Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated November 6, 2021)
This tip applies to Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021
Chances are good that you already know how to select words and paragraphs using the mouse. (To select a word, you double-click on it. To select a paragraph, you triple-click.) You may not have known, however, that you can use the mouse to select a sentence.
To select a sentence using the mouse, simply hold down the Ctrl key as you click anywhere within the sentence. The entire sentence, along with any trailing spaces, is selected. Note that Word does get a little confused if the sentence contains a period for an abbreviation (such as in Mr. or Mrs. or Dr.). If you have such a sentence, simply continue to hold down the Ctrl key as you move the mouse past the abbreviation. The rest of the sentence is then selected.
WordTips is your source for cost-effective Microsoft Word training. (Microsoft Word is the most popular word processing software in the world.) This tip (9323) applies to Microsoft Word 2007, 2010, 2013, 2016, 2019, and 2021. You can find a version of this tip for the older menu interface of Word here: Selecting a Sentence.
Do More in Less Time! Are you ready to harness the full power of Word 2013 to create professional documents? In this comprehensive guide you'll learn the skills and techniques for efficiently building the documents you need for your professional and your personal life. Check out Word 2013 In Depth today!
Many word processing programs include commands that allow you to select a line of text. Word doesn't, but you can use the ...
Discover MoreDisplaying non-printing characters can help you better understand the formatting and contents of your documents. What do ...
Discover MoreWhen you need to perform certain editing tasks over and over again, you start to look for ways to make your work faster ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
There are currently no comments for this tip. (Be the first to leave your comment—just use the simple form above!)
Got a version of Word that uses the ribbon interface (Word 2007 or later)? This site is for you! If you use an earlier version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the menu interface.
Visit the WordTips channel on YouTube
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2025 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Comments