Not able to use space bar to utilize predictive text.

iphone 13 Pro iOS 18.2

it seems that since I downloaded the lasted iOS I’m unable to use the space bar to accept the predictive text with the space bar as stated in all of the boards. I try to use space bar and the prediction disappears. The only way I can use the predictive text is by sliding over the in line suggestion. This is awkward and takes my hands away from the keyboard unlike I’ve ever had to do in the past.

I've scoured the internet. Everything hayas to use space bar. I must be special bc that doesn’t work for me anymore. I have English and Spanish keyboards loaded, but I e has it that way for years and it was still predicting words in both languages just fine a month ago.

any help would be appreciated!