Number of Spaces After Periods Opinion Poll

[LilShortstuf]

How many spaces do you put after a period and before a new sentence? Some people are taught two and some are taught one. I want to see how eGO breaks down.

 

[Slazenger]

Two spaces for a formal paper. One in casual conversation.

 

[Dodgy]

Two spaces for a formal paper. One in casual conversation.

Exactly my stance on the topic.

 

[DragonD]

I don't recall anything about 2 spaces. That's new to me.

 

[featherfoot07]

Though taught at the age at which young children are first introduced to typing in schools - Much younger than the age I was - It is (from what I understand ) taught to be 2 spaces after a period. Though I'll say - also priorly stated - that in formal papers is the only time I've ever taken the effort ( and word will fix this problem for you at the end of your wordy endeavors)

Though i will say it is taught in conjunction with proper computer use, including posture and proper keystroke techniques - so the chance that children will remember the 2space "Rule" and put it into common practice is a rather lacking one.

 

[Ledzo]

noneIneverponctuatemysentences/

 

[Spitfire'd]

Was always taught two spaces. Sometimes only do one when texting.

 

[Gypsy]

I've always put one space, even in formal papers. My husband uses two, and it always looks a little weird to me.

 

[Tee Hee Hee]

I've never come across double spaces after full stops, not even in medical abstracts or journals (most formal writing I've ever done). Is this possibly an american vs everyone else thing?

 

[_Sushi]

I always use 1 space. Whenever someone uses two it looks strange to me.

 

[Fraurrix]

One space. Using two spaces seems pointless and looks funny.

 

[LilShortstuf]

So I must have a disproportionate number of friends who think it is two spaces. Anyway I found this in the MLA style guide last night: http://www.mla.org/style/style_faq/mlastyle_spaces

Seems like one is the standard but two can be used unless otherwise instructed.

 

[CopperAle]

And of course the APA style guide says:

Spacing (4.01). Regarding punctuation in manuscript drafts, APA suggests using two spaces after periods ending sentences to aid readability.

Since neither MLA or APA dictate it must be one way or another I think both are perfectly fine unless you are required to use a certain number of spaces because your prof is just that annoying. I have always used just one space though I'm pretty sure I was taught to use two back in middle school.

 

[Lukeirish]

I was always taught one so I always use one, never have I heard of using two spaces.

 

[Lungbuster]

Two Spaces. Double Spacing in the lines. Times New Roman (14). Turning a 250 word document into a 5 page paper like a pro?

This got me through high school...college, not so much.

 

[Darth]

One space... first time I've heard of two being used, thats just bizarre!

 

[Shruikai]

I voted 2 because I was taught that way but I still only put 1 space because 2 just looks weird o.o

 

[Idol]

Two were required back in the typewriter days. Yeah, I learned to type on one of those things back in high school. Heck, a manual (not even electric) Underwood got me through college. It has something to do with typesets and justification. But my understand is nowadays one is the standard. I still do two because it's habit...and a fear that Sister Margaret Mary's ruler will smite across my knuckles should I be caught only pressing the spacebar once.

 

[killer4000]

I used 2 spaces to add that extra little bit when writing page requirement papers back in school, but usually ill just end up using one.

 

[Fraurrix]

Two Spaces. Double Spacing in the lines. Times New Roman (14). Turning a 250 word document into a 5 page paper like a pro?

This got me through high school...college, not so much.

I'm surprised it even worked for high school. No teacher called you out on it?