Adding two spaces after a period in Word may seem like a small detail, but for some, it’s a crucial part of their writing style. Whether you’re adhering to APA style guidelines or just prefer the aesthetic, Word makes it easy to adjust your spacing. In just a few clicks, you can set your document to automatically add two spaces after a period, ensuring consistency throughout your work. Ready to learn how? Let’s dive in!
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Add Two Spaces After a Period in Word
Before we get started, it’s important to understand that adding two spaces after a period can help make your document easier to read. This practice was common when using typewriters but has since become less popular. However, some style guides still recommend it, and it’s a personal preference for many writers. Here’s how you can adjust the spacing in Word.
Step 1: Open the ‘Find and Replace’ feature
Go to the ‘Home’ tab, click on ‘Replace’ in the ‘Editing’ group, or press ‘Ctrl + H’.
The ‘Find and Replace’ feature is a powerful tool in Word that allows you to make changes throughout your document quickly. By opening this feature, you’re preparing to tell Word exactly what to look for and how to change it.
Step 2: Enter a period in the ‘Find what’ box
Simply type a period (.) into the ‘Find what’ box.
By typing a period into this box, you’re setting up Word to search for every instance of a period in your document. This is the first part of instructing Word on what you want to change.
Step 3: Enter a period followed by two spaces in the ‘Replace with’ box
In the ‘Replace with’ box, type a period followed by two spaces.
This step tells Word that you want to replace every single period it finds with a period followed by two spaces. This is how you achieve the desired spacing after each sentence.
Step 4: Click ‘Replace All’
After you’ve entered the proper characters in the ‘Find what’ and ‘Replace with’ boxes, click the ‘Replace All’ button.
When you click ‘Replace All’, Word will go through your entire document and make the change wherever it finds a period. This ensures consistency throughout your document without having to adjust each sentence manually.
After completing these steps, you’ll notice that two spaces have been added after every period in your document. This might make your text look a bit more spread out and can help with the readability of your document, especially if you’re following specific formatting guidelines.
Tips for Adding Two Spaces After a Period in Word
- Remember that adding two spaces after a period is a stylistic choice and not a hard-and-fast rule. Always consider the guidelines you’re working within before making this adjustment.
- If you’re collaborating with others, communicate your spacing preferences to maintain consistency across shared documents.
- Regularly save your document before using the ‘Replace All’ function to prevent any unwanted changes.
- Consider creating a template with your preferred spacing settings to save time on future documents.
- Keep in mind that some modern style guides, like APA 7th edition, now recommend using only one space after a period.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why would someone want to add two spaces after a period?
Some people find that having two spaces after a period can make text easier to read. It’s also a requirement for some style guides and a personal preference for others.
Is it necessary to add two spaces after a period?
No, it’s not necessary. It’s a stylistic choice. Modern style guides are moving away from this practice, but some people prefer it or are required to use it for certain publications.
Will adding two spaces after a period affect my document’s formatting?
Adding two spaces after a period can affect the look of your document by creating more space between sentences, which some find visually pleasing and others do not.
Can I remove the extra spaces if I change my mind?
Yes, you can use the same ‘Find and Replace’ feature to remove the extra spaces. Just reverse the characters in the ‘Find what’ and ‘Replace with’ boxes.
Does using two spaces after a period apply to all punctuation marks?
No, the practice typically applies only to periods. Other punctuation marks like question marks and exclamation points typically follow the same spacing as the rest of the text.
Summary
- Open the ‘Find and Replace’ feature.
- Enter a period in the ‘Find what’ box.
- Enter a period followed by two spaces in the ‘Replace with’ box.
- Click ‘Replace All’.
Conclusion
Adding two spaces after a period in Word is a breeze once you know where to look. Whether you are adhering to an old-school typewriter standard, following specific style guidelines, or just prefer the extra breathing room between sentences, Microsoft Word’s ‘Find and Replace’ feature will have your document looking just the way you want it in no time. Remember, while this feature is a handy tool for those who prefer two spaces after a period, it’s always good to consider the context in which you’re writing. Style guides update their rules from time to time, and the writing world is ever-evolving. So whether you’re a two-space aficionado or a one-space modernist, the most important thing is to stay consistent and make your content as clear and readable as possible. Happy writing!
Matthew Burleigh has been a freelance writer since the early 2000s. You can find his writing all over the Web, where his content has collectively been read millions of times.
Matthew received his Master’s degree in Computer Science, then spent over a decade as an IT consultant for small businesses before focusing on writing and website creation.
The topics he covers for MasterYourTech.com include iPhones, Microsoft Office, and Google Apps.
You can read his full bio here.