Using words like won't and doesn't on personal statements

[alexamasan]

One person told me that I shouldn't use the apostrophe version of two words like don't, won't, doesn't, etc. I can understand how sometimes they can sound unprofessional and childish, but other times I personally think they help the sentence flow better. What do you guys think?

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[AbbyNormal]

well Data on Star Trek never used contractions.

relevance = zero

😀

 

[mylilpony]

One person told me that I shouldn't use the apostrophe version of two words like don't, won't, doesn't, etc. I can understand how sometimes they can sound unprofessional and childish, but other times I personally think they help the sentence flow better. What do you guys think?

I wouldn't use them. They are too informal in my opinion. I don't even use them on papers for school.

 

[dentalWorks]

yeh I wouldn't use them either.. its like going to a job interview and saying "yeh" instead of "yes"

 

[btk2333]

Definitely do not use them

 

[MrBeans]

General academic writing suggests not using contractions.

Although I would not encourage the use of contractions in a personal statement, I think there may be some exceptions. Possibly if quoting others, or creating a story with imagery.

 

[rnbaxter]

Depends on where you are applying and the culture of the area.

Generally you should not use contractions to be safe, however, some states have their own way of speaking and writing (Southern States) so it may be alright.

Anyways how hard is it to avoid combining two words?

 

[dentalaee]

I "wouldn't"

 

[Vicviper]

It depends how you're (ha) organizing your paper. If you've got it going as a narrative, then by all means use contractions, it makes the paper flow much much better, and is easier to read. This said, don't go overboard. If you're making it as a more formal accounting of your activities, then don't. I used contractions on mine, and I actually got compliments about my personal statement.

 

[sassykat]

I definitely did. An essay should be professional, but also sound like YOU are talking. Use a professional "voice" and use your own judgment.

 

[Magic Hoof]

well Data on Star Trek never used contractions.

relevance = zero

😀

Even Data used contractions on a few occasions (episode In Theory). I believe it all depends on the content and intended audience.

 

[LNinlove]

I was always taught to never use contractions when writing professionally. Didn't use them, can't say that it helped or hurt.