Spaces After a Full Stop: Tradition and Modern Standards

The question of how many spaces should follow a full stop has been a topic of debate among writers and typographers for decades. In the past, the typewriter dictated a standard of two spaces, but with the advent of modern word processing and proportional fonts, the rule has shifted.

Historical Context: Typewriters and Two Spaces

On typewriters, the layout of text required a clear distinction between words to ensure readability. The standard was to use two spaces after a period. This practice was widely followed and ingrained in typographic conventions.

Transition to Modern Word Processors: One Space Rule

With the emergence of modern word processors and proportional fonts, the landscape changed. Since the late 20th century, the industry has adopted the convention of using only one space after a period. This change aligns with the design principles of proportional fonts, where each character varies in width, making the text appear more aesthetically pleasing. The American Psychological Association (APA) and the Associated Press (AP) Style Guides now explicitly recommend using a single space.

Debates and Recent Studies

Although there are some who prefer the two-space rule, modern studies have shown subtle differences in reading speed when using two spaces. A recent study demonstrated that reading speed was marginally better with two spaces, but the difference was negligible. This leads us to conclude that the one-space rule is sufficient and efficient for formatting text in the digital age.

Conclusion

In conclusion, the current standard in most style guides is to use a single space after a period. This follows the practice of modern word processing and aligns with the visual design principles of proportional fonts. While personal preference may vary, adhering to one space is both correct and consistent with industry standards.