Visual Examples: Right vs. Wrong Word Spacing for K Writers

📚 Quick Study Guide

• 📏 Single Space After Periods: In modern writing, use only one space after a period. Two spaces are a relic of typewriters!
• ⌨️ Spacing Around Em Dashes: An em dash (—) can be used with or without spaces around it, but be consistent. For clarity, consider using spaces (e.g., 'This is it — the final answer.').
• 📝 Spacing with Parentheses/Brackets: No spaces should be placed between the parenthesis/bracket and the enclosed text (e.g., 'This is an example(with parentheses).' not 'This is an example ( with parentheses ).').
• 🧮 Spacing in Math/Science: In mathematical equations, spaces can improve readability (e.g., '$a + b = c$' is clearer than '$a+b=c$').
• ✍️ General Rule: Aim for consistent and visually pleasing spacing throughout your document. If unsure, consult a style guide (like MLA or Chicago).

Practice Quiz

1. Which of the following sentences demonstrates correct word spacing after a period?
   1. A. The cat sat. The dog barked.
   2. B. The cat sat. The dog barked.
   3. C. The cat sat . The dog barked.
   4. D. The cat sat . The dog barked.
2. Which of the following shows the most common (and currently preferred) spacing after a sentence?
   1. A. Two spaces.
   2. B. Three spaces.
   3. C. One space.
   4. D. No space.
3. Which sentence is correctly spaced with an em dash?
   1. A. This is it—the final answer.
   2. B. This is it —the final answer.
   3. C. This is it— the final answer.
   4. D. This is it — the final answer.
4. Which sentence demonstrates correct spacing with parentheses?
   1. A. He went to the store ( to buy milk ).
   2. B. He went to the store (to buy milk).
   3. C. He went to the store(to buy milk ).
   4. D. He went to the store ( to buy milk).
5. In mathematical notation, which spacing is generally preferred for readability?
   1. A. $x+y=z$
   2. B. $x +y = z$
   3. C. $x+ y =z$
   4. D. $x + y = z$
6. Which of the following options is best for spacing around quotation marks?
   1. A. "This is a quote."
   2. B. "This is a quote".
   3. C. " This is a quote. "
   4. D. "This is a quote ."
7. Which sentence follows best practices for overall word spacing and readability?
   1. A. Thequickbrownfoxjumpsoverthelazydog.
   2. B. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
   3. C. The quick brown fox jumps over the lazy dog.
   4. D. Thequick brownfoxjumpsover thelazydog.