One Space... Or Two?

philtorrens said:
We don't use old english anymore. In the modern english language we only use one space.
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I think you will find that "old english" (whatever that refers to) predates typewriters.....

As the article states (and the one I posted previous) it depends on the medium used and whether it is a monospaced font etc....

Grammatically either is correct. Using Computer based media would obviously use one space, whereas using a ribbon typewriter would require two.
 
2 if you were born in the 60s, I guess?

I've never heard of a 2 space rule when studying GCSE English, would have thought they'd have mentioned this back then, no?!

Plus, as mentioned above, Word Processors will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 and even online forums will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 as well.
 
I can only explain to you with this article. Had a lot to do with the typesetters back in the 60's. Modern English dictates we use one space, although they used too many, years ago.
 
Khaaan! said:
2 if you were born in the 60s, I guess?

I've never heard of a 2 space rule when studying GCSE English, would have thought they'd have mentioned this back then, no?!

Plus, as mentioned above, Word Processors will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 and even online forums will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 as well.
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Precisely, it is simply tradition. In a modern context it is unnecessary to use double-spacing. Although both are quite correct.
 
Khaaan! said:
2 if you were born in the 60s, I guess?

I've never heard of a 2 space rule when studying GCSE English, would have thought they'd have mentioned this back then, no?!

Plus, as mentioned above, Word Processors will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 and even online forums will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 as well.
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Amen :)
 
Khaaan! said:
2 if you were born in the 60s, I guess?

I've never heard of a 2 space rule when studying GCSE English, would have thought they'd have mentioned this back then, no?!

Plus, as mentioned above, Word Processors will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 and even online forums will autocorrect 2 spaces to 1 as well.
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I don't think WORD will correct double spacing after a full stop.
 
I just use one space and always have, if it were necessary for clarity to use two spaces because of the font and its spacing then I would but if that impetus doesn't exist I see no utility in putting in extra spaces. While I appreciate good use of language as much as the next man (possibly even more depending on who it is) there are limits to how stringent I feel it is necessary to be, the primary requirement for me is that it is clear and understandable - the rest follows.
 
Stulid, you should seriously consider being a comedian!

You go on about how everyone here is a dumb **** and that the English language taught in Schools is a joke, but your posts are full of errors :D
 
semi-pro waster said:
I just use one space and always have, if it were necessary for clarity to use two spaces because of the font and its spacing then I would but if that impetus doesn't exist I see no utility in putting in extra spaces. While I appreciate good use of language as much as the next man (possibly even more depending on who it is) there are limits to how stringent I feel it is necessary to be, the primary requirement for me is that it is clear and understandable - the rest follows.
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My boss is REALLY strict on this, he can spot if it's one or two spaces, he will edit and print his letter again just for that. Also 3 lines after yours sincerely to his name for his signature, 4 lines is too many. When using a numbered bullet points, the number is not indented but line up with the edge of the left of the letter, the whole letter also justified. Etc etc etc.

He calls it "window dressing" a lot of times but it is also professional, and the little things do matter.
 
I was taught two spaces after a full stop and one after a comma when I was at school; which was the normal English way. I still do it this way, one through habit and two because 1 space is called "French Spacing" :)


philtorrens said:
When using a numbered bullet points, the number is not indented but line up with the edge of the left of the letter, the whole letter also justified. Etc etc etc.

He calls it "window dressing" a lot of times but it is also professional, and the little things do matter.
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This just sounds like he knows the correct format for a business letter to me.
 
Raymond Lin said:
My boss is REALLY strict on this, he can spot if it's one or two spaces, he will edit and print his letter again just for that. Also 3 lines after yours sincerely to his name for his signature, 4 lines is too many. When using a numbered bullet points, the number is not indented but line up with the edge of the left of the letter, the whole letter also justified. Etc etc etc.

He calls it "window dressing" a lot of times but it is also professional, and the little things do matter.
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Exactly.

All other ways is wrong.
 
semi-pro waster said:
I just use one space and always have, if it were necessary for clarity to use two spaces because of the font and its spacing then I would but if that impetus doesn't exist I see no utility in putting in extra spaces. While I appreciate good use of language as much as the next man (possibly even more depending on who it is) there are limits to how stringent I feel it is necessary to be, the primary requirement for me is that it is clear and understandable - the rest follows.
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You speak sense :) Obviously well educated in the English language sir ;)

Nah im my experience most people don't even use one space let alone two. The whole language is going to ruin with people texting this srt of dft stff. The simple text message is destroying our language. Maybe im just getting old? lol!!
 
pepp77 said:
I was taught two spaces after a full stop and one after a comma when I was at school; which was the normal English way. I still do it this way, one through habit and two because 1 space is called "French Spacing" :)

This just sounds like he knows the correct format for a business letter to me.
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LOL !! Cracker.
 
philtorrens said:
You speak sense :) Obviously well educated in the English language sir ;)

Nah im my experience most people don't even use one space let alone two. The whole language is going to ruin with people texting this srt of dft stff. The simple text message is destroying our language. Maybe im just getting old? lol!!
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I get grief for this but I refuse to use txt spk in texts and always use proper English (something even my almost 60 year old mum doesn't do anymore).
 
stulid said:
Exactly.

All other ways is wrong.
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No they are not wrong, some, especially the older generation use the traditional method. Raymond's boss happens to be one of those, but either is grammatically correct.

That is the answer, so quit being so adversarial over it.
 
The only place I've ever seen double spacing mentioned is on here and a number of times at that. I don't really care either way in terms of reading it but have zero compunction to add an extra space when typing. As far as I can make out it's an outdated concept.
 
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