January 23, 2009
Two spaces or not two spaces: That is the question.
Do you put one or two spaces after a period?
I always put just one, and I was surprised to learn that many people still put two.
Granted, back in high school typing class, we were all taught that two spaces belong after every period. But that was a long time ago, and in grammar (as in life), rules change with the times.
Old-fashioned typewriters used “monospaced” or “fixed-width” fonts, whose letters each occupy the same amount of space. Therefore, the second space was needed after a period for the reader’s eye to pick up on the beginning of a new sentence. Makes sense.
But nowadays, I’d venture a guess that most of us do our typing on computers.
Computers use “variable-width” fonts (e.g. Times New Roman, Arial), whose letters differ in size to one another. And since most modern word processors automatically place the period close to the preceding letter, there is no need for the writer to add that second space. In fact, if they do, they can create unsightly “rivers” in a document. These unattractive blank spots can appear to run down a paragraph of text—especially when the two spaces line up approximately above one another in several consecutive lines.
Granted, some habits are hard to break. And those of us who have been typing for a long time may find this one especially difficult.
Bottom line is this: One space after a period is today’s typographic standard. However, if it is your organization’s style to put two spaces after a period—or if you’re a graphic designer who knows enough to break the rule for style—go for it.
Filed by rebecca at 12:51 pm under Grammar guide
Surprised to learn that people were putting two spaces? Dang, now I feel old! For those of us who were forced to take typing class, 2 spaces was drilled into us. Marks were deducted otherwise! It simply became one of ‘the rules’, right alongside our grammar rules. Times might change, granted, but nobody sent out a memo that said “Hey! Typers! Just one space now, eh?” So, until somebody points it out to you, you have no reason to realize that two spaces has gone the way of dinosaur.
The one space rule was pointed out to me last week. That means I have been using two spaces for thirty years. That is of helluva habit to have to break. But, this entire commment is done with just a single space after the period.
Old panthers can learn new tricks.
Panther: I totally see your point. How would one know to stop putting two spaces after a period unless otherwise instructed (as I was by a writing professor)? As far as grammar rules rank, I’d put this one near the bottom. If it’s too hard a habit to break, I’ll let you off the hook. Just don’t mess us “its”/”it’s”!
‘its with it’s’ is one I NEVER mess up. For some reason, it’s one of my mother’s pet peeves and its importance was hammered home.
Well, many thanks to Mama Panther! (Funny how some grammar rules really strike a chord with some people …)
I still get client revisions where they’ve put in two spaces where one used to be. Apparently, they’re still teaching that because even the younger ones are doing it! I always tell clients that in the interest of space and printing costs, I opt for a single space. No one’s seemed to mind.
Lori: Sounds like you’re handling it just right (thank goodness for ’search and replace’!).
I’m a one-space stickler. I learned it way back, I think even before university, and stuck with it, probably mostly for aesthetic reasons. One of the first things I do before copyediting is search for and replace the double spaces in a document. Easy enough to fix, so if authors do it, I don’t stress.
When I first started freelancing for this magazine, I submitted copy with two spaces after punctuation. The editor explained that single spacing was now standard - especially when writing for the web. It was awkward relearning at first, but I think I’ve got it now. An editing professor once told me that writers should try to take a refresher grammer course to keep up with changes.
Steph a.k.a. one-space stickler: Clearly, you and Lori are prepared either way. What great editors!
Hi, Kimberly!
I totally agree with you: Making the change is awkward at first, but once you’ve gone to one space, you never go back. And great point about writing for the Web! Those “rivers” are especially noticeable (and unattractive) on computer screens.
I’d LOVE to take a refresher grammar class! Please let us know if you find a good one.
I still put two, unless the house style instructs me to put one. I HATE reading text with only a single space. It gives me a headache. I like the sentences properly set off. A period is called a “full stop”. It’s a place to take a breath before the next sentence starts.
Again, if the editor wants one, fine, or if I’m instructed so to do by house style, fine. But until so instructed, I do two.
It certainly doesn’t stop my work from getting accepted, published, or paid.
That makes a lot of sense, Devon. If your style is working for you, why change it?
i put two! i had no idea that was not correct! thanks, lil’ bocky.
You’re welcome, Tess. (Although if you feel strongly about two spaces, it’s not a hard and fast rule.)
I only feel “strongly” about two things: Bill & food. laugh out loud
Tess: