writing "you" vs "one"

[Catherine C.]

Hi All,

Can someone tell me which would be better to use in an essay or are either okay?:

Your body strength improves with exercise. One's body strength improves with exercise.

Thanks in advance,
Catherine

[Mariner]

It depends on the essay, but generally speaking, you should try to avoid both of them. Especially "you" is informal. "One" is formal alright, but it's considered too archaic. I do use "one" sometimes, but rarely.

Regarding the example you mentioned, I'd prefer
Body strength improves with exercise

[MikeNewYork]

Originally Posted by Catherine C.

Hi All,

Can someone tell me which would be better to use in an essay or are either okay?:

Your body strength improves with exercise. One's body strength improves with exercise.

Thanks in advance,
Catherine

Both are OK. In a formal exercise, the impersonal "you" may not work as well as "one".