Users' questions

When did APA change spacing after period?

When did APA change spacing after period?

The Publication Manual of the American Psychological Association (APA) was the only style guide that overtly recommended two spaces after a period, and even that long-time holdout for two spaces changed its guideline to one space in its 2019 update. The MLA Handbook for Writers of Research Papers (MLA) waffles.

Do I put 2 spaces after a period?

According to the AP Stylebook, single-spacing is correct. The same goes for the Chicago Manual of Style. However, the Modern Language Association Style Center offers different advice, and suggests that writers use a single space after a period unless they have been explicitly told otherwise.

Should there be two spaces between sentences in APA?

Line Spacing Do not triple- or quadruple-space between paragraphs. APA (2020) recommends the use of double spacing for “the entire paper, including the title page, abstract, text, headings, block quotations, reference list, table and figure notes, and appendices” (p. 45).

How many spaces do you put after a period?

This isn’t really a plain language question—it’s a question of style. What’s the answer? It’s true that years ago, everyone used two spaces after a period and before the beginning of the next sentence. But these days, the rule is that all types of written material should use one space.

How many spaces should be after a period?

Leave one space after a period or other concluding punctuation mark, unless your instructor prefers two spaces. Whichever spacing you choose, be sure to use it consistently throughout your paper.

How many spaces should there be between sentences?

one space
Always put exactly one space between sentences. Or more generally: put exactly one space after any punctuation.

Why do lawyers put two spaces after a period?

In Favor of Two Spaces More directly to the issue, Miller said that the two spaces after a period have a “mathematical beauty” that makes it easier to read. Endorsing Wynn’s viewpoint, Megan McArdle at The Atlantic concisely stated why most lawyers continue to be two-spacers.

The “two spaces after period” rule was established during the days of typesetters, when additional space was needed to show the difference between the spacing between words (which was smaller) and the spacing between sentences (which was larger).

Should I use double spacing in APA?

APA research paper spacing is the simplest rule in that style to remember. All lines which, in normal writing, would be single-spaced should be double-spaced in all pages from the title throughout the paper.

What is double spacing in APA format?

– Use only one space at the end of each sentence in the body of your paper. – In general, APA papers should be double spaced throughout. A list of exceptions can be found here. – To make sure that your paper is double spaced throughout, select the text, right click, select ‘Paragraph,’ and look under the section ‘Line Spacing’ as shown below:

What is APA style spacing?

The default line spacing recommendation for APA Style is to use double-spacing throughout a paper. If your paper requires a section not addressed in this post or in the Publication Manual, then we recommend you use double spacing unless you have been instructed otherwise.