<p>For those experinced essay writers, is it okay to use the words "you" or "your" in an essay when not speaking directly to the reader?<br>
Ex. Life is about doing what "you" love.
Is it better to insert "one" or is you fine?</p>
<p>usually, if it's a formal essay, 'you' is considered too ambiguous, and might detract from the essay.</p>
<p>what if it is a more personalized essay, kind of like you are talking with the admissions officer.</p>
<p>One would prefer that one not use such words as "one" but then, one is not the one judging the essay.</p>
<p>As long as it is grammatically correct, you should use your own voice. I seriously doubt that you use "one" in this context very often. I don't know many people who do--and when they do, I wish they wouldn't. It sounds pretentious. Even if it's a formal essay, I'd figure out another way to say what I want to say without using "one". Unless, of course, you hope to take over Miss Manner's column, in which case one should not hesitate to sprinkle "ones" around the room quite liberally.</p>
<p>i would have used 'you' too. i think it sounds more personal. but don't overdo it though.</p>