<p>I was just wondering how essay graders would react if I spice up my essay with various Latin phrases (stuff like "modus operandi" and "ad nauseam"). Do you guys think this would add to the overall impression of my essay, or should I just stick to English?</p>
<p>Sure, just don’t put too many Latin phrases. The graders probably don’t care whether the phrases mean anything, since they don’t care whether the sources you cite are legitimate.</p>
<p>I think that one would be seen as advanced vocab. More than that would look like you were trying too hard (unless of course you were writing about a Latin subject).</p>
<p>Esse est percipi is a good one.</p>