<p>which one is better for a college essay. Obviously i wrote all these words like don’t or shouldn’t, but my friend edited it this way. which one is better?</p>
<p>The best way to tell is to read the essay out loud. If it sounds like <em>you</em> talking, use that construct. The essay needs to be in your “voice” and reading it out loud and seeing where you stumble or feel uncomfortable or “stiff” will point out where changes are needed.</p>
<p>My father, who attended Yale for medical school and had to write a lot of essays, says that you should also spread out those words, and not combine them. It’s more formal. and sounds better. So Do not is better than don’t, unless your quoting someone.</p>
<p>But hey, my father and I are not grammar professional’s/police.</p>
<p>I agree with dig, also the most important thing is consistency. Dont change the voice in a sentence. If you’re going to use it use it in the entire essay, unless you’re quoting someone or expressing a different sentiment or idea.</p>
<p>it’s not a problem if you use it, these are “personal essays” they aren’t supposed be formal</p>
<p>When I tried to change every don’t I had to do not, it just sounded ■■■■■■■■. Nobody would ever speak that way.</p>
<p>College essays are not formal assignments. Contractions are not only acceptable but in many cases will sound more natural.</p>