typing 2 spaces after a sentence is wrong

6 May, 2011 (12:00) | FYI/DIY

Typing 2 spaces after a period at the end a sentence is wrong.

Maybe “wrong” is too strong, but it’s not right.  Don’t believe me?  Go ask the experts, like the Modern Language Association – http://www.mla.org/style_faq3

It stems back to the old days of typewriters, where each character took up the same “space” as any other character.  Skinny letters like I and l took up the same space as M and W, which would leave sentences looking broken apart and disorganized.  So, the double space rule was implemented to make paragraphs easier to read.

I guess it’s up to you to follow the rules, but they’re there.  Let’s see people try to enforce them.

Brought to you courtesy of Slate.

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  • http://mosspointsnorth.wordpress.com/ Amy

    I have such an issue with this! I know it’s not necessary (and was aware of where the ‘rule’ stemmed from) but it’s such a habit! I guess I thought it was an MLA standard growing up and that’s where I picked it up? Not sure.

  • Grammar

    Let’s take a look at this post:
    “right.  Don’t”  – 2 spaces
    “me?  Go” – 2 spaces
    “character.  Skinny” – 2 spaces
    “disorganized.  So,” – 2 spaces
    “there.  Let’s” – 2 spaces

    Old habits are hard to break…