On Sunday, 5 June 2022 02:58:14 BST G. Branden Robinson wrote: > A big problem with "zero-width space" is that it falsifies the statement > that adding a newline or multiple (regular) space characters after a > candidate end-of-sentence character results in inter-sentence spacing > being added. (Unless there's a break for some other reason, of course.) > > A novice could quite easily reason that something we go to the trouble > of _calling a space_ behaves like one--but it doesn't. Zero-width? > Sure. But _this_ space _cancels_ end-of-sentence detection.
I thought that the end of sentence detection relied on seeing regular spaces after the period, as you stated above. Only actual typed spaces will trigger the behaviour. If you follow the period with any of the other types of space, end of sentence is not triggered. So \& is behaving just the same as its other unbreakable space cousins. It is not special, it cancels end of sentence detection simply because it is not a regular space. Our friend the \Z'' also cancels the behaviour as well. If your novice reasons that anything we call a space can be used instead of multiple regular spaces to trigger end of sentence detection, they will be disappointed because they all prevent detection just the same as \&. You may want to mention its use in preventing groff recognising ligatures. Typing reff\&ind will prevent the fi ligature being used. Cheers Deri