What's the substitute words for "you" in formal writing?
Humans need 2 liters of water. When the water content of the body is reduced by 2% we will begin to feel thirsty. At 5% your head will begin to hurt.

I've been taught to refrain from using 'you' in formal writing. If a writer has already used "Human", "We" such as the quoted sentences, then what is the proper substitute word for "Your head"? Or is possessive case a exception?

Question

What's the substitute words for "you" in formal writing?
> Humans need 2 liters of water. When the water content of the body is reduced by 2% we will begin to feel thirsty.  At 5% your head will begin to hurt.

I've been taught to refrain from using 'you' in formal writing. If a writer has already used "Human", "We" such as the quoted sentences, then what is the proper substitute word for "Your head"? Or is possessive case a exception?

Answer

There are several work-arounds, but if you’re interested in *formal* writing, the easiest to use would be “one”. For example: “At 5% one’s head will begin to hurt.”

Answer

Adding to Phil's excellent answer in the example you have given it is possible to use "one" earlier "...reduced by 2% one will begin" and then use "your" "At 5% your head..."

Verpassen Sie nicht die Gelegenheit, bequem von zu Hause aus eine Sprache zu lernen. Stöbern Sie in unserer Auswahl an erfahrenen Sprachlehrern und melden Sie sich jetzt zu Ihrer ersten Unterrichtsstunde an!