 | typing 2 spaces after a sentence is wrong |
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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Comment from Grammar
Time May 13, 2011 at 2:27 pm
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…
Comment from Amy
Time May 6, 2011 at 4:38 pm
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.