Double Spacing in Chicago Style: A Deep Dive
The Great Spacing Debate
So, you’re staring at a blank document, ready to unleash your inner academic, and a question plagues you: Do I double space in Chicago style? Let's settle this once and for all.
The Short Answer: Yes, Please!
Unless you’re trying to win a prize for the most compact paper ever written, double spacing is the golden rule in Chicago style. It's like wearing jeans and a t-shirt - comfortable, classic, and always appropriate.
Why Double Space?
You might be wondering, why bother with all that extra white space? Well, dear reader, double spacing is like giving your paper some breathing room. It’s easier on the eyes, and it makes those long nights of research and writing a little less painful. Plus, it gives your professor a chance to scribble in those precious comments without feeling cramped.
Exceptions to the Rule
Now, before you start typing furiously, there are a few exceptions to the double spacing rule.
- Block Quotes: These fancy-pants quotations get a little special treatment. They're single-spaced and indented. Think of them as the VIPs of the paper world.
- Footnotes and Endnotes: These little guys are also single-spaced, but don't worry, you still double space between each note.
- Bibliography: Similar to footnotes, each entry is single-spaced, but there's a double space between entries.
Tips for Chicago Style Success
- Use a clear and readable font: Times New Roman is a popular choice, but feel free to experiment.
- Set your margins to 1 inch on all sides: This gives your paper a clean and professional look.
- Indent your paragraphs: This helps to visually separate your ideas.
And remember, while Chicago style might seem a bit fussy at times, it's all about creating a clear and consistent document. So, double space away and enjoy the process!
How-To Questions
- How to format a block quote in Chicago style? Single space, indent ½ inch, and don't use quotation marks.
- How to create a hanging indent in Chicago style? Use the hanging indent function in your word processor to indent all lines except the first.
- How to properly cite a source in Chicago style? Use either footnotes or endnotes to cite your sources.
- How to format a bibliography in Chicago style? Double space between entries, single space within each entry, and use a hanging indent.
- How to avoid common Chicago style mistakes? Consult the Chicago Manual of Style for authoritative guidance.