Should There Be A Space After

Should There Be a Space After a Period? The Definitive Guide

This seemingly simple question – should there be a space after a period? – has sparked countless debates among writers, editors, and even programmers. The answer, while seemingly straightforward, has evolved with technology and stylistic preferences. This guide will delve into the history, the current conventions, and the practical implications of spacing after punctuation marks.

A Brief History of Spacing

Before the widespread adoption of typewriters, there was no single, universally accepted standard for spacing after punctuation. The practice varied widely depending on the typesetter and the publication. Typewriters, with their monospaced fonts (where every character occupies the same width), solidified the single-space convention for many years. This was largely a matter of practicality; single spacing saved space and made text more compact.

However, the advent of proportional fonts (where characters like 'i' and 'm' have different widths) on computers opened the door for a renewed discussion on spacing. Proportional fonts, designed to mimic the aesthetics of traditional printing, made the single-space convention look somewhat cramped and less visually appealing to some.

The Modern Convention: One Space After a Period

While arguments for double spacing linger, the overwhelming consensus among style guides (like the Chicago Manual of Style, AP Stylebook, and MLA Handbook) and professional writing communities is to use one space after a period and other terminal punctuation marks (like question marks and exclamation points).

This convention offers several advantages:

• Improved Readability: One space provides sufficient visual separation between sentences without creating excessive white space.
• Consistency: A single-space system is simpler to implement and maintain, reducing the potential for errors.
• Compatibility: It works seamlessly across various software and platforms.

Why Double Spacing is Largely Obsolete

The argument for double spacing primarily stems from the legacy of typewriters. However, with modern word-processing software and proportional fonts, double spacing is no longer necessary for readability or to distinguish between sentences. In fact, it often results in excessive white space, making text appear less dense and potentially harder to scan.

Exceptions and Special Cases:

While one space after a period is the standard, there are a few exceptions:

• Programming: In programming languages, spacing conventions can vary, and may even be specified by the language or style guide.
• Specific Design Choices: In very stylized typography, designers might deviate from the standard, but this is mostly in artistic contexts rather than general writing.

Conclusion: Embrace the Single Space

The debate over spacing after a period is largely settled. While historical reasons might exist for double spacing, the modern consensus firmly supports using a single space. This convention optimizes readability, enhances consistency, and ensures compatibility across different platforms. By adhering to this widely accepted practice, you'll create cleaner, more professional, and ultimately more effective writing. So, next time you're writing, remember – one space after that period!