Are There 2 Spaces After A Colon? Exploring Punctuation Rules

Is it correct to use two spaces after a period? The widely accepted rule, as indicated by every major style guide, is to use a single space after a period or any other punctuation mark that concludes a sentence. Notably, even the American Psychological Association (APA), which had long advocated for the double space, reversed its position on this matter in 2019. This change is essential to keep in mind when formatting your written work as of March 4, 2022.

A colon is a fundamental punctuation mark formed by two dots, with one dot positioned above the other, creating the appearance of this symbol: ” : ” In the realm of punctuation, colons serve a multifaceted role beyond merely introducing lists. Think of a colon as a beacon that strategically directs your reader’s attention within your text. Colons play a pivotal role in enhancing emphasis and fostering clarity in your written communication.

The use of double spacing after a period, a practice known as “two spaces after a period,” originated with the introduction of the typewriter in the late 19th century. Typists employed this formatting convention to replicate the aesthetic of traditional typesetting, which also utilized generous sentence spacing. Although the printing industry transitioned away from wide sentence spacing in the mid-20th century, this convention persisted on typewriters and later on computers. Consequently, the use of two spaces after a period became a standard practice in typing, which endured long after its initial typographic origins were no longer relevant in the printing world.