On Sun, Dec 20, 2020, Dorai Sitaram via wrote: > I'm not completely sure it's true for all modern applications, > but I hope you're right that it doesn't hurt in general to > explicitly type two spaces after a sentence. As a dinosaur, > that's what I used to do, but trained myself out of it after > reading a high-profile tirade scolding me (at least it felt like > I was being individually targeted, so I promptly wilted). I mean > of course the famous > > https://slate.com/technology/2011/01/two-spaces-after-a-period-why-you-should-never-ever-do-it.html
The article addresses itself to the use of two spaces after a sentence *in typeset copy*, i.e. copy that uses proportional fonts, which is indeed frowned upon. How one enters monospaced text at the screen or on a typewriter--yes, people still use typewriters and the ribbon is still sold--is not covered at all, except to point out an error that results from conflating the two (putting two spaces in typeset copy). In typewriter-style copy, e.g. email, "two spaces between sentences" has been considered standard for a really long time. In my experience, it does make monospaced text easier to digest. I reflexively reformat received emails to introduce the extra space if it's not there. YMMV. That said, there is no reason not to introduce a tiny amount of extra space between sentences in typeset copy. It depends on the font. Those with tall caps in relation to the x-height usually don't need it, but those with caps that blend into the overall grey are often improved. It's a judgment call that requires a practised eye. -- Peter Schaffter https://www.schaffter.ca