Syntax or quirk?

James S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Syntax or quirk?

Bonjour à tous - Why is there always a space between the last word of the sentence and the punctuation mark? Is that a French syntax thing or a quirk of this website? Thank you !

Asked 2 years ago
CélineNative French expert teacher in KwiziqCorrect answer

Bonjour James,

Thank you for your interesting question! French punctuation is very specific and codified. 

In French, there is a space ("un espace insécable" = that cannot be taken away) after the last word and the interrogation and exclamation marks (compared to English). See link here for more: French punctuation

I hope this is helpful.

Bonne journée !

Maarten K.C1 Kwiziq Q&A super contributor

Google is your friend, sometimes ! 

https://www.thoughtco.com/how-to-use-french-punctuation-4086509

James S.C1Kwiziq Q&A regular contributor

Thanks Céline! Maarten what is this goigle you speak of?

James S. asked:

Syntax or quirk?

Bonjour à tous - Why is there always a space between the last word of the sentence and the punctuation mark? Is that a French syntax thing or a quirk of this website? Thank you !

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