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Below:
1. To space or not two space?
2. New business-writing BLOG!

To space or not two space?

Hi,

At the end of your sentences, do you hit the space bar once or twice? A debate is raging about this. (Type something now to see what you're in the habit of doing.)

Which is correct?
You should use a single space after a period, question mark or exclamation mark.

"Sacrilege! I was taught to use two spaces!"
Did you learn to type on a typewriter? If so, you may have been told to insert two spaces at the end of sentences to ensure enough space.

Most typewriters had non-proportional ("monospace") fonts. With these, thin letters, like "i", took up the same space as fat ones, such as "m", as you can see with this Courier font:

However, computers now use "proportional" fonts. With these, space for thin letters is slim, compared to space for fat ones, as you can see with this Times font:

Why should you care?
With proportional fonts, just the right amount of space is added after each sentence. But double spacing adds distracting gaps that make your writing look choppy and unprofessional.

Mainstream publishers have used one space between sentences for decades. It's also backed by the Australian Government Style Manual, the MLA, APA, and The Chicago Manual of Style. I say go with the experts.

Using double spacing is like using Liquid Paper on your screen to fix errors. Times have changed!
(Still don't believe me?).

Have your say...
...on our new blog. Are you a "space" cadet, and proud of it? Go on - make your mark!

Paul and Petrina

   
 

Know thy readers

Exterminating errors

Links to help
you think

Tone up your flabby phrases

Writing in your underpants

Procrastinator Terminator

Apostrophe catastrophe

Make it rare to
get “Well done!”

Writing for sheep

Keep it short, sport

Fat-free writing

ALL back issues

   
Paul sig

BRAIN GYM: Notice whether you habitually use one or two spaces at the end of your sentences. If two, persist until you break the habit. In the interim, use Word's search/replace function to insert single spaces instead.

 

Brain_food_for_brilliant_business_writing

New business-writing BLOG!
Have your say; see what others think

Our new blog will add real firepower to your writing. Not only is it a collection of past e-zines like this, but you’ll find extra tips, videos, podcasts and facts to help you when you're writing at work.

It’s a brilliant extra resource, so check it out and bookmark it so you can find it when you need it.

You can air your views, and see what others think.

Here’s what you’ll find:

  • Valuable business-writing tips
  • Intriguing facts about communication, persuasion, and psychology
  • Interesting things I see as a copywriter and corporate trainer

…and all with a healthy dose of input from intelligent people like YOU.

Got a burning question or idea to share? Please
join the conversation!

 Does your writing need a workout?

Magneto Communications Pty Ltd
PO Box 379, Lane Cove, Sydney NSW Australia 1595.
Phone (02) 9427 3127  Fax (02) 9427 1327

www.magneto.net.au
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