It’s a question that might seem small, almost trivial, but it’s one that has sparked surprisingly strong opinions and even generational divides: how many spaces should you put after a period?
For many of us who learned to type on a typewriter, the answer was always two. I remember my typing teacher, Mrs. Gable, with her stern gaze, insisting on that double space. It wasn't just a rule; it was a fundamental part of making text legible. Back then, typewriters used what’s called 'monospace' typesetting. Think of it like a fixed-width font where every letter, from a skinny 'i' to a wide 'w', took up exactly the same amount of space on the page. This created a rather uneven texture, and that extra space after a period was crucial for helping the reader distinguish where one sentence ended and the next began. It was a visual cue, a little breathing room in a dense block of text.
But then came computers, and with them, a revolution in how we set type. Modern word processors and design software use 'proportionally spaced' fonts. This means letters are given the space they actually need. An 'i' is narrow, a 'w' is wide, and the spacing between them is adjusted automatically. Suddenly, that second space after a period, which was once a necessity for clarity, started to look… well, a bit much. It can make your writing appear dated, and many people now see it as a simple mistake.
So, what’s the verdict today? The consensus among most contemporary style guides is overwhelmingly in favor of a single space. Major authorities like The Chicago Manual of Style, the American Psychological Association (APA), and The Associated Press (AP) all recommend just one space. Even Microsoft, a giant in the software world, officially settled the debate in 2020, updating its own style guide and even its software to flag double spacing as an error. It’s a clear signal that the era of the double space is largely behind us.
Of course, language and its conventions are always evolving. While the standard is now one space, there might be specific contexts where two spaces are still preferred. If you're working with an editor who has a particular fondness for the double space, or if an instructor has given you explicit instructions to use it, then by all means, follow their lead. Ultimately, the expectations of your audience or reviewer are key. But for general writing, for everyday communication, and for that polished, modern feel, sticking to a single space after a period is the way to go. It’s a small change, but it’s one that can make your writing look and feel more current and professional.
