I can’t help writing about the usage of two spaces after a period. Remember, first and foremost I’m an editor. I’m bound to give the client what is required. With editing there are right/wrong issues. Then there style preferences issues. Deciding to use one or two spaces at the end of a sentence is a style issue. It just so happens to be one I feel strongly about.
WHY?
- Simple really. As an editor it wastes my time having to check and usually add in spaces when two spaces after a period are required. It cannot be done automatically because the two-space “rule” does not apply to the usage of periods elswehere, for example, after a abbreviation or in the all important reference section of an academic paper.
- I’ve seen too many students spending time on agonizing about spaces when they should be focused on content or academic phrasing or maybe general formatting. Spaces after a period …!
I came across an article that really does not like the two-space preference and so I simply have to share:
Ferhard Manjoo wrote: [pullquote_left] Can I let you in on a secret? Typing two spaces after a period is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong. [/pullquote_left]
The article is a good read, and looks at a bit of the history of the one vs. two space question. It also points out what certain academic referencing styles advise. To sum up: one space. According to the author this applies to APA as well once no longer a draft.
http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html
Read more in the next post about APA and whether one or two spaces.