Is there 2 spaces after a period in APA?

The Great Space Debate: One Space or Two After a Period in APA Style?

Okay, let’s talk about something that might seem trivial, but trust me, it’s sparked more debates than you’d think: spaces after a period. Seriously! For ages, writers, editors, and even style nerds (like me, sometimes!) have argued about whether to use one space or two. Back in the day, two spaces were the norm, especially if you were clacking away on a typewriter. But times have changed, and so has the official word from the American Psychological Association (APA). These days, it’s all about that single space after a period. Let’s dive into why.

A Little History Lesson on Spacing

So, where did this whole two-space thing even come from? Blame the typewriters! Those old machines used monospaced fonts, which meant every letter took up the exact same amount of space – whether it was a skinny “i” or a wide “m.” All the letters and characters took up the same amount of space. The two spaces after a period were there to give your eyes a break, to clearly signal the end of one sentence and the start of another. It made things easier to read.

But then computers came along and messed everything up (in a good way!). We got proportional fonts, where letters get space based on how wide they actually are. Naturally, there’s more space after a wide letter and less after a narrow one. Suddenly, that extra space after a period felt…clunky. Unnecessary.

APA’s Verdict: One Space, Please!

Here’s the deal: the APA, which basically sets the rules for academic writing in a lot of fields, now says to use one space after a period. Period. This applies to everything in your APA paper – the abstract, the main text, those long block quotes, even your reference list. The 7th edition of the Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association makes it crystal clear.

Funny enough, the APA actually waffled on this. In the 6th edition, they were still on team two-spaces. But the 7th edition? They flipped back to one. It just goes to show how much things have changed in the world of writing and publishing.

A Few Little Exceptions

Now, before you go on a single-space rampage, there are a couple of times when you might still use two spaces:

• If your teacher or publisher tells you to: This is the big one. If someone in charge specifically wants two spaces, give them two spaces! It’s their show.
• If you just really, really like two spaces: Hey, personal preference is a thing. If you’ve been doing it for years and it feels right, go for it. It might not be the “official” way, but it’s your writing.

Why the Change of Heart?

So, why did everyone ditch the extra space? Well, modern computers and word processors are pretty smart. They know how to make text look good. With proportional fonts, the space between sentences is already clear. That extra space just isn’t needed anymore. Plus, let’s be honest, one space looks cleaner and more modern. Even Microsoft Word is getting in on the action, flagging two spaces between sentences as an error.

The Bottom Line

Alright, here’s the takeaway: The APA says one space after a period is the way to go. While two spaces have a long history, they’re just not necessary anymore with today’s technology. Sticking to one space will keep your writing looking sharp and professional. But always double-check if your instructor or publisher has different rules. And, at the end of the day, it’s your call. Just make sure you know why you’re making it!