Protected spaces ensure that what belongs together stays together. It’s just annoying when at the end of a line z. and the following starts with B. “For example” abbreviated may not be torn apart!
Cases in which the use of protected spaces makes sense
Abbreviations consisting of two or more letters, such as u. a., z. T.
Abbreviations followed by a number, for example p. 23, fig. 12
a number followed by a unit of measurement, for example 75 km / h, 14 cm, 65 kg
Names with titles, for example Dr. Meier
Abbreviations in the context of local and other proper names such as Archabbey of St. Ottilien, Church of the Blessed Virgin Mary
If manuscripts are set professionally, it is the job of the graphic artist or the graphic designer to pay attention to a reader-friendly line break. However, books (print and e-books) by self-publishers as well as uni-works are made ready for distribution by their authors themselves. If the layout on the PC does not match 1: 1 with the final layout, it makes sense to insert self-protected spaces.
To insert protected spaces in your text
There are several ways to insert protected spaces. In Windows, this can be done with the key combination “Ctrl” + “Shift” + “Spacebar”.
In your Wordfile then a superscript Kringelchen appears at this point. It does not have to worry you – it disappears when you hide the tabs, and of course it is not visible in the printout either.
A protected space is ultimately a sign that takes on a specific function: it prevents something that should stay together from becoming disconnected, interfering with the flow of readings, and not looking nice.
And of course you do not need to insert the protected spaces continuously during the writing process. You can also do it in a relaxed way, preferably with the function “Find / Replace”. If you want, you can even insert protected spaces in webtexts.
How I do it
I myself insert protected spaces only in printed texts, even if they are set professionally. No one in my texts has such a good overview of all cases in which a protected space should be set, as I as a writer.
How we handle the editing with protected spaces
When we do a word-editing in Word, we consistently insert protected spaces. If you do not want that, please let us know.You can also email us a list of special combinations of characters or words, in which we should insert protected spaces.