Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: Selecting a Sentence.
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, and 2013. 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!
Want a quick way to repeat a word or phrase you just typed? Here's the shortcut you need.
Discover MoreBy default, dashes don't "stick" to the text that follows them. Here's one way around this normal formatting convention.
Discover MoreSelecting text is a critical skill to possess when you want to work with a Word document. This tip explains how you can ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2015-05-02 10:31:27
Linda
Thank you! I did not know how to select a paragraph or sentence before reading your tip.
Linda
2015-05-01 18:29:17
Phil Reinemann
Of course, on OSx (Mac with Office 2011) you use the command key instead of control.
And Allen, I was able to add comments (at work). Thanks for the IP "fix".
2015-04-07 06:01:38
Stephen
NICE! Will definately use. Thank you.
2015-04-05 23:36:38
Mayank
Very helpful. Thanks
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.
FREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
Copyright © 2019 Sharon Parq Associates, Inc.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 2007, 2010, and 2013. If you are using an earlier version (Word 2003 or earlier), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for earlier versions of Word, click here: 
Comments