Punctuation

[2010]

Is it one space or two space after a period.

I tried to find some info on this on the internet but very confusing. Any help please.

[SoothingDave]

I was taught to use two, but usage differs. Organizations that print a lot of material (like the US Government) use one space as a standard. It saves a lot of paper.

[SirGod]

*Not a teacher

Only one space. As far as I know, no punctuation mark requires two spaces before or after it. However, as SoothingDave said, you may be allowed to use two spaces in certain situations.

[freezeframe]

Here's the answer from MLA, which is the main style guide for a lot of disciplines in humanities.

How many spaces should I leave after a period or other concluding mark of punctuation?

[SoothingDave]

There is quite a lot of interesting information out there on this topic. And opinions can get as heated as the question of the proper way to install a roll of toilet paper.

There is quite a lot of interesting information out there on this topic. And opinions can get as heated as the question of the proper way to install a roll of toilet paper.


There is quite a lot of interesting information out there on this topic. And opinions can get as heated as the question of the proper way to install a roll of toilet paper.

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The most interesting is that web software treats any number of spaces as one space. I typed the first paragraph with 2 spaces, the second with 1, and the last with 6. They all posted the same.

So, it is a matter of style, but one space seems to be the accepted practice in software and for typographers today. Follow the style requested by your teachers or bosses in work for them, and do what you want in your own writing.

[Tdol]

And in most word processors, you can choose the number as an option.

[Rover_KE]

I was taught to use two, but in modern usage one space is becoming more and more prevalent.

I recommend you use one, 2010.

Rover