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Understanding Pattern Matching

Summary: Pattern matching is a type of searching you can do in Word that is very powerful. Despite its power, it remains rather esoteric to many Word users. This tip provides an overview of what pattern matching is and how you can turn it on when searching. (This tip works with Microsoft Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, and Word 2003.)

The Search and Replace feature built into Word includes two completely different search engines. In the normal search engine, you search for simple items, such as text or special characters. Tips related to this type of searching have been presented in other issues of WordTips.

The second search engine is the more powerful, however. It uses a search method known as pattern matching. When you use pattern matching you can search for very complex and very subtle character sequences in your document. Unfortunately, learning the pattern matching capabilities of Word can sometimes be frustrating.

How you switch between the two different search engines depends on the version of Word you are using. In most versions of Word you should pull up either the Find or Replace tabs of the Find and Replace dialog box and click on the More button. In the expanded area of the dialog box, make sure the Use Wildcards checkbox is selected.

Tip #1183 applies to Microsoft Word versions: 97 | 2000 | 2002 | 2003

Find and Replace Almost Anything! An invaluable resource for learning how to harness the full power of Word's search and replace capabilities. You'll discover everything you need in order to master all the intricacies of finding and replacing elements of your document, including the super-powerful "wildcard searches" available in Word.
 
Check out WordTips: Find and Replace today!