You, one and they

  • We can use you or one to mean 'any person' or 'people in general', including the speaker.

    You shouldn't believe what you read in the newspapers. OR One shouldn't believe what one reads in the newspapers.

    You don't like/One doesn't like to have an argument in public.

  • You is normal in conversation. One is more formal.

  • We can use they for other people in general.

    They say too much sugar is bad for you.

    We can also use it for people in authority.

    They're going to build a new swimming-pool here. They is informal and conversational.

    We use the passive in more formal situations.

    A new swimming-pool is going to be built here.