Please Note: This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here: Selecting a Sentence.
Written by Allen Wyatt (last updated October 3, 2019)
This tip applies to Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003
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 (1062) applies to Microsoft Word 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. You can find a version of this tip for the ribbon interface of Word (Word 2007 and later) here: Selecting a Sentence.
Learning Made Easy! Quickly teach yourself how to format, publish, and share your content using Word 2021 or Microsoft 365. With Step by Step, you set the pace, building and practicing the skills you need, just when you need them! Check out Microsoft Word Step by Step today!
Selecting text is a critical skill to possess when you want to work with a Word document. This tip explains how you can ...
Discover MoreWhen editing a document, Word normally replaces whatever text you select with whatever you start to type. Here's how to ...
Discover MoreWant to select a chunk of text in a document? Perhaps the easiest way to do this involves using the mouse in conjunction ...
Discover MoreFREE SERVICE: Get tips like this every week in WordTips, a free productivity newsletter. Enter your address and click "Subscribe."
2015-10-23 06:55:44
GeordieLad
I don't know why nayasia johnson "doesn't get it". As an example, copy this tip as a Word document and try what Allen advises; the sentence is ALWAYS highlighted.
Or have I misunderstood nayasia's point?
2015-10-21 13:32:15
nyasia johnson
i don't get it
Got a version of Word that uses the menu interface (Word 97, Word 2000, Word 2002, or Word 2003)? This site is for you! If you use a later version of Word, visit our WordTips site focusing on the ribbon 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.
Please Note:
This article is written for users of the following Microsoft Word versions: 97, 2000, 2002, and 2003. If you are using a later version (Word 2007 or later), this tip may not work for you. For a version of this tip written specifically for later versions of Word, click here:
Comments