Double Spacing After Periods

[Goodfella]

I think it's finally time we had a meaningful conversation on spaces after periods. Some people, namely those born in the 17th century, think you need to put two spaces after your periods. What's your opinion on this? To me it seems really pointless and half the time people end up putting three, or even four, spaces without even realizing. How many spaces did I just make? You can't even tell unless you highlight over it, which would be impossible if you were reading a hard copy.

 

[Zelig]

Single space, always.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html

Can I let you in on a secret? Typing two spaces after a period is totally, completely, utterly, and inarguably wrong.

 

[Antilogic]

I do two spaces (and only two, not three or four) after periods because I find the text easier to parse.

People tell me the extra space is already included in the period for most computer typefaces so you only need one, but the text still looks too tight to me.

EDIT: what do you know, first cited article is the one that Manjoo guy wrote. No surprise.

 

[Goodfella]

Single space, always.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html

If I recall correctly, nearly every style guide advices against it, at least for publications, but nearly everyone I know thinks you have to do it for formal writing, even English teachers.

Also, it looks like the example in the OP isn't working because the extra spaces were formatted away. If you quote me you'll see it.

 

[Formaldehyde]

This went out with typewriters.

 

[Kennigit]

I was never taught it.

 

[Terxpahseyton]

I have never heard of this madness.

 

[JollyRoger]

I give double the space during periods.

 

[cybrxkhan]

I've heard of it, but was never taught to di it.

 

[Camikaze]

Double spacing is barbarism, pure and simple.

As is using the word 'period' in this sense.

 

[LegionSteve]

I always do, because I learned to type on an electronic typewriter. I wasn't born in the 17th century, though my GCSE Keyboard Skills teacher may have been.

Actually the only time I don't double space after a period is in a txt msg. But then I'm probably odd for using punctuation in a txt msg at all.

 

[Borachio]

I learned to do this when I learned to type in 1969. I don't really think it matters what the convention is. I'm surprised anyone gets worked up about it.

 

[SS-18 ICBM]

I have never heard of this madness.

My sentiments exactly. We need to put a full stop to it.

 

[Goodfella]

My sentiments exactly. We need to put a full stop to it.

How is that possible? This is pretty much my experience:

The diners included doctors, computer programmers, and other highly accomplished professionals. Everyone—everyone!—said it was proper to use two spaces. Some people admitted to slipping sometimes and using a single space—but when writing something formal, they were always careful to use two. Others explained they mostly used a single space but felt guilty for violating the two-space "rule." Still others said they used two spaces all the time, and they were thrilled to be so proper.

http://www.slate.com/articles/technology/technology/2011/01/space_invaders.html

Does this not happen outside the US or the Anglosphere?

 

[downtown]

I never do it, and I hate it when my writers do it. It is one of my biggest copy editing pet peeves.

 

[Souron]

I've never been taught to do it, I've only seen other people do it, such as here on the forum (when quoted).

 

[gay_Aleks]

Why do you think there must be a full stop to this? To be fair, the period of one space is soon to be over, and our glorious two-space will be used in all spaces, without borders!

 

[Chukchi Husky]

I was taught in school to use two spaces after a full stop.

 

[Gori the Grey]

Two. Spaces. Period.

 

[Zelig]

Thankfully vBulletin automatically displays a single space if you've mistyped multiple spaces.