One space or two? Spoiler alert: It’s one

by | Jul 9, 2018 | Ask Rhonda, Communication, Help Me Rhonda

Just because you’ve always done something one particular way, doesn’t mean you should continue to do it that way. Especially when everyone is telling you it’s now the wrong way.

In several of my training programs, there is a module about keeping your skills up-to-date, and it always sparks an interesting conversation. The thing that usually prompts the most fervent debate is the issue of whether to use one period or two at the end of a sentence.

To end all debate: It is positively and unequivocally correct to use only one space between sentences.

[ctt template=”3″ link=”a3kPy” via=”yes” ]It is correct to use only one space between sentences[/ctt]

Every major style guide, from the Modern Language Association Style Manual to the Chicago Manual of Style to Canadian Press’s style guide all confirm that one space is correct.

Just because you learned to use two spaces when you were in school doesn’t mean that is still correct today.

[ctt template=”3″ link=”FEO09″ via=”yes” ]Just because it was correct when you were in school does not mean it is correct today[/ctt]

I was taught to use two spaces. Most of us were. Of course, we also used to talk and text on our cell phone when we drove, people smoked on airplanes and in restaurants, and we never used our seatbelts. I wouldn’t do any of those things today because they are simply not okay anymore.

The reality is that if you are still clinging to the “two spaces” rule, you’re just being stubborn. Your old habit is making you look out-of-date which, I’m sure, is exactly the opposite of the way you want to appear.

Fortunately, updating your style is not that difficult. You can easily set your preferences to remove that extra space when you insert it. You can also do a search-and-replace to remove any double spaces in your document after it’s completed.

I’ve had this argument at least a hundred times, and I still find people who insist they are going to continue to use two spaces. I get silly excuses too, like, “when I use two spaces on my smart phone it automatically puts in a period and starts the next sentence.” Yes, that is the quick way to end a sentence on your smart phone or tablet. But it also proves my point, because you’ll notice that it leaves only one space at the end of the sentence.

If we always took the stubborn, “I’ll never change” approach, we would never update our clothing style (it’s not like you actually ever wear out your clothes, right?), our laws or our technology. Are you still using an Underwood typewriter to create documents? Of course not.

In fact, if we want to live in the past, then we should all still be happy to bring the boss “his” coffee and pick up his drycleaning.

Fortunately, times have changed.

Don’t be so stubborn that you make yourself look like an ancient artifact. Update your skills and keep on-the-right-track.

Article By Rhonda Scharf,

Rhonda Scharf is a well recognized Professional Speaker, Trainer and Author. She specializes in helping Administrative Professionals to thrive in their work environment using her proven tools and strategies. She is a trusted resource for many organizations worldwide, and is based in Canada and the United States. She holds the highest speaking designation in the world, the Certified Speaking Professional and was recently inducted into the Canadian Speaking Hall of Fame. She is only one of two people to hold her CSP, HoF, and the Spirit of CAPS. Rhonda is also an active member and supporter of many administrative professional associations across the world.

Rhonda Scharf, CSP, HOF, Global Speaking Fellow

Certified Speaking Professional, Hall of Fame

Rhonda Scharf, renowned and award-winning speaker, author, consultant, and trainer, is the “go-to” expert for the Administrative Professional and Executive Assistant community. With over 250,000+ trained across the globe, Rhonda is THE authority for fun and uplifting education for admins, because #ADMINSROCK!

Follow ON THE RIGHT TRACK!

Rhonda Scharf, CSP, HOF, Global Speaking Fellow

Certified Speaking Professional, Hall of Fame

Rhonda Scharf, renowned and award-winning speaker, author, consultant, and trainer, is the “go-to” expert for the Administrative Professional and Executive Assistant community. With over 250,000+ trained across the globe, Rhonda is THE authority for fun and uplifting education for admins, because #ADMINSROCK!