weird grammar question

valkyrie · #1 08-02-2005, 10:49 PM

I'm not sure if it's old school or what, but I learned that when typing, it is proper to put two spaces after a period (or colon, but that's not as important). However, the Chicago Manual of Style dictates that one period after sentences is correct, and I think it's common (if not universal) to use one space in most publications. I am slowly trying to make the switch, but it's really difficult.

How many spaces do you put after a period?

WCUgirl · #2 08-02-2005, 10:52 PM

Two. <space> <space> Always.

AlphaXiGirl · #3 08-02-2005, 10:53 PM

Me too. I guess I'm now officially old?

imsohappythatiama · #4 08-02-2005, 10:55 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by AXiD670
Two. <space> <space> Always.

Ditto that. (space) (space) It's a function of what Style Guide you are using, but generally the 2-spaces following a period is the most acceptable form.

Taualumna · #5 08-02-2005, 10:55 PM

I was taught two, but from what I understand, journalists favour one. I had to correct myself when I took PR Writing this year. The teacher said that two spaces is an old secretarial method that is still used by some. It isn't wrong.

tunatartare · #6 08-02-2005, 10:59 PM

One space. Two if it's a formal business document.

jwright25 · #7 08-02-2005, 11:01 PM

As a book publisher, this is one of my BIGGEST pet peeves. For professional documents, manuscripts, etc., please put only one space.

Taking them out is the first thing we do when we get a manuscript in for publication. Check out newspapers, books, and magazines - you won't find them.

Double space is not WRONG, just not appropriate professionally in certain fields.

mmcat · #8 08-02-2005, 11:09 PM

i was a journalist long ago and it was one space.
but academically, two spaces, no matter which form you are using..

tinydancer · #9 08-02-2005, 11:53 PM

I still put 2 spaces. However, remember that back when I learned to type, we still used manual typewriters. Yeah, that's really old school!

ladygreek · #10 08-03-2005, 12:01 AM

Acually the one space is old school. That is what I was taught. Then it went to two spaces. And then at one point it even went to three. I now go back and forth between one and two depending on the document.

Here's another question. Do you single space and then indent paragraphs, or do you double space with no indentation (or a combination?) And if you indent how many sapces do you indent?

valkyrie · #11 08-03-2005, 12:08 AM

At work, we indent paragraphs about 3 spaces and don't add a space between paragraphs.

In other grammar news, today I received an email from an author insisting that it is a great idea to start sentences with the word "but" -- he even included a five page .pdf file to support his assertion. I mean, if it's that important to you, have at it. But I still think that starting a sentence with "but" is pretty lame.

tinydancer · #12 08-03-2005, 12:42 AM

Quote:

Originally posted by valkyrie
But I still think that starting a sentence with "but" is pretty lame.

I seem to remember being taught that you should not start a sentence with "and" or "but."

But I still do it anyway sometimes. (LOL)

cntryZTA5 · #13 08-03-2005, 12:49 AM

I still use two spaces, but I heard recently that it has now changed to one. That's going to be a hard habit to break!

sugar and spice · #14 08-03-2005, 03:00 AM

One. I used to do two but I switched it up because, as posted above, basically everything being published uses one. Plus I think one looks better.

AGDee · #15 08-03-2005, 06:51 AM

I have to actually type to find out. Ok, I naturally did two spaces. That's what we were taught in typing class. When in college, we were taught APA style for all of our papers (that's what our professional journals used) and we had to follow their style for quotes. It also included two spaces after the period back then. I don't know what it says now. These things get revised frequently! It's best to know your audience and which style is expected for that publication.

Dee