Crossing out words in a Microsoft Word document is simple. Select the word or phrase you want to cross out. Then, on the Home tab in the Font group, click on the Strikethrough button (it looks like an uppercase ‘T’ with a line through it). Voilà! Your selected text will now be crossed out.
After completing this action, the text you selected will have a line through it, indicating that it has been crossed out. This visual cue can be helpful for indicating text that is no longer relevant or should be ignored in a document.
Introduction
Have you ever needed to mark something as incorrect or not needed in a Microsoft Word document? There are many reasons why you might want to cross out words: maybe you’re editing a draft, collaborating with others, or just want to visually indicate that something should be disregarded. Whatever the reason, knowing how to strike through text can be incredibly useful.
Strikethrough is a formatting option that puts a horizontal line through selected text. It’s a clear, non-destructive way to show that something has been deleted or is no longer valid without actually removing it from the document. This can be important when you need to show edits or maintain a record of original content.
So, who needs to know how to cross out words in a document? Anyone who works with text can benefit from this skill—from students to business professionals, writers to editors. Let’s dive into how to do this effectively in Microsoft Word.
Step by Step Tutorial on How to Cross Out Words in a Microsoft Word Document
Before we begin, make sure your Microsoft Word document is open and you’re ready to edit.
Step 1: Select the text you want to cross out
Click and drag your cursor over the words you want to strike through.
Selecting the text is the first step because you need to tell Word which text you want to apply the Strikethrough format to. Make sure you only select the text that you want to be crossed out.
Step 2: Click the Strikethrough button
Find the Strikethrough button in the Font group on the Home tab and click it.
The Strikethrough button looks like a capital “T” with a line through it. When you click this button, the selected text will immediately be crossed out. If you can’t find the Strikethrough button, you can also use the keyboard shortcut Ctrl + D (Cmd + D on Mac) to open the Font dialog box, where you can select Strikethrough.
Pros
| Benefit | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Non-destructive | Crossing out words is a non-destructive edit, meaning the original text remains in the document, which can be useful for keeping records of changes. |
| Visual Clarity | Strikethrough clearly indicates to anyone reading the document which parts are no longer relevant or should be ignored. |
| Easy to Use | The process of crossing out words in Microsoft Word is simple and can be performed quickly, making it a convenient tool for editing and revising documents. |
Cons
| Drawback | Explanation |
|---|---|
| Can Be Overused | If overused, Strikethrough can make a document messy and hard to read. It’s best used sparingly for clarity. |
| Not Always Appropriate | In some formal documents, using Strikethrough may not be appropriate, and deletion or comments may be a better choice. |
| Possible Confusion | Some readers may not understand that crossed-out text is meant to be disregarded, especially if it’s not a common practice in certain settings. |
Additional Information
When you’re working in Microsoft Word, using the Strikethrough feature can make the editing process much easier. However, there are a few additional tips and tricks that can help you make the most out of this function. For instance, if you find yourself frequently using the Strikethrough format, you can add a Strikethrough button to the Quick Access Toolbar for even faster access.
Another handy feature is the Double Strikethrough option, which can be found in the Font dialog box (Ctrl + D). This can be used to differentiate between different types of edits or to provide additional emphasis that something is very wrong.
Remember, Strikethrough is just one of many tools in Microsoft Word designed to help you edit and refine your documents. Experiment with other features like Track Changes and Comments to see how they can complement your use of Strikethrough.
Summary
- Select the text you want to cross out.
- Click the Strikethrough button in the Font group on the Home tab.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I remove Strikethrough from text?
Yes, simply select the text with Strikethrough and click the Strikethrough button again to remove it.
Can I use a keyboard shortcut for Strikethrough?
While there’s no direct shortcut, you can use Ctrl + D to open the Font dialog box and select Strikethrough there.
Is Strikethrough permanent?
No, Strikethrough is a formatting style and can be removed at any time.
Does Strikethrough work on all versions of Word?
Strikethrough is available in most versions of Microsoft Word, though the exact method may vary slightly depending on the version.
Can I cross out multiple sections of text at once?
Yes, hold down the Ctrl key while selecting different sections of text, then apply Strikethrough to all selected areas at once.
Conclusion
Crossing out words in a Microsoft Word document is a breeze once you know how. Whether you’re editing your own work or collaborating with others, Strikethrough is an invaluable tool that provides clarity without sacrificing the integrity of the original text.
Just remember to use it wisely—too much Strikethrough can turn your document into a chaotic mess. So, the next time you need to indicate a mistake or change in your Word document, don’t hesitate to strike through and move on. Now that you’re an expert on this topic, why not try it out and see how it can improve your editing process?