Unless you are typing on an actual typewriter,
you no longer have to put two spaces after a period
. Or a question mark. Or an exclamation point. The rule applies to all end punctuation.
How many spaces should follow a full stop?
Always use
one
, not two, spaces after a colon, a semicolon, and a full stop or other sentence-closing punctuation mark. It is necessary, however, to use a full stop after abbreviations and other shortened forms. For page referencing, always put a space between the ‘p.
Is double spacing after a period wrong?
Typing two spaces
after a period is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong
. … Typing two spaces after a period is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong.” So began former Slate writer Farhad Manjoo’s infamous 2011 tirade.
What is two spaces after a period called?
(This is called
a mono-spaced font
.) With a typewriter, it makes sense to add an extra space to make it clear that the sentence has ended. Today’s word-processing software makes fonts proportional, though, which is why we only need one space.
When did double spacing after a period stop?
While wide sentence spacing was phased out in the printing industry in
the mid-20th century
, the practice continued on typewriters and later on computers.
Are you supposed to double space after a period in MLA?
The MLA Style Center
Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark, unless
your instructor prefers two spaces
. Whichever spacing you choose, be sure to use it consistently throughout your paper.
Is there a gap after full stop?
Two spaces after each full stop
. … Letters of uniform width looked cramped without extra space after the full stop. Typists learned not to do it. But then, at the end of the 20th century, the typewriter gave way to the word processor and the computer and modern variable width fonts.
How many spaces after a period is legal?
1. Always place
two spaces —
no more, no less — after a period or other punctuation ending a sentence. This rule should be applied in all instances, including those where a citation follows the period.
How many spaces do you put after a period?
It’s true that years ago, everyone used two spaces after a period and before the beginning of the next sentence. But these days, the rule is that all types of written material should use
one space
.
Does APA require 2 spaces after a period?
Use one space after a period (or other punctuation mark at the end of a sentence) when writing in APA Style. However,
if your instructor or non-APA publisher has other requirements
(e.g., to use two spaces), follow their specifications. This guidance has been revised from the 6th edition.
When should you double space?
Do not triple- or quadruple-space between paragraphs. APA (2020) recommends the use of double spacing for “the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, text, headings, block quotations, reference list, table and figure notes, and appendices” (p. 45).
How many spaces are between sentences?
Always put
exactly one space between sentences
. Or more generally: put exactly one space after any punctuation.
Are there spaces after ellipses?
Whether you put spaces between the dots or not is a matter of style. The Chicago Manual of Style calls for spaces between every ellipsis point. The AP Stylebook says to treat the ellipsis as a three-letter word, with spaces on either side of the ellipsis but
no spaces between the dots
.
Are there supposed to be two spaces between sentences?
The answer is
one
. Putting two spaces between sentences, as many people learned to do in school — and are still learning — thanks to early monospaced typewriters “is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong,” according to Slate’s technology columnist, Farhad Manjoo — and every major style guide.
Do we need space after?
With a computer, use only
one space following periods, commas, semicolons, colons, exclamation
points, question marks, and quotation marks. The space needed after these punctuation marks is proportioned automatically. Use no spaces on either side of a hyphen.
How do I double space after full stop in Word?
To change the setting, open any Word document and click File > Options. Next, select Proofing > Settings. Scroll down to the “Punctuation Conventions” section,
change the “Spaces Between Sentences
” to “Two Spaces,” and then click the “OK” button.
