Adding Parentheses

Summary: Need to add parentheses around some word or phrase? Here's a quick macro that makes this simple edit in one step. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, Word 2003, and Word 2007.)

Normally, you add parentheses around your parenthetical remarks as you type your text. There may be times, however, when you want to add the parentheses at a later time. For instance, while editing your document you may select some text and then want parentheses added around the selected text. The following macro, AddParens, can be used to add the desired parentheses:

Sub AddParens()
    Selection.InsertBefore "("
    Selection.InsertAfter ")"
End Sub

The macro uses the InsertBefore and InsertAfter methods to add the appropriate parenthesis before and after the selected text. To use the macro, assign it to a shortcut key or to a toolbar button. You then select the target text and invoke the macro. The desired parentheses are added to the text.

Tip #479 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003 | 2007

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Adding Parentheses