weird grammar question

[madmax]

Originally posted by valkyrie
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?

I own two copies of the Chicago Manual of Style. That puplication is a rag.

[ADqtPiMel]

One. I'm a journalist.

[lifesaver]

I put two spaces in documents I work on for clients.

I prefer two. I think as long as you are consistant throughout a document, you are OK.

[bruinaphi]

Originally posted by sageofages
In writing for publication, the common form is one space after a period.<space>

For business correspondence and other writing, it is two spaces after a period.<space><space>

If you are writing for publication in an academic journal or business journal you most likely will still use two spaces (at least it is still considered proper in the legal profession, but hey, it takes our profession hundreds of years to change).

[Peaches-n-Cream]

Originally posted by lifesaver
I put two spaces in documents I work on for clients.

I prefer two. I think as long as you are consistant throughout a document, you are OK.

So do I.

I also learned that a sentence doesn't start with the words however, then, but, and, & or.

[SilverTurtle]

One.

I've been doing it for ages that way - I think I switched between HS and college? I also think the AP Style manual says 1, but mine is out of date (1997ish) and I don't feel like digging it up to confirm.

Go with your industry standard, which I'm guessing is one space.