I'm currently editing my college essay and I noticed that I've used some contractions throughout the text. Is this considered informal for a college essay? Should I change them to their full forms or is it okay to leave them as they are?
Hi there! Great question. Contractions are generally considered informal, but using them in your college essay isn't necessarily a bad thing. In fact, they can make your writing feel more natural and conversational.
The key is to strike a balance between formality and approachability. It's important for your essay to feel genuine and reflect your voice, so if contractions come naturally to you, go ahead and use them. However, be sure to avoid overusing contractions or incorporating them into more formal sections of your essay.
For example, if you're describing a personal experience or telling a story, contractions might be appropriate. On the other hand, if you're discussing a serious topic or making an argument, it's best to avoid them. Ultimately, the decision is yours, just make sure your essay maintains a level of professionalism and readability.
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