Use a single space after the period (vs a double)
Hi all,
Just want to share a tip. As a Gen X'er, you've probably learned to insert a double space after the period at the end of a sentence. That's not the common practice anymore and using a double space makes you look dated. Microsoft is updating their software so that it will highlight the double space as an error.
My previous boss was able to peg me to be in the 40+ age bracket because of the double spaces in my resume and cover letter. If you're looking for a job and are worried about ageism, you might want to switch to using a single space.
Jillian Knapp
Educator, Storyteller, Lifeline
918
06/26/20 at 9:18PM UTC
I remember a few years ago when I worked for a law firm as a technical trainer a lawyer (who wasn't very old) was adamant about the 2 spaces after period rule. I'm speculating it's because that's how his mentor's documents looked? In law firms I've noticed this happens often. Anyway his assistant told me that she was told once to go through this 20 page document and change the spacing after each period. My reaction was 1) Yikes! and 2) What a waste of time! I have a feeling this debate will continue in certain industries. As for me I will go with the newer rule. I'm adaptable:)
Anonymous
06/24/20 at 10:44PM UTC
I can't believe this is something to get judged over. One space, two spaces, who cares? It's like the toilet paper over/under debate. Stay consistent in your writing and that should be all that matters.
Julie Chatman, MBA, CISMCyber Strategy,Transformation,& Business Impact
650
06/24/20 at 10:41PM UTC
I do not do this. And when I encounter this, I use brute force removal. lol
Barb HansenStartup Product, Growth & Strategy
9.66k
06/24/20 at 4:31PM UTC (Edited)
The reason why two spaces where used on typewriters and why that extra space is not required anymore ... (I learned this early in my transition from typewriters to computers)
When using a typewriter, the common practice was to use two spaces to highlight the end/beginning of a sentence. The typist had to use two spaces because typewriters do not know the difference between the letters or symbols being typed.
When using a word-processor (which is what programs like Word where called as personal computers were becoming the norm in the mid-80s) the 2nd space at the end of sentence was not longer required. Why? Because word processors are smart. Very smart programmers gave word-processors that ability to make the space after a period appear as a slightly larger space which decreases the work that the person typing had to do (only hit the space bar once) while still giving the reader the visual cue that a sentence had added.
If you type a second space at the end of a sentence you are visually showing something larger than 2 spaces.
This is the same reason why you don't have to put a blank space between paragraphs in Word, You can select the spacing that you want after paragraphs and let the Word work it's magic. :)
TKMarketing Technology Leader
273
06/24/20 at 2:28PM UTC
i've heard a lot about this lately. when i'm typing online i don't do double space, but then i also don't use capitalization either. but in written/word docs etc i'll have to go back and see what it do especially in my resume or on linkedIN!
Saidah AbdulhaqqDigital Strategist
Marketing Technologist
Coach
1.02k
06/24/20 at 2:19PM UTC
This is one I started adjusting as fonts improved in Word and as communications evolved online. I was in MarCom and ghostwriting blogs when keyword stuffing was a thing and have enjoyed watching digital communications progress. I noticed that programs started correcting it (like Word and Outlook) and I adjusted accordingly to avoid seeming outdated.
TLJones35
23
06/23/20 at 7PM UTC
My boss has asked me to stop doing this. ? It’s such a hard habit to break. Hopefully the Microsoft update will help? Thanks for this post!
Rachel MinnickInnovative Nonprofit Professional/California
953
06/22/20 at 3:46PM UTC
I am actually surprised by the number of people who don't know this. Single-spacer for life.
Jackie GhedineCoach Gen X Women|Host Modern GenX Woman podcast
6.03k
06/22/20 at 12:08PM UTC
This Gen X'er always uses the double space. And I struggle because typing has become such second nature (with the double space) that it slows me down! Thanks for this tip, I'm going to share it with my Gen X clients!
Eileen VicksHousekeeping Director / Senior Retirement Resort
31
06/22/20 at 4:46AM UTC
Wow. I never realized that. Thank you for sharing. I guess I better update myself
