptive, analytical, and exploratory essays.

If you want to avoid repeating this expression, several alternatives can communicate the same idea while maintaining a professional academic tone.

• This essay will examine: A formal alternative for investigating a subject in detail.
• This paper will investigate: Suitable for research-based essays that explore a particular question.
• This discussion will consider: Useful when examining different perspectives or aspects of a topic.
• This essay will analyze: Appropriate when the subject requires critical evaluation or interpretation.
• This paper will investigate the relationship between: Ideal for essays that explore connections between two or more subjects.
• This essay will delve into: A more engaging expression for discussing a topic in depth, although it is less formal.
• This paper will address: Suitable for essays that focus on a specific issue or question.
• This examination will focus on: A formal alternative that identifies the main area of investigation.
• The following discussion will highlight: Useful when introducing important aspects of a subject.
• This essay will consider: A natural academic alternative when examining several ideas or viewpoints.

Examples:

• Original: This essay will explore the relationship between education and economic growth. Alternative: This paper will examine the relationship between education and economic growth.
• Original: This essay will explore the impact of technology on modern communication. Alternative: This discussion will consider the impact of technology on modern communication.
• Original: This essay will explore the challenges of online education. Alternative: This paper will investigate the challenges associated with online education.
• Original: This essay will explore the causes of environmental pollution. Alternative: This examination will focus on the major causes of environmental pollution.
• Original: This essay will explore different approaches to improving public health. Alternative: This essay will analyze different approaches to improving public health.

For academic writing, examine, investigate, analyze, and consider are useful alternatives. Select the word that best describes what your essay actually does rather than changing the wording simply for variety.

Frequently Asked Questions

What to say instead of “I will” in an essay?

Instead of “I will,” use formal expressions such as “This essay will explore,” “The discussion focuses on,” or “The following analysis examines.” These alternatives create a more academic tone and make your writing sound clear and professional.

What to say instead of “I will”?

You can replace “I will” with phrases such as “I intend to,” “I aim to,” “I plan to,” or “This paper examines.” In formal writing, choosing an appropriate alternative helps maintain a polished tone and reduces unnecessary first-person statements.

What’s another way to say in this essay?

Instead of repeatedly writing “in this essay,” consider using “this paper,” “the present discussion,” “the following analysis,” or “this study.” These expressions help you introduce your ideas naturally while maintaining a formal and consistent academic writing style.

How do I say in this paper I will discuss?

To avoid the phrase “in this paper, I will discuss,” use alternatives such as “This paper examines,” “The discussion explores,” or “The analysis focuses on.” These expressions introduce your main topic directly and make your academic writing more concise and professional.

How to avoid saying “I” in an essay?

To avoid using “I” in an essay, focus on the subject of your discussion rather than your personal actions. For example, replace “I will explain the causes” with “This essay explains the causes” or “The following section examines the causes.” This approach helps maintain an objective academic tone.

What is a better way to say “I would”?

A more formal alternative to “I would” depends on the context. You can use “It would be appropriate to,” “This suggests that,” “One could argue that,” or “The evidence indicates that.” These expressions help communicate suggestions, arguments, and interpretations clearly without relying on repetitive first-person language.

The Bottom Line

“In this essay, I will” isn’t a grammar mistake — it’s a missed chance to sound more precise and confident from your first sentence. Matching your opener to your assignment, whether that’s a formal research paper, a workplace report, or a personal reflection, makes your writing read like it came from someone who planned their argument, not someone filling in a template. Pick the phrase that fits your tone and your instructor’s expectations, and your essay will start on stronger footing.

Riaz Ahmad

Riaz Ahmad is the founder and writer at DefineGrammar.com, dedicated to simplifying English grammar for students and writers worldwide. With a passion for language, he breaks down complex grammar rules into clear, practical lessons, helping readers write with confidence and clarity every day.