Hi everyone, I'm working on my essay for college applications and I was wondering if it's acceptable to use contractions like 'I'm' and 'they're'. Will using contractions make my essay seem less formal or unprofessional? Thanks in advance for any advice!
Hi there! It's great that you're putting thought into your college essay. In general, using contractions like 'I'm' and 'they're' is usually acceptable in your essay. College essays are meant to showcase your personality and unique voice, so it's important for your writing to sound natural and genuine. Contractions can help achieve that by making your essay feel more conversational.
That being said, you should still be mindful of maintaining an appropriate balance between formal and informal language. Try reading your essay out loud and see if the contractions sound natural or if it makes the piece feel too casual. If you find that the contractions work well in context, go ahead and use them. Just remember to proofread your essay carefully for consistency in style and tone. Good luck with your application!
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