Using Contactions Forum
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Using Contactions
Should I avoid this in my personal statement? Most articles say spell out the full words for college essays - does the same apply for law school essays?
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Re: Using Contactions
Yes. You should also avoid using contractions.
- Dany
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Re: Using Contactions
Use whatever sounds better. I used a couple contractions in mine. I think a more conversational and personal tone is better in a lot of cases, and sometimes contractions fit better with that. It doesn't really matter either way, though.
- JustE
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Re: Using Contactions
PKozi wrote:Yes. You should also avoid using contractions.
I was advised to stay away from them as well. I'd do it if I were you.
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- MrPapagiorgio
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Re: Using Contactions
I learned to not use contractions in formal written work in 7th grade. Do not use them.
Last edited by MrPapagiorgio on Sun Jan 22, 2012 5:49 pm, edited 1 time in total.
- Dany
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Re: Using Contactions
A personal statement is not a formal written work. It's personal.
- MrPapagiorgio
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Re: Using Contactions
Part of your application to a professional school. I stand by what I said.Dany wrote:A personal statement is not a formal written work. It's personal.
- Dany
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Re: Using Contactions
Oh give me a break. I used contractions sparingly in my personal statement and did just fine. Admissions committee members are real human beings that want to get to know applicants (to the extent they even read personal statements at all), and you can be a good writer and still use contractions. It's really not a big deal in something personal and narrative in nature, like a PS.
- JustE
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- Joined: Tue Sep 28, 2010 8:49 pm
Re: Using Contactions
While I agree, please keep in mind that it only takes one asshole on an adcomm to screw you. Why take the chance?Dany wrote:Oh give me a break. I used contractions sparingly in my personal statement and did just fine. Admissions committee members are real human beings that want to get to know applicants (to the extent they even read personal statements at all), and you can be a good writer and still use contractions. It's really not a big deal in something personal and narrative in nature, like a PS.
Don't use 'em.
- Dany
- Posts: 11559
- Joined: Mon Sep 28, 2009 3:00 pm
Re: Using Contactions
It's legitimately not a "chance" or a "risk" because they will not care.
- Xifeng
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Re: Using Contactions
If the tone/topic is a more casual one, I'm sure it's fine. Also, if they're going to keep you from going over two pages, use them.
I tend to write in a more formal tone so mine didn't have them, but I used a shit ton on my 1L finals and did fine.
Maybe err on the side of none, but if it sounds really stilted and weird without them, then use them. I highly doubt you'd get dinged for that
I tend to write in a more formal tone so mine didn't have them, but I used a shit ton on my 1L finals and did fine.
Maybe err on the side of none, but if it sounds really stilted and weird without them, then use them. I highly doubt you'd get dinged for that
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