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Typing two spaces...

September 11, 2015
 - Tim Hardman

There are people everywhere who use two spaces after a full-stop.  I often read documents and emails from people that include the two-space error. You don't see it as often in the Pharma industry as in other areas of life. A couple of my friends are two-spacers, even my wife has been known to use an unnecessary extra space every now and then. So were did this all start? Until the 20th century, publishing houses and printers in many countries used two (sometimes more) space between sentences. Following the invention and widespread adoption of the typewriter, typists used two spaces between sentences to mimic the style used by traditional typesetters. Although wider sentence spacing was phased out by printers during the mid-twentieth century, the practice continued on typewriters and later on computers. Perhaps because of this, many modern sources claim that wide spacing was created for the typewriter. Habitual two-spacers will often loudly proclaim, “Who says using two spaces is wrong?”

Many arguments for single spacing have been based on the readability of the text but typographers can point to no studies or any other evidence proving that single spacing improves readability. When you press them on it, they tend to cite their aesthetic sensibilities claiming that the results are ugly. One space is simpler, cleaner, and more visually pleasing. Other supporting arguments include:

Modern Typesetting Standards

  • Proportional Fonts: On typewriters, every character was monospaced (each letter took up the same amount of space and gives you text that looks 'loose' and uneven - effectively providing a lot of white space between characters and words). To create clear visual separation between sentences, typists used two spaces after periods. However, first electric typewriters and then modern word processors and web design use proportional fonts, in which skinny characters (like I or 1) were given less space than fat ones (like W or M). This makes extra spaces unnecessary and creates uneven, awkward gaps in text flow. Today nearly every font on your PC is proportional (Courier is the one major exception).

Readability and Aesthetics

  • Uneven Spacing: Using two spaces in digital typesetting can lead to inconsistent spacing between sentences, making the text look visually uneven and less professional. Modern typographic guidelines favour a clean, consistent appearance, which is achieved by using a single space.
  • Visual Disruption: Extra spaces can disrupt the smooth flow of reading by creating too much blank space, particularly in justified text, where lines are stretched to fill the width of a column.

Style Guide Recommendations

  • Industry Standards: Major style guides like the Chicago Manual of Style, APA, and MLA now universally recommend using a single space after periods. Following these guidelines ensures consistency and professionalism in formal writing.

Digital Display and Compatibility

  • Web and Email Formatting: In web design and email formatting, using two spaces after a period can lead to unpredictable line breaks and inconsistent formatting across devices and platforms. A single space helps ensure compatibility and cleaner layout, especially in responsive designs.

Evolving Typographic Practices

  • Historical Transition: As typesetting technology and printing evolved, the extra space became obsolete. Professional typographers and designers favour a single space to ensure efficient use of space and modern visual standards.

So now you know, don't even begin to think about typing two spaces before the start of a new sentence.

About the author

Tim Hardman
Managing Director
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Dr Tim Hardman is Managing Director of Niche Science & Technology Ltd., a bespoke services CRO based in the UK. He also serves as Managing Director at Thromboserin Ltd., an early-stage biotechnology company. Dr Hardman is a keen scientist and an occasional commentator on all aspects of medicine, business and the process of drug development.

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