Uncover The Secret Behind "Big Space After Apostrophe"

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Post on Mar 15, 2025

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Uncover the Secret Behind "Big Space After Apostrophe"

The seemingly innocuous extra space after an apostrophe—that elusive "big space"—is a stylistic choice that sparks heated debate among writers and editors. While many style guides advocate for a single space after an apostrophe, the "big space" (or, more accurately, a larger than usual space) persists, often appearing in older texts or specific design contexts. This article delves into the history, reasons, and implications of this unusual formatting quirk.

Why Do Some People Use a Big Space After Apostrophe?

The prevalence of the "big space" after an apostrophe is largely tied to older typesetting practices. Before the widespread adoption of proportional fonts and word processing software, typesetters used monospaced fonts. In monospaced fonts, every character occupies the same horizontal space, regardless of its width. This meant that an apostrophe, being a very narrow character, might look visually cramped immediately next to another letter. Adding extra space provided better visual balance and improved readability. This practice carried over into some design styles and individual preferences, even after the shift to proportional fonts where such spacing is unnecessary.

Is a Big Space After an Apostrophe Grammatically Correct?

No, a large space after an apostrophe is not grammatically correct according to modern style guides such as the Chicago Manual of Style or the AP Stylebook. These guides consistently recommend a single space after an apostrophe, regardless of the context. While the extra space might have been functionally justified in the past, modern typography renders it superfluous and even visually distracting.

What Are the Current Style Guide Recommendations?

Most widely accepted style guides strongly advocate for a single space after an apostrophe. This maintains consistency and enhances readability in contemporary documents. The extra space breaks the natural flow of text and can create a jarring visual effect, especially in digital contexts.

Does the Type of Apostrophe Matter (Straight vs. Curly)?

The type of apostrophe used (straight or curly) doesn't influence the spacing recommendation. Modern style guides prescribe a single space after both straight and curly apostrophes. The choice of apostrophe itself is largely a matter of typeface and personal preference, but the spacing rule remains consistent.

How Can I Avoid Using a Big Space After an Apostrophe?

The simplest way to avoid this stylistic anomaly is to rely on your word processor's default settings. Most modern word processing software automatically inserts a single space after an apostrophe. If you encounter a "big space," manually correct it to a single space. Using a consistent and updated style guide can also help prevent this type of error.

Is the Big Space After an Apostrophe Ever Acceptable?

While generally discouraged, there might be extremely niche cases where a larger-than-normal space after an apostrophe could be justified. This might involve very specific design requirements, older stylistic conventions being consciously emulated in a period piece, or even instances of highly customized typography where the spacing is integral to the overall visual aesthetic. However, these instances are rare and should be considered exceptions rather than the rule.

Conclusion: Embrace Consistency and Modern Style

The "big space" after an apostrophe, while a relic of a bygone era of typesetting, is not in line with current stylistic best practices. By adhering to widely accepted style guide recommendations and using modern word processing tools, you can ensure your writing remains consistent, readable, and professional. Embrace a single space after your apostrophes—it's simpler, cleaner, and universally accepted.