How many spaces after a full stop

How many spaces should be left after a full stop? This is a question which comes up again and again on writers’ forums. I could make this post very short and tell you the answer – one, but for the doubters, of which there are many, I will expand on this answer.

Only one space is used because that is all there is needed. Years ago, back in the time of type writers the fonts used were such that two spaces were required. PCs have got rid of that problem, and whether the article is to be published online or in print it doesn’t matter – always one space.

Why does this matter? Well as a writer you should be aiming to be professional at all times and give the impression that you are one.  And professional writers place one space after a full stop. But also think how annoying it is for the editor having to make corrections. Everyone makes mistakes and these are excusable, but mistakes made on purpose are not.

If you would like to read more on this subject take a look at this Telegraph article on the subject.